Top 10 Japanese Actors: Icons of Cinema and TV in Japan

Actors are the heart of storytelling, bringing characters to life on screen with their emotions and skills. Japan’s entertainment industry has produced some of the finest talents, known for their versatility in films, dramas, and stage performances.

From action-packed roles to deeply emotional portrayals, Japanese actors captivate audiences worldwide.

Meet the top 10 Japanese actors who’ve redefined cinema and television with unforgettable performances and contributions to the industry.

List of Best Japanese Actors

10: Masahiro Higashide

Date of Birth: February 1, 1988, Saitama, Japan

Best Works:

• Ryohei Maruko in Asako I & II
• Atsuhiro Hiyama in Over Drive
• Tsukuru Mishima in Death Note: Light Up the New World
• Hiroki Kikuchi in The Kirishima Thing

Accolades:

• Mainichi Film Award
• Japan Academy Film Prize
• Elan d’Or Award
• Nikkan Sports Film Award

Masahiro Higashide began his career as a model in high school in the 19th Men’s Non-no Exclusive Model Audition. He worked as a model with brands like ZUCCa and Yohji Yamamoto before making his acting debut in The Kirishima Thing (2012).

He quickly became known for his ability to portray serious and introspective characters, excelling in drama and psychological thrillers. Higashide’s performances often showcase a restrained yet powerful emotional depth, making his roles memorable.

His work in Asako I & II (2018) further solidified his reputation, demonstrating his range in complex narratives. Despite personal controversies, he remains one of the renowned Japanese actors to push boundaries in the film industry.

9: Shun Oguri

Date of Birth: December 26, 1982, Tokyo, Japan

Best Works:

• Rui Hanazawa in Boys Over Flowers
• Haruhiko Uchiyama in Gokusen
• Noboru Yoshikawa in Great Teacher Onizuka
• Genji Takiya in Crows Zero
• Guard Hatoya in Galaxy Kaidô

Accolades:

• Drama Academy Award
• Elan d’Or Award
• MTV Student Voice Award
• Hochi Film Award
• Tokyo Drama Award

Shun Oguri started acting at age 13 with the 1995 TV drama Hachidai Shogun Yoshimune. His breakthrough came with Great Teacher Onizuka, where his portrayal of a bullied student gained attention. He displayed a remarkable range, later taking on more diverse roles, from playing a deaf character in Summer Snow (2000) to a delinquent in Gokusen (2002).

He gained massive popularity with Hana Yori Dango (2005). His ability to embody intense and comedic characters made him a sought-after comedian actor in the industry.

In addition to his acting, he ventured into directing with Surely Someday (2010) and became the president of Tristone Entertainment in 2023, highlighting his leadership in the industry.

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8: Mackenyu

Date of Birth: November 16, 1996, Los Angeles, U.S

Best Works:

• Arata Wataya in Chihayafuru Part 1
• Ryoichi Hatayama in Pacific Rim Uprising
• Naozumi Hiyama in Over Drive
• Enishi in Rurouni Kenshin: The Final

Accolades:

• Japan Academy Film Prize
• Best Supporting Actor in the Asians On Film Festival

Mackenyu’s acting career began at a young age, influenced by his father, Sonny Chiba, a renowned action star. Initially appearing in films while studying, he fully committed to acting in 2013. His breakthrough came with the Chihayafuru trilogy, establishing him as a rising star in Japanese cinema.

Mackenyu has excelled in action, fantasy, and manga-based adaptations, portraying intense and physically demanding roles. With a background in martial arts, Mackenyu brings realism to action sequences, making his performances dynamic.

His Hollywood entry in Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) marked his global presence, and his role as Zoro in One Piece (2021) further cemented his international recognition.

7: Kenichi Matsuyama

Date of Birth: March 5, 1985, Mutsu, Aomori, Japan

Best Works:

• L in Death Note 2: The Last Name
• Jun in Bright Future
• Kenta Kobayashi in Winning Pass
• Matsuken in The Taste of Tea
• Officer Niigaki in Southbound

Accolades:

• Hochi Film Award
• Elan d’Or Award
• Mainichi Film Award
• Nikkan Sports Film Award
• Blue Ribbon Award

Kenichi Matsuyama started his journey as a model in 2001 for PARCO before transitioning to acting with his television debut in Gokusen (2002). His early film roles showcased his natural ability to embody unique characters, leading to his breakthrough as L in Death Note (2006).

Matsuyama’s exceptional talent in bringing complex, eccentric roles to life has earned him widespread recognition. He is known for adapting to various genres, including psychological thrillers and emotionally driven dramas.

His role in Norwegian Wood (2010) demonstrated his depth as an actor, portraying intense emotions with subtlety. He has also worked in voice acting and theater, proving his versatility across different mediums and solidifying his reputation as one of the most famous Japanese actors.

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6: Dean Fujioka

Date of Birth: August 19, 1980, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

Best Works:

• Roy Mustang in Fullmetal Alchemist
• Shishio Homare in Sherlock: Untold Stories
• Tetsuya Ichihashi in I am Ichihashi: Journal of a Murderer

Accolades:

• Crunchyroll Anime Awards
• Elan d’Or Award
• Tokyo Drama Award
• Television Drama Academy Award
• Yahoo! Search Grand Prize

Dean Fujioka started his journey as a model in Hong Kong before transitioning into acting in 2006 with the television series Goku Dō High School. His multilingual skills helped him work across different film industries, from Hong Kong and Taiwan to Japan and North America.

