Who is Kenichi Matsuyama (Japanese Actor)
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All about talented Japanese actor Ken'ichi Matsuyama
You might know Kenichi Matsuyama (Matsuyama Ken'ichi) as the strange but brilliant detective L in the Death Note movies but did you know that the young Japanese actor has been in the entertainment business since 2001?
He started out as a model and has since starred in several movies and TV dramas but it was when he played L when his career took off. MatsuKen is also known for choosing quirky character roles - proof that he is an actor who wants to be taken seriously.
If you want to see Kenichi Matsuyama photos & videos and get info about the talented actor and his upcoming projects, please read on.
Kenichi Matsuyama as "Oto Kikuna" in Shindo (2007)
Kenichi Matsuyama: Profile
The hard facts about MatsuKen
Real Name: Matsuyama Ken'ichi
Nickname: MatsuKen (to fans)
Birthdate: March 5, 1985
Birthplace: Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Bloodtype: B
Star Sign: Pisces
Height: 6'0.83" (185cm)
Weight: 60 kg
Chest: 86 cm
Waist: 73 cm
Shoe size: 28 cm
Favorite sports: Pole vault, Wheelchair basketball
Talent Agency: Horipro
Information from Bestuff / Photo from Kenichi Online
Who is Kenichi Matsuyama?
A backgrounder on the handsome and talented Japanese actor.
Ken'ichi Matsuyama was born in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture in 1985.
In 2001, Ken'ichi started his career as a model. In 2002 Ken'ichi made his debut as an actor landing a small role in the NTV drama Gokusen as Kenichi Mori. In 2003, Ken'ichi expanded to movies and landed his first supporting role in Bright Future and subsequently his role as Shin in the 2005 movie Nana.
His major breakthrough came in 2006 with his charismatic performance as "L" in Death Note, Death Note: The Last Name and the spin-off L: Change the World. Since then Ken'ichi has performed in a variety of roles like the shy death metal rocker in Detroit Metal City and the youth that falls in love with an older woman in Don't Laugh at My Romance.
Ken'ichi recently worked with Korean-Japanese director Yoichi Sai in Kamui Gaiden and Vietnamese director Anh Hung Tran in the movie adaptation for Haruki Murakami's novel Norwegian Wood. He is also set to portray Masaru Kato in the live-action movie adaptation of the popular manga Gantz.
Information sourced from AsianMediaWiki / Photo: Kenichi Matsuyama Facebook
Watch Ken'ichi in the trailer for "Gantz" (2011)
Kenichi plays Masaru Kato in the live-action movie adaptation of the Gantz manga
Gantz is a Japanese manga and anime series written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku. It tells the story of Kei Kurono and his friend Masaru Kato who die in a train accident and become part of a semi-posthumous "game" in which they and several other recently deceased people are forced to hunt down and kill aliens armed with a handful of futuristic items of equipment and weaponry.
On November 24, 2009, it was announced that two live-action Gantz films are in production. The movies will star Kazunari Ninomiya and Kenichi Matsuyama and will be directed by Shinsuke Sato. The movies will be released in the spring and winter of 2011.
Gantz movie news and updates
Stay tuned to updates for the Gantz live-action movie adaptation
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- By Jeffrey Gantz In ?Battlefield America,? school kids learn to become a competitive dance team called the Bad Boys. If you're looking for a tough, streetwise film about urban kids who get together to enter a national hip-hop dance competition, ...
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- The company created opening movie footage in the Tekken 5 and Tekken 6 games as well as the Appleseed and Resident Evil: Degeneration films. Digital Frontier 's other projects have included the Summer Wars anime film as well as the Gantz and Death Note ...
- Girl Scouts plant garden for food bank
- As part of a service project to earn their community service badges, the girls will tend to a plot at Gantz Community Garden during the summer. At 12 feet by 20 feet, the space is about half the size of a normal plot. "They're young enough that ...
Watch Matsuyama in the trailer for "Norwegian Wood"
The movie adaptation of Haruki Murakami's popular novel
Norwegian Wood (Noruwei no mori) is a 2010 Japanese drama film directed by Tran Anh Hung based on Haruki Murakami's novel of the same title. Kenichi Matsuyama plays lead character Toru Watanabe in the movie. The film was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 67th Venice International Film Festival.
