Tadanobu Asano

Tadanobu Satō or better known by his stage name Tadanobu Asano is an illustrious Japanese actor, director, and musician. Born on November 27, 1973, Asano has had an expansive career in both Japanese and international cinema, garnering five nominations for the Japan Academy Film Prize, claiming the Most Popular Performer award. He gained fame for roles in Hirokazu Kore-eda's Maboroshi no Hikari and Distance, Hyozo Tashiro in Gohatto, Kakihara in Ichi the Killer, Hattori Genosuke in Zatoichi, Kenji in Last Life in the Universe, Temujin in Mongol, and appearances in Hollywood films like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, 47 Ronin, Silence, Midway, and Mortal Kombat. In 2024, his portrayal of Lord Kashigi Yabushige in the American television series Shōgun clinched additional recognition.

Born in Honmoku area of Yokohama to artist Yukihisa Satō and mother Junko, Asano carries one-quarter American ancestry from his maternal side. His entry into acting happened at age 16, suggested by his father, an actors' agent. His first major critical success was in Shunji Iwai's Fried Dragon Fish (1993) and international success came with Hirokazu Kore-eda's Maboroshi no Hikari (1995). In addition to acting, he is known for his work in directing commercial TV spots and music. He has also worked with Japanese fashion designers and has modelled for them. Asano and his father, in 2022 left the actors' agency Anore Inc. but continued to support it.