The Most Followed Japanese Actors on Instagram: Their Journey to Fame and Notable Works
 |
| The Most Followed Japanese Actors on Instagram: Their Journey to Fame and Notable Works |
In recent years, social media has become a vital platform for celebrities to connect with their fans, and Instagram stands at the forefront of this movement. Japanese actors, who once held a distinct aura of mystery due to the country’s traditionally private entertainment industry, now find themselves at the center of global fan attention. Instagram has provided a bridge between them and millions of admirers worldwide. This article will explore the rise of the most-followed Japanese actors on Instagram, tracing their journey to fame and examining their most notable works. These actors are not only heartthrobs but also versatile talents, using their platform to showcase their craft and engage with their ever-growing fanbase.
Kento Yamazaki
Instagram Handle: @kentooyamazaki
With millions of followers, Kento Yamazaki is one of Japan's most beloved actors on Instagram. Born in Tokyo in 1994, Yamazaki began his acting career in 2010. His rise to stardom came with his role in the live-action adaptation of the manga L DK (2014), where he played the charming love interest. However, it was his performance in the Netflix hit Alice in Borderland (2020) that solidified his global popularity.
Kento’s allure lies not just in his good looks but in his ability to portray a wide range of characters. From the emotionally complex lead in Orange (2015) to the calm and mysterious protagonist in Kingdom (2019), Yamazaki’s versatility has earned him a place in the hearts of fans across Japan and beyond. His Instagram, which boasts a mix of personal and professional content, has turned into a hub for fans to get a glimpse of his life beyond the screen.
Ryo Yoshizawa
Instagram Handle: @ryo_yoshizawa_official
Ryo Yoshizawa’s distinct ability to express raw emotions on screen has endeared him to fans worldwide. He first gained recognition for his role in Gintama (2017), where he portrayed Shinpachi Shimura. But his career-defining moment came when he starred in Kamen Rider Fourze (2011), where he demonstrated his capacity to play heroic characters with a touch of vulnerability.
Yoshizawa’s following skyrocketed with his role in the live-action adaptation of Kingdom (2019), where he starred alongside Kento Yamazaki. The film’s success domestically and internationally gave Yoshizawa's career a significant boost, making him a rising star to watch. His Instagram captures his love for photography, nature, and often features behind-the-scenes glimpses of his upcoming projects.
Some of his other notable roles include Your Eyes Tell (2020) alongside Korean singer and actor Park Bo-gum, where he delivered a heart-wrenching performance in this emotional love story.
Mackenyu Arata
Instagram Handle: @mackenyu
Mackenyu Arata’s rise to fame is rooted in his lineage, being the son of legendary martial artist and actor Sonny Chiba. Born in Los Angeles, Mackenyu started his career in the U.S. but soon transitioned to the Japanese entertainment industry, where he made an indelible mark. His breakthrough role came in Chihayafuru (2016), where he portrayed Arata Wataya, a competitive karuta player.
Mackenyu’s performances are often noted for their intensity, as seen in his roles in Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) and Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021). His portrayal of antagonist Enishi Yukishiro in the latter film earned him critical acclaim. Fans appreciate Mackenyu’s blend of Japanese and Western influences, which is reflected in his acting style and the range of characters he plays.
On Instagram, Mackenyu’s followers are treated to snapshots of his daily life, travel diaries, and updates about his latest projects. His unique background and global appeal make him one of the most followed Japanese actors on the platform.
Ryusei Yokohama
Instagram Handle: @ryuseiyokohama_official
Ryusei Yokohama is a rising star in the Japanese entertainment industry, gaining popularity with his role in Your Turn to Kill (2019), a suspense drama that had fans on the edge of their seats. Yokohama initially started his career as a model but quickly transitioned to acting, where he has found immense success.
His rise to fame can be attributed to his good looks, which earned him modeling gigs and smaller acting roles in TV dramas. However, his breakout role came in Rainbow Days (2018), where he played one of the lead characters in this coming-of-age film about friendship and romance.
Yokohama’s Instagram is a blend of professional shots, including magazine covers and film posters, as well as more relaxed, personal images that show a glimpse of his off-screen personality. His journey from modeling to mainstream acting has garnered him a large and loyal fanbase.
Yuki Furukawa
Instagram Handle: @yuki_furukawa_hp
Yuki Furukawa shot to international fame with his role as Naoki Irie in Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo (2013), a live-action adaptation of the popular manga. The show gained a massive following in Japan and internationally, making Furukawa one of the most recognizable Japanese actors in the rom-com genre.
His role in Itazura na Kiss established him as a heartthrob, but Furukawa has since proven that his acting skills go beyond romantic dramas. He has starred in more serious roles, including the crime drama Perfect Crime (2019) and the historical drama The Eternal Zero (2013), where he delivered nuanced performances.
On Instagram, Furukawa engages with his fans through personal anecdotes, travel photos, and updates about his current projects. His appeal lies in his boy-next-door charm and his dedication to his craft, which has earned him a significant following, especially among international fans.
Tags
Asia