Kazuya Nakayama is a renowned Japanese actor, born on January 20, 1956, in Taiki-Cho, Hiroh-Gun, Hokkaido, to a family of bakers.
Growing up in Kushiro City, Kazuya's father was a skilled craftsman who was selected to welcome the former Emperor and Empress with a bread-baking demonstration.
However, when Kazuya was in 6th grade, his family faced financial difficulties after his father's friend's business failed, and they had to flee at night.
The family lived in poverty, and Kazuya struggled with feelings of insignificance, often arguing with his parents about money.
One day, while crying by a muddy river, Kazuya saw a couple having sex and thought to himself, "What the hell is that?...Can I do that when I become an adult? I should live a bit longer." This moment sparked a transformation in Kazuya, and he began to focus on his acting career.
At 20, Kazuya moved to Tokyo and joined the Bungakuza theatre company, and at 26, he founded his own company, the Nakayama Pro.
His breakthrough role was as a rapist in the film "Renzoku Satsujinki; Reiketsu," based on the true story of a serial killer.
Kazuya's eccentric personality and strong presence made him a hit with Japanese audiences, particularly in his gangster roles.
He also wrote books, including "Shiro," in which he shared his experiences and philosophies.
Kazuya's most notable role came in 2004 with the film "IZO," directed by Takashi Miike, where he played the protagonist Izo Okada, a character who travels through dimensions and time to fight against unjust society.
The film received international recognition, including a nomination for the Venice Film Festival, and cemented Kazuya's status as a leading actor.
Some consider Kazuya a "humanitarian terrorist" due to his intense performances, reminiscent of Robert De Niro in "Taxi Driver" and Hawkins Phoenix in "Joker."
Throughout his career, Kazuya has remained committed to his motto: "I will eventually win an Academy Award. I will win with my willpower. Until then, I won't ever stop being myself."
