People often misunderstand celebrities in the entertainment industry as people who don't value education and rely on their looks alone. Many Japanese artists, entertainers, and athletes have earned true academic master's degrees from well-known schools. Here we have the top ten Japanese celebrities who are super scholars:
1. Naohito Fujiki
Naohito Fujiki, born in 1972, is a Japanese actor and singer. Fujiki is the first celebrity in the entertainment industry to get early graduation. He graduated from the Department of Information science and technology of Zaoda University. He decided to drop out of school and pursue his definition of "happiness" in the entertainment industry. He starred in many films and dramas like Operation Love (2007), Doctor-X (2012), Hotaru no Hikari (2007), Good Doctor (2018), and The Door into Summer (2020).
2. Yuichi Nakamaru
Yuichi Nakamaru, born in 1983, is a Japanese actor, singer-songwriter, radio host, and Japanese boy band KAT-TUN. He officially debuted as a member of KAT-TUN in 2006. In 2013, he graduated from Waseda University as a student of Human Environmental Science. In 2009, he debuted in his first-ever drama series, "Rescue ~Tokubetsu Kōdo Kyūjotai." In 2021, Nakamaru Yuichi got revealed as a member of Johnny's Youtube channel, led by Kazunari Ninomiya.
3. Yuzuru Hanyu
Yuzuru Hanyu, born in 1994, is a Japanese competitive figure skater. He is a two-time Olym[ic and World Champion (2014, 2017, 2018), a four-time Grand Prix Champion (2013-2016), a 2010 World Junior Champion, a Four Continents champion (2020), and a six-time Japanese National Champion, and many more. Yuzuru Hanyu is also an alumi of Zaoda University. He graduated from the Department of Human Sciences. The life of an athlete is not as easy as that of a celebrity. For both professional and student life, you need self-discipline.
4. Hirosue Ryoko
Ryoko Hirosue, born in 1980, is a Japanese singer and actress. She is best known for her roles in films like Departures and Wasabi. At 18, Ryoko Hirosue applied to the Department of Chinese Literature at Waseda University but did not graduate. The cute image she displayed attracted thousands of onlookers, and due to her busy schedule, she barely attended the classes. Ryoko starred in films like Poppoya (1999), Hana and Alice (2004), Bubble Fiction (2007), Key of Life (2012), and Family Bond (2020).
5. Sakai Masato
Masato Sakai, born in 1973, is a Japanese actor. He won the best actor award for his roles in The Chef of South Polar and The Wonderful World of Captain Kuhio. He is married to Miho Kanno, a Japanese actress, and J-pop singer. Masato Sakai graduated from the Literature Department of Waseda University. Masato dropped out of school in his junior year to pursue acting. Masato starred in many films and dramas like Being Here (2001), Honey and Clover (2006), Key of Life (2012), Sakura Guardian in the North (2018), Sanada Maru (2016), and Hanzawa Naoki 2 (2020), and many others.
6. Sakurai Sho
Sho Sakurai, born in 1982, is a Japanese actor, singer, rapper, songwriter, news anchor, and host. He is a part of the Japanese boy boyband Arashi. Sakurai began his career in 1995 and debuted as a singer in 1999. In 2008, he became a newscaster for the Olympic Games on NTV. Sakurai is an alumnus of Keio University, graduating with a Bachelor of Economics in 2004. While working with the "Arashi," Sakurai worked hard to keep a balance between work and school. His latest songs include "Party Starters," "This is Arashi," and more.
7. Furukawa Yuki
Yuki Furukawa, born in 1987, is a Japanese actor, dancer, supermodel, and guitarist. He gained popularity with the television series Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo (2013). Furukawa's family moved to Canada when seven years old. He returned to Japan to study Engineering at Keio University. Furukawa starred in the drama "Prank Kiss" in 2013, which became very popular.
8. Yo Hitoto
Yo Hitoto (Qingyao), born in 1976, is a Taiwan-born Japanese singer and songwriter. She starred in movies like Hana's Miso Soup and For Love's Sake. Qingyao graduated from the Environmental Information Department of Keio University. She is one of the few artists who enjoy regular college life. She debuted at the age of 26.
9. Kikuchi Fuma
Kikuchi Fuma, born in 1995, is a Japanese singer, performer, and actor. He is a member of the boyband 'Sexy Zone.' Kikuchi also graduated from Keio University in the Faculty of Comprehensive Policy. He considered Sakurai Sho as his idol. He also acted in the dramas like Scrap Teacher and GTO.
10. Miwa
Miwa, born in 1990, is a Japanese singer and songwriter. She debuted in the industry with her single "Don't Cry Anymore" (2010). She began her music career in high school and chose the Department of Commerce at Keio University.