Norwegian Wood is a nostalgic story of loss and sexuality. Toru Watanabe looks back on his days as a freshman university student living in Tokyo. Through Toru's reminiscences we see him develop relationships with two very different women - the beautiful yet emotionally troubled Naoko and the outgoing, lively Midori.
Norwegian Wood film reviews and updates
Reviews of the awaited Murakami film starring Kenichi Matsuyama and Rinko Kikuchi
- New DVDs due for release May 22
- (R; violence, grisly images, language) Not reviewed. NORWEGIAN WOOD. Drama based on Haruki Murakami's 1987 novel - the all-time bestselling novel in Japan - about a young college student and his complicated relationship with his late best friend's ...
- NarniaWebber Reviews ThreeSixty's Narnia Stage Production
- Here are some highlights: The following is my review of the new stage show adaptation of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe which recently opened in Kensington Gardens in London, and which I was fortunate enough to attend last Friday.
- Blu-ray Review: Stake Land
- The bonus features close out with a two-minute theatrical trailer and upfront previews for Wake Wood, Machete Maidens Unleashed, and Norwegian Ninja. Stake Land is a small miracle of independent cinema, a film with a true vision and grand ambitions but ...
- New on DVD: This week's highlights include Chronicle and Miss Bala
- Norwegian Wood: Three stars out of five ? Visually gorgeous, but just a hint precious, this adaptation of Haruki Murakami's bestselling novel hits the big screen under the direction of Tran Anh Hung (The Scent of Green Papaya).
Matsuyama Kenichi's Filmography and Awards
A list of the prolific actor's movies, TV shows and Recognitions
Movies
Bokutachi Kyuukou - A Ressha de Ikou - (2011) - Kei Komachi
Usagi Drop (2011) - Daikichi
Gantz (2011)
My Back Pages (2011)
Norwegian Wood | Noruwei no mori (2010)
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac (2010)
Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji | Kaiji (2009)
Kamui (2009) - Kamui
Bare Essence of Life | Ultra Miracle Love Story (2009)
Detroit Metal City (2008) - Soichi Negishi
L: Change the World (2008) - L
Don't Laugh at My Romance (2008)
Tsubaki Sanjuro (2007) - Iori Isaka
South Bound (2007)
Dolphin blue: Fuji, mou ichido sora e (2007)
Shindo (2007) - Oto Kikuna
The Blue Wolf: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea |Aoki Okami: chi hate umi tsukiru made (2007) - Jochi
Ten Dreamy Nights | Yume juya (2006) - segment - 'The 10th Night'
Death Note: The Last Name (2006) - L
Death Note (2006) - L
Vanished Oyayubi sagashi (2006) - Tomohiko
1 Litre of Tears | Ichi ritoru no namida (2005) - Yuji Kawamoto
Yamato Otoko-tachi no Yamato (2005) - Katsumi Kamio (15 years old)
Custom Made 10.30 Kasutamu-meido 10.30 (2005) - Tamotu
Furyo shonen no yume (2005)
Nana (2005) - Shin
Linda Linda Linda (2005) - Makihara
The Taste of Tea Cha no aji (2004) - Young Man in Red T-Shirt
Kamachi (2004)
The Locker 2 Shibuya kaidan 2 (2004)
Winning Pass (2004)
Worst by Chance Guuzen nimo saiaku na shounen (2003)
Perfect Education 4: Secret Basement Kanzen-naru shiiku: Himitsu no chika-shitsu (2003)
Bright Future Akarui mirai (2003)
TV Dramas
Japanese Americans | 99-nen no Ai ~ Japanese Americans (TBS / 2010)
Zeni Geba (NTV / 2009)
Sexy Voice and Robo | Sekushî boisu ando robo (2007)
5 Minutes Ago (2006)
Angels with Broken Wings (Fuji TV / 2006) - ep. 2
The Street Lawyers - Machiben (NHK / 2006) - ep. 1
1 Litre of Tears (Fuji TV / 2005)
Kids War 5 (2003)
Tokyo Niwatsuki Ikkodate (NTV / 2002)
Gokusen (NTV / 2002)
TV Movies
Be-Bop High School (2004)
Kids War Special: Korede Final! Zakennayo (2003)
Awards
2006 Hochi Film Awards - Best New Actor (Death Note)
2007 Yokohama Film Festival - Best New Talent (Death Note)
2007 Japanese Academy Awards - Best New Actor (Death Note & Yamato)
2007 Elan D' or Awards for Rookie of the Year (won)
2008 2nd Asia Pacific Producer's Network Award - Best Actor (Death Note)
2008 1st Egaishan Taisho Movie Theatre Award (won)
2009 32nd Japanese Academy Awards- Most Popular Actor (Detroit Metal City)
2009 60th Television Drama Academy Awards - Best Actor (Zeni Geba)
2010 64th Mainichi Film Awards - Best Actor (Ultra Miracle Love story)
2010 Takasaki Film Festival - Best Actor (ultra Miracle Love story)
Information sourced from Wikipedia and AsianMediaWiki / Photo: Cinema Cafe
The latest news on Kenichi Matsuyama via Yahoo
See what the popular Japanese actor is up to these days.
