Kenichi Matsuyama

Born:March 5, 1985

Place of Birth:Aomori Prefecture, Japan

Known For:Acting

Biography

Kenichi Matsuyama, born on March 5, 1985, is a versatile Japanese actor who has captivated audiences with his unique portrayal of eccentric characters. Renowned for his ability to immerse himself into roles that challenge societal norms, Matsuyama has carved a niche for himself in the world of cinema. One of his most iconic international roles was as the enigmatic detective L in the Death Note film series, where he brought a sense of depth and mystery to the character.

Matsuyama's talent goes beyond just acting, as he also lent his voice to the character Gelus in the animated adaptation of Death Note, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His dedication to his craft is evident in his portrayal of Toru Watanabe in the film adaptation of Haruki Murakami's beloved novel "Norwegian Wood," a role that required emotional depth and sensitivity, which Matsuyama delivered with finesse.

With a career spanning over a decade, Matsuyama has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the Japanese film industry. His ability to bring complex characters to life with authenticity and nuance has garnered him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Beyond his on-screen work, Matsuyama's commitment to his roles and his willingness to push boundaries have set him apart as a truly exceptional talent.

In addition to his acting prowess, Matsuyama's on-screen presence exudes a magnetic charm that draws viewers in and keeps them captivated throughout his performances. Whether he is playing a quirky detective or a lovelorn protagonist, Matsuyama's ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level is a testament to his skill as an actor. His performances are not just entertaining; they are transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact on those who watch him on screen.

Matsuyama's dedication to his craft extends beyond the roles he portrays, as he continuously seeks out projects that challenge him as an actor and push him to explore new facets of his talent. His willingness to take on unconventional characters and narratives speaks to his fearless approach to his work and his commitment to delivering memorable performances that resonate with audiences.

As a leading figure in Japanese cinema, Matsuyama's influence reaches far beyond the screen, inspiring aspiring actors and filmmakers to push boundaries and strive for excellence in their own work. His ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and styles of storytelling showcases his versatility and adaptability as a performer, solidifying his reputation as a true cinematic chameleon.

With a filmography that boasts a diverse range of roles and projects, Matsuyama continues to surprise and delight audiences with his transformative performances and his unwavering dedication to his craft. Whether he is delving into the depths of a complex character or bringing a beloved literary figure to life, Matsuyama's passion for storytelling shines through in every role he takes on, cementing his status as one of Japan's most talented and versatile actors.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Death Note

L

2006

Light Yagami finds the "Death Note," a notebook with the power to kill, and decides to create a Utopia by killing the world's criminals, and soon the world's greatest detective, "L," is hired to find the mysterious murderer. An all out battle between the two greatest minds on earth begins and the winner will control the world.

Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler

Makoto Sahara

2009

Kaiji Ito moves to Japan after graduating from high school. Unable to find a job and frustrated with society at large, Kaiji spends his days gambling, vandalizing cars, and drinking booze. Two years later and his life is no better. A debt collector named Endo arrives to collect money owed. The debt collector offers two choices to Kaiji: spend 10 years paying off his loan or board a gambling boat for one night to repay his debt & possibly make a boat load of money. Could the debt collector Endo actually be setting up Kaiji? One way or another, for Kaiji it's going to be the night of his life.

Death Note: Light Up the NEW World

L

2016

10 years has passed since the confrontation between Kira and L. Again, Shinigami sends death notes to the ground and due to this, the world soon falls into chaos. Tsukuru is a member of the Death Note special task force team with 6 other investigators including Matsuda who experienced the Kira case of 10 years ago. Mass murders caused by the death note takes place on Wall Street in the U.S., Shibuya in Japan and other places. World famous private investigator Ryuzaki, who is the rightful successor of L, also investigates the mass murders. They discover that 6 death notes exists in the world. A computer virus called Kira spreads in the world. A message in the Kira virus says to turn in 6 death notes. A person who has 6 death notes overwhelm the world. The confrontation begins between the person who wants Kira’s revival and the people who want to stop it.

Promare

Galo Thymos (voice)

2019

Galo and the Burning Rescue Fire Department face off against BURNISH, a group of mutants who are able to control and wield flames, and the fire disaster they have unleashed on Earth.

Gantz

Masaru Kato

2010

After trying to rescue a man on the subway tracks, two teens wake up in a room dominated by a mysterious black sphere that sends them to hunt down and kill aliens hiding on Earth.

The Taste of Tea

Young Man in Red T-Shirt

2004

A spell of time in the life of a family in rural Tochigi prefecture. Yoshiko is not an ordinary housewife, instead working on an animated film project. Uncle Ayano, a successful music producer, is looking to get his head together after living in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Sachiko is concerned with why she seems to be followed by a giant version of herself. As the lazy days pass by, each member of the family is followed in a series of episodic vignettes.

Gantz: Perfect Answer

Masaru Kato

2011

Summoned by the black sphere, Kei and Masaru fight against extraterrestrials until Masaru grows tired of fighting and refuses to continue.

Death Note: L Change the WorLd

L

2008

"The human whose name is written in the Death Note shall die." After making the hardest decision ever, another serious case confronts L. There are only 23 days left and without his best partner Watari, L has to solve the case all by himself for the very first time.