How do you pick your favorite Japanese actor? It is an impossible challenge to pick your favorites from amongst some of the most beautiful and talented men. These Japanese gentlemen have appeared in some of the most iconic movies and anime adaptations of all time. From romantic comedies to dramas that keep us on the edge of our seats they have done it all. Check out our comprehensive list to find your favorite.
1. Kento Yamazaki
YamaKen as he is fondly called by his fans, Kento Yamazaki is one of the most popular actors of his generation. Kento Yamazaki got his well deserved global attention with Alice in Borderland. He is also popularly known for his role as L in the live-action Death Note.
Kento Yamazaki is also considered the Prince of Shounen by his fans. Wildly popular in Japan, Yamazaki has appeared in live-action Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Kingdom, Kiss that Kills, The Good Doctor, a Japanese medical drama and many more.
2. Mackenyu Arata
Who doesn't know the hugely popular and charming young actor Mackenyu Arata? Simply known as Mackenyu, he was born in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Japanese entertainment legend Sonny Chiba. Mackenyu got his first acting role when he was just nine. He is fluent in both English and Japanese and takes projects in both Tokyo and LA.
Mackenyu made his debut in Hollywood with Pacific Rising Uprising (2018), he played the role of a cadet, Ryoichi. If you are a Mackenyu fan then you can watch him in live-action of Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, Chihayafuru and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.
3. Takeru Satoh
If you are familiar with the hit manga and anime Rurouni Kenshin, then you must know Takeru Satoh. He played the role of Kenshin Himura. Satoh is unarguably one of the most recognizable and iconic actors in Japan. Over the years, Takeru Satoh has starred in some top Japanese films and TV series including Kamen Rider. The leading role of Ryotaro Nogami in Kamen Rider transformed Satoh into one of the country’s leading actors.
Takeru Satoh has appeared in some of the most loved shows like First Love If Cats Disappeared from the World and An Incurable Case of Love.
4. Keita Machida
Nobody gives us second lead syndrome-like Keita Machida. Keita Machida finally got his big break with Daikichi Karube, a character in Alice in Wonderland. Keita Machida's magic can not only be seen in TV or film but also in theatre. Machida is a seasoned actor who understands his assignment.
Keita Machida can be seen in popular dramas like L-DK: Two Loves Under One Roof, Meet Me After School, Prince of Legend and films like Double Sky!, Road to high and low and many more.
5. Kentaro Sakaguchi
Not only a model, but Kentaro Sakaguchi is also Japan's most versatile and successful actor. Sakaguchi can play anything ranging from a hopeless romantic to the comedic boy to a heavy dramatic role. This is why Kentaro Sakaguchi is a dependable actor.
He has appeared in The House Where the Mermaid Lives, Narrating, No Longer Heroine, Signal and many, many more.
6. Sota Fukushi
The heartthrob of many young females, Sota Fukushi is popularly known for his roles in shoujo manga. Appearing in shoujo manga adaptations has made Fukushi an unrivalled romantic hero. Sota Fukushi to fame with the role of Gentaro Kisaragi in Kamen Rider Fourze.
Fukushi's good looks have not only landed him in movies and dramas but also on the cover of hundreds of Japanese magazines. You can watch Sota Fukushi in the live-action of Bleach, Say I Love You, Laplace’s Witch and many more.
7. Taishi Nakagawa
Taishi Nakagawa might be young, but he is dangerously talented. He doesn't only act but also models and hosts. Nakagawa is popularly known for his leading role in live-action Closest Love To Heaven as Yuiji Kira. He also did not fail in giving us major second lead syndrome as Hase Tenma in Hana Nochi Hare.
Taishi Nakagawa has appeared in the live-action of Kakegurui (live-action) adapted from the manga and anime series Kakegurui. He also starred in Natsuzora, My Little Lover, Koinaka and Marigold in 4 minutes.
8. Kenshi Okada
Kenshi Okada, a young actor that made his debut with the controversial series Chugakusei Nikki (Meet Me After School) in 2018, is probably the youngest in the series. Born in 1999, Okada is rapidly gaining popularity amongst the youngsters for his handsome face.
Since his debut Kenshi has been rapidly rising to fame, taking one project after another. Not only that, but he has also started modelling for top fashion brands like Christian Dior. If you want to see more of Okada then watch him in Date My Daughter, Caution: Hazardous Wife and Itoshi no Nina.
9. Shun Oguri
Shun Oguri is probably the most famous actor in the Japanese film industry. Born in December 1982 in Tokyo, he recently started his acting career in 2020. He made his major debut with the movie Godzilla vs. Kong. Shun Oguri is also one of the highest-paid actors in Japan.
Amongst hundreds of credits under his name, you watch Crows Zero, Gintama, and Nobunaga Concerto for some of Oguri's best work.
10. Tomohisa Yamashita
When we hear Tomohisa Yamashita we think of one of the greatest Japanese actors of all time. Tomohisa Yamashita gained popularity for his role in the drama Nobuta Wo Produce. Known as Yamapi by his fans, Yamashita is not only an actor but also a singer.
Some of Tomohisa Yamashita's movies that you can watch for his amazing acting are Close Range Love, Kurosagi and Code Blue: I am your Destiny.
Let us know if your favorite actors made the list.
