When viewed through the perspective of a foreigner, it is no secret that the Japanese entertainment industry nowadays places a high value on youth among its artists. That isn't to say that there isn't a place for veterans in the industry, nor does it mean that being young and attractive is all it takes to make it to the top. There is still a demand for talent, and nowhere is this more evident than in these ten hot Japanese film sensations and their works that you should not miss:
1. Kento Yamazaki
With Alice in Borderland, Kento Yamazaki, arguably the most popular Japanese actor of his generation, finally got his long-awaited and well-deserved global breakout project. YamaKen, as he is affectionately known by his legions of fans, is a constant feature in box office smashes and has a slew of endorsements.
2. Mackenyu
Mackenyu Arata, also known as Mackenyu, is another well-known young actor. Mackenyu Chiba, the son of Sonny Chiba, a legend in Japanese entertainment, was born in Los Angeles, California, and had his first acting role at the age of nine. He divides his time between Tokyo and Los Angeles, taking on projects in both cities. He is fluent in both English and Japanese. He made his Hollywood debut in the film Pacific Rising Uprising (2018), as Cadet Ryoichi.
3. Takeru Satoh
Takeru Satoh is a well-known actor in Japan, best known for his portrayal of Kenshin Himura in the live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series Rurouni Kenshin. He has appeared in a number of films and television programmes throughout the years, notably Kamen Rider, which cemented his reputation as one of the country's most bankable protagonists.
4. Keita Machida
Keita Machida, who is most known for his supporting roles, finally earned his big break in Alice in Borderland, opposite Kento Yamazaki. Keita is a versatile performer. He was supposed to be in a boy band, but an injury forced him to focus solely on acting. This turned out to be a wise option, as he now finds himself playing in theatre as well as on TV and cinema.
5. Kentaro Sakaguchi
Kentaro Sakaguchi is a successful model as well as one of Japan's most versatile young actors. His performance ranges from romantic comedy to serious drama, making him a versatile performer who can play either the lead or supporting role. He's also renowned as the South Korean actor Seo Kang Joon's lookalike.
6. Sota Fukushi
Sota Fukushi, like Kento Yamazaki, is most known for his parts in shoujo manga (manga aimed primarily at a young female audience) adaptations, which cemented his reputation as a formidable romantic lead. His dazzling looks put him on the covers of dozens of Japanese magazines, as well as a slew of endorsements!
7. Taishi Nakagawa
Taishi Nakagawa, although being one of the youngest on this list, has already established himself as a triple threat: he acts, hosts, and models. As Hase Tenma in Hana Noche Hare, the second season of Hana Yori Dango, he came to fame and gave us a bad case of second lead syndrome.
8. Jun Matsumoto
Jun Matsumoto, or MatsuJun as his millions of fans affectionately refer to him, would be absent from any ranking of the best or most gorgeous Japanese actors. He is most known for his role as Domyouji Tsukasa in Hana Yori Dango (the Dao Ming Si to your Meteor Garden). MatsuJun is a multi-award-winning actor and singer who is one-fifth of ARASHI, widely regarded as Japan's most famous boy band. MatsuJun won a best actor award in the 13th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix for his role as the eternally happy half-Filipino and half-Japanese Vito in the TV series Smile in 2009.
9. Kenshi Okada
Kenshi Okada, the youngest actor on our list, made his acting debut in 2018 in the controversial series Chugakusei Nikki (Meet Me After School), in which he played a lovestruck high school student who falls hard for his instructor. Kenshi has shown no signs of slowing down since then, taking on project after project. He has also begun modelling for high-end brands such as Christian Dior.
10. Kimura Takuya
Any film starring KimuTaku, Japan's equivalent to SoKor's Lee Byung Hun or Bae Yong Joon, is bound to be a hit, as the actor is not only one of the country's most popular, but also one of the most well-liked. KimuTaku is a brilliant vocalist who was a member of SMAP, one of Japan's first and most popular boy bands, in addition to acting. He is so well-liked in Japan that a poll voted him the most popular actor for the 14th year in a row!
