Yu Shirota’s Wild Side Scruffy Beard and Celebrity-Favorite Yakiniku

A yakiniku restaurant frequented by celebrities

Just days ago, he was known for his prince image, perfectly suited in suits and tuxedos — so this drastic transformation was shocking.

“Is that really him now?”

“No way, it can’t be.”

Customers at a popular Tokyo yakiniku restaurant in mid-April, when the cherry blossoms were fading, were buzzing with these words despite it being a weekday. This restaurant, famous among celebrities, has hosted many high-profile couples who secretly enjoyed yakiniku dates there.

“The staff’s service is flawless. When celebrities make reservations, they prepare private rooms and escort them in through the employee’s back entrance instead of the main door. Sometimes, they even turn off the lights to help them escape unnoticed,” said a key TV network insider.

Actor Yu Shirota (39) casually showed up at the restaurant just after 8 p.m. Entering through the back door as rumored, he wore a black MA-1 jacket and carried a backpack, a very casual look. Still, his towering height of 190 cm was enough to catch the attention of other guests.

In the Tuesday Platinum Night drama slot “Drama DEEP” fourth installment, Ikinari Kon (Nippon TV), Yu Shirota co-starred alongside lead Kyoko Saito (27).

“In the drama, Shirota played a classic prince-like role. The 35 cm height difference back hug with Saito really made viewers swoon and became a hot topic. At 39, he’s a rare actor who can still pull off a ‘romantic’ character. His current musical, Dance of the Vampires, is so popular that tickets sold out immediately. He’s active in many fields,” said a director from the drama’s production company.

After finishing the drama and feeling a sense of freedom, Shirota seemed to enjoy a brief off-time with yakiniku. Leaving again through the back entrance, Shirota trudged along the bus street, glued to his smartphone. The light from the display highlighted his unshaven beard.

Despite not wearing a mask, passing ladies didn’t even notice the striking gap between the fresh prince image and this wild Shirota. Though known for his clean prince persona, the wild side of Shirota is pretty cool too.