In the Japanese entertainment industry, Japanese manga and anime are the most well-known worldwide. However, Japanese movies and television dramas have yet to gain significant recognition. With time, however, Japan has made an excellent impression in the realm of live-action films. Furthermore, Japanese films, particularly in the genres of science fiction, action thrillers, and romantic comedies, are gradually gaining people's attention all over the world.
1. Kento Yamazaki
Kento Yamazaki, a well-known Japanese actor of his generation, was born on September 7, 1994, in Tokyo, Japan. He started his acting career in the year 2009 under the Japanese talent agency Stardust Promotion. Kento Yamazaki was recruited when he was in his third year of college, and worked as a model. He debuted in the year 2010 in the drama ‘Atami No Sousakan’ in which he played the role of a mysterious high school student. He also starred as a supporting actor in ‘Clone Baby’ in 2010 and ‘Suikyu Yankees’. Also, he is most recognized for his roles in the television series ‘Death Note’ (2015) and the medical drama ‘Good Doctor’ (2018) as L. He has starred in films like ‘LDK’ (2014), ‘Heroine’, ‘Shikkaku’ (2015), and ‘Orange’ (2015).
2. Takeru Satoh
Takeru Satoh, one of the most recognized Japanese actors, was born on March 21, 1989. He debuted in the drama named ‘Princes Princes’ in the year 2006, in which he appeared as Taru Kouno. He was squatted by an agent from Amuse when he was in High School. Furthermore, he is well known for his lead role in the ‘Kamen Rider Den-O’ franchise, where he appeared as Ryotaro Nogami, and in the ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ films in live-action as Himura Kenshin.
3. Jin Akanishi
Jin Akanishi is a well-known musician, songwriter, actor, voice actor, and former radio host in Japan. He is a former member of the Japan pop band KAT-TUN, a group that debuted in 2006. Jin Akanishi made his debut as an actor in the year 1999 in the episode of NTV’s Romance comedy as a cameo. He played his first lead role in ‘Yukan club’, a school comedy series in 2007 and was voted as the best actor at the eleventh Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix. Jin Akanishi made his Hollywood debut with the film ‘47 Ronin’ in the year 2013. He worked in many Japanese movies and dramas.
4. Kenichi Matsuyama
Kenichi Matsuyama, another most popular actor in Japan, was born on March 5, 1985. He debuted in his acting career through the episode of Gokusen in the year 2002. He is well known for his role L in ‘Death Note’, ‘Death Note 2: The Last Name’ (2006 ), and L in ‘Change The World’ (2008). Furthermore, he won the title of the best actor in 2010 at Nikkan Sports Films Award for his performance in ‘Norwegian Wood’ (2010). He is also known as the Japanese Johnny Depp.
5. Mackenyu Arata
Mackenyu Arata, an American-Japanese actor, was born on November 16, 1996, in Los Angeles. He is among the hugely popular young actors. Mackenyu’s first role in acting was at the age of nine. Later in 2013, he decided to turn his full attention to an acting career. With supporting roles in three television series, ‘The Kindergarten Detective’ (2015), ‘Yume o Ataeru’ (2015), and ‘The Hatsumori Bemars’ (2015), his career took off swiftly. He also made his Hollywood debut in ‘Pacific Rising Uprising’ (2018), where he played the role of Cadet Ryoichi.
6. Shun Oguri
Shun Oguri, a well-known Japanese actor and voice actor, was born on December 26, 1982, in Tokyo, Japan. He debuted at the age of 13 in NHK’s drama ‘Hachidai Shogun Yoshimune’ in 1995. He mostly appeared in history-based dramas. Shun Oguri appeared as Alfons Heiderich in ‘Full Metal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa’ in 2015 as a voice actor. Moreover, he has also worked in various other series.
7. Sota Fukushi
Well-known Japanese actor, Sota Fukushi was born on May 30, 1993, in Tokyo, Japan. He is among the topmost handsome and talented young actors in Japan. He has starred in 31 movies and 17 TV shows till now. Sota Fukushi won the title of Newcomer of the year in the 38 Japan Academy Awards. He rose to prominence as Gentaro Kisaragi in the ‘Kamen Rider’ franchise. His acting credits include the TV shows ‘Koinaka’ (2016), and ‘My Lovers Secret’ (2017), as well as films like ‘Strobe Edge’ (2015), ‘My Tomorrow Your Yesterday’ (2016), and ‘Bleach’ (2018).
8. Takuya Kimura
Japanese actor, singer, and radio personality Takuya Kimura was born on November 13, 1972. He was a member of the best-selling boy band in Asia named SMAP. He debuted in the television series ‘Abunai Shoren lll’, with his band members. In ‘Long Vacation’ (1996) he got his first lead role, a massive success and a highly rated program. Takuya Kimura also worked in the TV series ‘Beautiful Life’, ‘Hero’, ‘Good Luck’, ‘Pride’, and ‘Engine’ which were highly rated shows.
9. Koji Seto
Well-known Japanese actor and singer Koji Seto was born on May 18, 1988, nicknamed Setomaru. He is well known for his lead role as Wataru Kurenai in ‘Kamen Rider Kiva’, and supporting roles as Satone Okura in ‘Atashinchi no Danshi’, Ariake Yamato in ‘Otomen’, and Eiji Ki Kumaru in ‘Tenimyu’. He also played a role as Mori Ranmaru in the drama ‘Go: Hime-Tachi no Sengoku’. Koji Seto was the only actor to appear in the Japanese horror movie series ‘Ju-on’ and ‘The Ring’.
10. Tomohisa Yamashita
Most popular Japanese Television host, actor, and singer Tomohisa Yamashita was born on April 9, 1985. He is widely known as Yamapi or Tomo. He began working as a trainee for the Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates in 1996 when he was 11 years old and made his television debut in NHK's ‘Shonentachi’ (1998) series. Tomohisa Yamashita started getting recognition as an actor after being portrayed as Kusano Akira in ‘Nobuta Wo Produce’ in 2005. Kurosagi, Proposal Daisakusen, Buzzer Beat, Code Blue Series, From Five To Nine 5Ji Kara 9Ji made: Watashi Nikoi Shita Obousan and others are among his popular dramas.