Watch the scene where L is revealed in Death Note (2006)
Kenichi Matsuyama's breakthrough role.
Ken'ichi Matsuyama has appeared in many other TV series and movies since 2002 but it was his portrayal of super-detective L in the Death Note films that gave him worldwide fame and acclaim. Watch this clip of his first appearance as L in the first Death Note movie.
Buy the Death Note Live-Action Movie Blu-ray Set
Includes Death Note and Death Note: The Last Name
![Death Note Collection (Death Note / Death Note II: The Last Name) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FictYKMzL._SL160_.jpg)
Death Note Collection (Death Note / Death Note II: The Last Name) [Blu-ray]
Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 06/01/2012)
It's a battle of wits. Law student Light is upset with the justice system and when he finds the Death Note dropped by a death god, he vows to rid the world of evil. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies. As criminals all over the world begin to mysteriously die, a world-renowned detective known only as L is put on the case to stop this serial killer that the public calls "Kira". The battle between Light and L continues in Death Note II: The Last Name as Light joins theinvestigation team. L suspects Light of being Kira while Light attempts to learn L's real name. Time becomes even more crucial with the appearance of a second Kira. Whose name will be the last written in the Death Note?
Buy L: Change the World on DVD
A spin-off of the Death Note film series
Death Note 3: L, Change the World
Amazon Price: $14.35 (as of 06/01/2012)
L: CHANGE THE WORLD is the spin-off of the highly successful DEATH NOTE and DEATH NOTE: The Last Name. The two films based on the Japanese comic book (also adapted into an anime series) were box-office hits all over Asia, so obviously, Japanese filmmakers, taking a page from Hollywood's book intends to capitalize on its fame. However, the film seems more of an ode to the series and is aimed generally to diehard fans. Those unfamiliar with the two live action films may be alienated so I suggest you watch those first before viewing this film.
Matsuyama Kenichi as "Shin" in the 2005 movie Nana
Complete your MatsuKen film and TV series library
MatsuKen is in the following Jdramas and films
Browse through a wide selection of English-subtitled Japanese dramas on DVD
with Kenichi Matsuyama and special edition box sets at Yesasia
What are bloggers saying about Kenichi Matsuyama?
Let's find out, shall we?
- DVD+Digital: "Norwegian Wood"
- As his fellow students protest and march?Tokyo had its '60s radicals, too?brooding college student Toru Watanabe (Kenichi Matsuyama) falls into a romantic affair with the delicate, damaged Naoko (Rinko Kikuchi). The two come together in unspoken ...
- Norwegian Wood
- Haruki Murakami's best-selling novel is brought to the screen by Tran Anh Hung (Golden Lion winner for Cyclo and Academy Award nominee for The Scent of Green Papaya) and features Japanese rising star Kenichi Matsuyama (Death Note, Detroit Metal City) ...
- New on Home Video: "Chronicle", "The Grey", "Albert Nobbs" & More
- Watch the trailer Kenichi Matsuyama and Rinko Kikuchi star in Tran Anh Hung's adaptation of the novel that made Haruki Murakami famous, about a young Tokyo couple's sexual awakening amidst the tumult of the 1960s. Watch the trailer Katherine Heigl ...
- The DVD Wrapup: The Grey, Golf in Kingdom, Norwegian Wood, We Were Here, My ...
- In ?Norwegian Wood,? we're introduced first to longtime friends Toru (Kenichi Matsuyama), Naoko (Rinko Kikuchi) and Kisuki (Kengo Kora), whose platonic bond recalls Francois Truffaut's ?Jules and Jim? and Paul Mazursky's ?Willie & Phil.