With his expressive performances and ability to adapt to various roles, he gained attention in Here Comes the Morning (2015), which became his breakthrough in Japan. His portrayal of Roy Mustang in Fullmetal Alchemist (2017) showcased his versatility, proving his talent in action and fantasy.

Apart from acting, Dean Fujioka is also a talented musician, director, and producer, showcasing his diverse artistic abilities and making valuable contributions to Japanese cinema.

5: Taishi Nakagawa

Date of Birth: June 14, 1998, Tokyo, Japan

Best Works:

• Yuiji Kira in Closest Love to Heaven
• Hiroshi in Blue Demon ver.2.0
• Arata Kaizaki in ReLIFE
• Sentarō Kawabuchi in Kids on the Slope
• Ryōta Watari in Your Lie in April

Accolades:

• Japan Academy Film Prize
• Elan d’Or Award

Taishi Nakagawa began acting at a young age and quickly gained recognition due to his rapid growth spurt, which led him to play roles older than his age. His breakthrough came with Kaseifu no Mita (2011), in which he portrayed a grieving child, showcasing his natural ability to express deep emotions.

He became one of the well-known Japanese actors by excelling in romantic and coming-of-age dramas, showcasing his versatility. His acting is marked by emotional depth and strong screen presence, making him stand out in serious and lighthearted roles.

In addition to acting, he hosted TV shows like Oha Suta and performed in comedy skits, The Comedy of Life, further displaying his diverse talents.

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4: Yuki Furukawa

Date of Birth: December 18, 1987, Tokyo, Japan

Best Works:

• Naoki Irie in Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo
• Satoru Fujinuma in Erased
• Saeki’s Friend in The Eternal Zero
• Yui Asaoka in High School Debut
• Ryo/ Ryu in Colours of Wind

Yuki Furukawa initially pursued engineering at Keio University but later shifted to acting, showcasing his ability to merge intellect with artistry. His breakthrough came in 2013 with Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo, where his portrayal of Naoki Irie earned him immense recognition, especially in China.

His natural screen presence, composed expressions, and ability to portray complex emotions set him apart. His acting style is subtle yet impactful, making him ideal for roles requiring intelligence and emotional depth.

In 2024, he became a freelance actor, opening new opportunities in his career.

3: Sota Fukushi

Date of Birth: May 30, 1993, Tokyo, Japan

Best Works:

• Gentaro Kisaragi in Kamen Rider Fourze
• Aoi Miura in Koinaka
• Rei Okumori in My Lover’s Secret
• Shun Takahata in As the Gods Will
• Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach

Accolades:

• Elan d’Or Award
• Japan Academy Film Prize
• Japan Action Award

Sota Fukushi made his acting debut in the NTV drama Misaki Number One!! (2011). His breakthrough came when he was selected from 3,000 applicants to play Gentaro Kisaragi in Kamen Rider Fourze. This role highlighted his dynamic screen presence and ability to handle action-heavy sequences.

Fukushi quickly expanded his career into romance and thriller dramas, displaying a natural talent for emotional depth and character transformation. His dedication to versatility led him to learn Jeet Kune Do and Arnis, enhancing his action performances.

With a strong interest in international projects, he took on English-language roles such as The Head (2023) and debuted in the South Korean entertainment industry with Can This Love Be Translated? (2024). His ability to adapt across genres and languages solidifies his reputation as a skilled and evolving actor.

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2: Takeru Satoh

Date of Birth: March 21, 1989, Iwatsuki-ku, Saitama, Japan

Best Works:

• Ryotaro Nogami in Kamen Rider Den-O
• Kenshin Himura in Rurouni Kenshin
• Tokuzō Akiyama in The Emperor’s Cook
• Hisashi Nakahara in The 8-Year Engagement
• Saizo – youth in Goemon

Accolades:

• Television Drama Academy Award
• Elan d’Or Award
• Japan Action Award
• Japan Movie Critics Award
• Tokyo Drama Award

Takeru Satoh began his acting journey with the drama Princess Princess D (2006), where he played the role of Toru Kouno, marking the start of his successful career.

His breakthrough came with Kamen Rider Den-O, where his ability to portray multiple personalities showcased his acting range. He later gained wider recognition with Rurouni Kenshin (2012), where his mastery of action choreography and sword-fighting solidified his status in Japanese cinema.

Satoh’s acting is marked by intense physical performances, emotional depth, and versatility, allowing him to excel in action and drama. His success in films and television has made him a leading figure in Japanese entertainment.

1: Kento Yamazaki

Date of Birth: September 7, 1994, Tokyo, Japan

Best Works:

• Shuusei Kugayama in L.DK
• Naruse Kakeru in Orange
• Kōsei Arima in Your Lie in April
• Li Xin in Kingdom
• L Lawliet in Death Note

Accolades:

• Japan Academy Film Prize
• Television Drama Academy Award
• Elle Cinema Award

Kento Yamazaki entered the entertainment industry after being scouted by Stardust Promotion during junior high school. He started as a model for Pichi Lemon (2009 – 2011) before making his acting debut in Atami no Sousakan (2010).

His breakthrough came with the live-action adaptation of L.DK (2014), which gained him widespread recognition.

Known for accurately adapting manga characters, he stands out among Japanese actors for his powerful performances in emotional, psychological, and action-packed roles.

His portrayals of L Lawliet in Death Note (2015) and Arisu in Alice in Borderland (2020–present) showcased his versatility in thriller and survival drama genres. His expertise in handling intense and complex characters has made him a leading figure in Japanese cinema and television.

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