When it comes to Japanese models and actors, who comes to your mind? In recent years, with Korean stars like BTS making waves in America and Europe, the recognition and attention towards Asian individuals in the entertainment and music industries have been steadily increasing. Along with this trend, Japanese models and actors are also gaining more attention than ever before. In this article, we will introduce not only Japanese models and actors who are making a mark on the global stage but also those who are extremely popular within Japan. We aim to share with you which models and actors are currently in the spotlight in Japan and who you should keep an eye on in the future.
Ryō Yoshizawa is undoubtedly one of the most successful Japanese models and actors in recent years. Born on February 1, 1994, in Tokyo, he won the grand prize at a boys’ audition at the age of 15, which garnered attention for his charming looks and fashion sense, establishing him as a prominent model. Additionally, his humorous comments and frequent television appearances have showcased his ability to handle a wide range of roles, from comedy to serious dramas. One of his most notable roles is that of Sogo Okita in the anime adaptation of the “Gintama” series, which received significant acclaim. Ryō Yoshizawa is undeniably a current trendsetter and a representative figure among Japanese models and actors.
Born on September 7, 1994, in Tokyo, he has been in the spotlight as a model and actor from a young age. Kento Yamazaki is one of the actors who starred in the most TV dramas and movies in 2023. His ability to portray a wide range of expressions, from cute to manly, has captivated many female fans. Among his notable works, the recently released “Kingdom” stands out. While he usually charms audiences with youth and emotional dramas, this time he took the lead in a full-fledged action movie. The manga was already highly popular, but thanks to this Japanese model and actor, the box office revenue exceeded 3.5 billion yen in just 10 days.
Born on November 16, 1996, in Los Angeles, USA, Mackenyu Arata is widely known as the son of the world-famous actor Shinichi Chiba and is now a globally renowned model and actor himself. One significant difference that sets him apart from other models and actors is his fluency in both English and Japanese. His exceptional language skills have garnered attention, and earlier this year, he played a key role in Netflix’s first live-action series of “One Piece.” His striking looks and style, which are atypical for a Japanese actor, have made him highly notable not only in Japan but also internationally.
Born on January 29, 1997, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Sho Hirano is a central member of the male group “Number_i” and a multi-talented performer who excels in singing, modeling, and acting. He was a key member of King & Prince, a group under Japan’s major talent agency Johnny & Associates, and is one of the most popular models and actors in Japan. With a highly appealing look that is especially popular among women, combined with his unique sense of humor, he is highly regarded not only in drama series but also in variety shows.
Born on March 23, 2001, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, Fumiya Takahashi has recently been dominating the drama scene. He is a young Japanese actor and also thrives as a model. In 2019, he made his debut as the protagonist in the nationally popular anime adaptation “Kamen Rider Zero-One,” gaining instant recognition for his versatile acting skills and captivating looks. Compared to other models and actors, his acting abilities have been highly praised by many critics, and he is currently active in various dramas and movies.
Born on September 16, 1996, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Ryusei Yokohama is currently one of the trending Japanese models and actors. In addition to his entertainment career, he is a skilled martial artist with a black belt in karate, showcasing his diverse talents. Utilizing his action skills, he made a significant breakthrough as a main cast member in a popular anime adaptation, and he is now highly sought after in TV dramas and movies. His impressive acting abilities and handsome looks have captivated many female fans.
Born on April 9, 1985, in Chiba Prefecture, Tomohisa Yamashita is a prominent Japanese model and actor. His notable works include “Nobuta wo Produce” and the “Code Blue” series, which have garnered him substantial support from the female audience in Japan. While he frequently starred in youth dramas and other Japanese productions during his time with a major Japanese talent agency, he expanded his career internationally after leaving the agency. He made his debut in an overseas drama with the series “THE HEAD,” where his exceptional acting skills and striking looks have also captivated fans abroad.
Takeru Satoh, born on March 21, 1989, in Saitama Prefecture, is a Japanese model and actor. He made his debut in a leading role in 2006, quickly gaining significant support from children and younger audiences. He later showcased his remarkable action skills and acting prowess in the “Rurouni Kenshin” series, earning fans across various age groups. His presence in movies, dramas, TV commercials, and stage performances makes him a constant figure in the media.
Osamu Mukai, born on February 7, 1982, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a Japanese model and actor. He made his debut in the 2006 drama series “Nodame Cantabile,” quickly becoming a notable figure in the industry. With his tall stature and handsome looks, he has garnered wide popularity among both younger and older audiences. Recently, he has shown his potential in international works as well, taking on the role of Harry in the stage play “Harry Potter,” showcasing his versatility beyond Japanese productions.
Ren Meguro, born on February 16, 1997, in Tokyo, is a young Japanese model and actor. He is also a central member of the idol group Snow Man, under the major talent agency Johnny & Associates. While engaging in singing activities, he also showcases his diverse talents as an actor, earning love from a wide range of fans. Currently, he is actively focusing on appearing in dramas and movies while continuing group activities, and his acting skills and captivating looks are garnering increasing attention.
In this article, we have introduced various models and actors who are currently attracting attention from diverse fan bases in modern Japan. For those who have not yet experienced Japanese movies or drama series, we hope their charm has been conveyed. Many companies are interested in leveraging these highly popular talents for their marketing strategies. However, the biggest obstacles are often the cost and connections to their agencies. At hotice Inc., we aim to assist you with these challenges. If you need budget consultation or wish to hire specific influencers, models, or actors, please feel free to contact us.