Matsuyama Kenichi's TV Commercials in Japan
See the dashing MatsuKen in various roles
![UNIQLO[MEN] COLLECTION TOKYO 2009<br />
ゆ二クロ 松山ケンイチさん](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t7dFWDDFyfI/0.jpg "CM : UNIQLO COLLECTION 2009 [Kenichi Matsuyama]")
![24/11/2009 tvcm NTT Docomo Answer [PRIME Meeting room] <br />
Kenichi Matsuyama](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eJWXGjMtY14/0.jpg "CM : DOCOMO Answer「PRIME 会議室」篇")
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Buy Matsuyama Kenichi's
First Photo Book
Release Date: 2007-05-22
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Great deals for Ken'ichi Matsuyama merchandise on eBay
Keep your eyes peeled for rare MatsuKen items on discount!
Kenichi Matsuyama as "L" in Death Note
Death Note merchandise featuring L
Kenichi gained fame in the Death Note films
Learn more about the series. Visit the following pages.
Kenichi Matsuyama websites and resource links.
Learn more about the talented Japanese actor.
- Ken'ichi Matsuyama Page on HoriPro (Talent Agency)
- Information about Kenichi Matsuyama on his talent agent's homepage.
- Kenichi Matsuyama - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Kenichi Matsuyama's biography on Wikipedia
- Ken'ichi Matsuyama - IMDb
- Ken'ichi Matsuyama on IMDb
- Kenichi Matsuyama - AsianMediaWiki
- Kenichi Matsuyama's profile on AsianMediaWiki
- Kenichi Matsuyama (The Best Japanese Actor) | Bestuff
- Ken';ichi Matsuyama (Matsuyama Ken'ichi) born March 5, 1985 in Aomori, Japan) is a well known Japanese actor.
- Kenichi Matsuyama | NipponCinema
- Kenichi Matsuyama is a Japanese actor. He was born on March 5, 1985 in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture. He is currently represented by Horipro agency.
- Kenichi Matsuyama Online | KenichiOnline.org | English/International fansite for Japanese actor Kenichi Matsuyama
- Welcome to Kenichi Matsuyama Online, your most reliable source for everything on the talented Kenichi Matsuyama. Kenichi is most known for role as L Lawliet in Death Note, Deah Note: The Last Name and L: Change the World.
- Matsuyama Ken'ichi Love
- A community fansite for Matsuyama Kenichi
Kenichi Matsuyama as "Masaru Kato" in the 2011 film Gantz
Japan Idol Photobooks
Buy photo albums of your favorite Japanese actor or actress!
Here's a list of available photo books featuring top Japanese actors, actresses and idols. Click on the link to see the product page. All photo books (and more Asian collectibles) are available at Yesasia.
You can vote for your favorite by clicking on the up arrows. You can also grab the list as a widget for your blog or Squidoo lens.
1
Horikita Maki Visual Book -Cinematic
4 points
4
Oguri Shun First Photo Album - SO
2 points
7
NEWS Otakara Photo Book
2 points
8
9
11
Ueno Juri Photo Book - A Piacere
2 points
12
JURI ao akua -Ueno Juri
2 points
13
Horikita Maki Photo Album -S
2 points
14
Matsuyama Kenichi First Photo Book
2 points
15
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Gantz Volume 1 (v. 1) by Hiroya Oku
The manga that inspired the live-action movie
Gantz Volume 1 (v. 1)
Amazon Price: $6.29 (as of 06/01/2012)
How long will you stay in the game? The last thing Kei and Masaru remember was being struck dead by a subway train while saving the life of a drunken bum. What a waste! And yet somehow they're still...alive? Or semi-alive?
Norwegian Wood Movie (2010)
Based on the novel by Haruki Murakami
2010 Japanese Movie : Norwegian Wood w/ English Subtitle
Amazon Price: $22.95 (as of 06/01/2012)
In a complete stylistic departure from his mysterious and surreal novels that show the influences of Salinger, Fitzgerald and Tom Robbins, Murakami tells a bittersweet coming-of-age story, reminiscent of J.R. Salamanca's classic 1964 novel, LilithAthe tale of a young man's involvement with a schizophrenic girl.
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