Cover Kentaro Sakaguchi has captivated audiences worldwide, balancing romantic leads, complex dramas and acclaimed supporting roles
Kentaro Sakaguchi has captivated audiences worldwide, balancing romantic leads, complex dramas and acclaimed supporting roles
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From heartfelt love stories to gripping thrillers, Kentaro Sakaguchi proves his range as one of Japan’s most versatile actors.
With a melancholic tone throughout and the pairing of celebrated figures Kentaro Sakaguchi and Lisa, Dream quickly captured the attention of music lovers worldwide.
Unlike Lisa’s earlier vibrant and bold releases, Dream is a slow-tempo, sorrowful love story, perfectly suited to its cinematic camera work and moody palette. The chemistry between Lisa and Kentaro Sakaguchi stands out, leaving audiences lingering on the short film’s poignant tale of love.
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Recently, Kentaro has appeared in several collaborations with Korean stars such as Lisa and Lee Se Young, further raising his profile. Beyond his striking looks that secured him the lead in the manga adaptation Hirunaka no Ryuusei, the “smiling prince” of Japan is known for his reliable acting, appearing in numerous quality projects.
‘What Come After Love’: A perfect collaboration with actress Lee Se Young
In late 2024, What Comes After Love, a Japan–Korea co-production, won over audiences who enjoy psychological-romantic dramas. Despite being broadcast on the relatively niche platform Coupang Play, the series drew attention thanks to its detailed script, lyrical cinematography, and the compelling performances of Kentaro and Lee Se Young.
Above What Comes After Love Korean Drama Trailer [ENG] | What Comes After Love (2024)
The story may not be particularly novel, focusing on a five-year-long, lingering romance. Yet the chemistry between the leads, combined with beautiful locations and a concise six-episode run, earned What Comes After Love widespread appreciation.
Kentaro portrays a man with a complex inner life, harbouring emotions he cannot share with anyone. With a decade of acting experience behind him, he conveys both the tenderness of love and the quiet struggles of a man who has weathered life’s highs and lows.
‘Beyond Goodbye’: A tragic story set in stunning Hawaiian and Japanese countryside
Beyond Goodbye, a Netflix drama, tells a heartrending story of two couples whose lives intertwine after a traffic accident caused by an avalanche.
Despite its sorrowful premise and intricate twists, the series has been praised for its gentle, measured pacing that avoids melodrama. The cast delivers consistent and nuanced performances, framed by the scenic beauty of Hawaii and rural Japan.
Above Beyond Goodbye | Official Trailer | Netflix
Kentaro plays Kazuma, a man with a heart condition who receives a transplant from Yusuke (Toma Ikuta), the lover of Saeko (played by Kasumi Arimura), who died in the accident. He convincingly expresses a spectrum of emotions, from despair and relief to bewilderment, as he grapples with the lingering feelings and memories of another person.
‘Signal’: Standout performance alongside two seniors in Korean detective remake
In 2018, Kentaro Sakaguchi appeared in Signal, a television and film remake of the acclaimed Korean series. He starred alongside veteran Japanese actors Kazuki Kitamura and Michiko Kichise. The original television series had already achieved significant success when broadcast on Fuji TV.
Above Signal Japanese Version Official Trailer
The work closely follows the original Korean version, in which a young lieutenant, during an investigation, discovers a walkie-talkie that allows him to contact an investigator 15 years in the future. While the series received mixed reviews due to comparisons with the original, Kentaro’s performance was widely praised for capturing the character’s bravery and integrity. The project also marked a milestone in Kentaro’s career, proving he can embrace a variety of roles beyond the psychological-romantic genre.
‘Only Just Married’: A lovely romantic comedy about the theme of “marry first, love later”
For fans of romantic comedies, Only Just Married is a must-watch. Adapted from the manga by Aoharu Yuki, it follows Shu (Kentaro) and Akiha (Nana Seino), two young people who, for various reasons, decide to marry. Over time, they come to understand each other and slowly develop genuine feelings.
Though the storyline is fairly predictable, the chemistry between Kentaro and Nana gives the film its charm. Only Just Married maintained stable ratings, consistently reaching 9 to 10 per cent on TBS, a notable achievement for a romantic comedy series.
‘Hell Dogs’: Yakuza role brings Best Supporting Actor nomination at “Japanese Oscars”
In 2022, Kentaro appeared in Hell Dogs, adapted from Akio Fukamachi’s novel. He stepped out of his comfort zone to play Hideki, a member of a yakuza gang and the son of a death-row inmate, navigating a complex psychological landscape. Sharing the screen with veteran actor Junichi Okada, who played Shogo, a police officer seeking revenge, Kentaro held his own in every scene.
Following his acclaimed work in Signal, Kentaro Sakaguchi further showcased his versatility in Hell Dogs. His nuanced performance earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Japanese Academy Awards, often referred to as Japan’s “Oscars.”
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Thanks to Hell Dogs, Kentaro gained wider recognition for his talent, proving he combines striking presence with a serious commitment to acting. He is set to return to the big screen in The Sunflower on the Shogi Board, a film adaptation of the 2019 TV series. The project has already drawn attention from Japanese audiences for featuring Ken Watanabe, the celebrated actor known for his work in both Japan and Hollywood.
