Tadanobu Asano, a renowned Japanese film actor, began his acting career at the tender age of sixteen, thanks to his father's suggestion that he take on a role in the popular TV show Kimpachi Sensei.
Asano's film debut came in 1990 with Swimming Upstream, but it was his critically acclaimed performance in Shunji Iwai's Fried Dragon Fish in 1993 that truly launched his career.
His breakthrough in the Western market came in 1995 with Hirokazu Koreeda's Maborosi, a poignant drama in which he played a man who makes a heart-wrenching decision that changes the course of his life forever.
Asano's most well-known international works are the visually stunning samurai films Taboo (1999) and The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi (2003),which showcased his impressive range as an actor.
It was on the set of Picnic (1996) that Asano met and fell in love with J-Pop idol Chara, and they soon married after discovering they were expecting their first child, Sumire.
Despite his portrayal of complex and often unsettling characters on screen, those who know him describe Asano as a down-to-earth family man who is deeply devoted to his loved ones.
In addition to his acting career, Asano has also ventured into directing, having helmed several commercial TV spots for Chara.
Although he is often hesitant to identify himself as an actor, Asano is most passionate about his work as a vocalist, having formed the band Mach 1.67 with director Gakuryû Ishii.
Asano is also an accomplished artist and has worked as a model for several prominent Japanese designers, including Takeo Kikuchi and Jun Takahashi.
Tadanobu Asano's remarkable versatility and dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as one of Japan's most respected and beloved actors.
