Handsome Actors Compete for the Spotlight as the “Next Kei Tanaka”

Searching for the Post-Kei Tanaka

Though both parties firmly denied it, sponsors appear to have judged the double affair suspicion as unacceptable. Nine companies, including Kracie and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, who had featured Mei Nagano (25), removed their online commercials. Suntory also deleted CM videos for “Kakubin” and “Kaku Highball” that featured Kei Tanaka (40).

An ad agency insider commented, “It was strange from the start that Suntory chose to use Tanaka.”

“Though he broke through with his acting skills and friendly personality, he’d had constant trouble involving alcohol — like getting hit by a 2-ton truck on his way home after drinking post-stage play, or being taken into protective custody by police after boarding a taxi drunk and unable to pay the fare. He was seen as a risky person by agencies managing female talents.”

It’s inevitable that offers for terrestrial TV shows and commercials will drastically decline, and a search for a post-Kei Tanaka has already begun.

The leading contender is Ayumu Nakajima (36).

“He gained attention for his teacher role in last year’s hit drama Futekisetsu ni mo Hodo ga Aru! (TBS) and his performance opposite Masami Nagasawa (37) in the CM for Kanikiku Mushikonazu Premium. He’s also appeared in back-to-back high-profile projects — playing a deranged man in Disney+’s Gannibal Season 2, and the arranged marriage suitor for Mio Imada’s (28) heroine in the morning drama Anpan,” says a TV magazine editor.

His classic looks are also helping his rise.

“In the spring drama Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori (Fuji TV), Kyo’ya Honda (25) plays an Imperial Navy lieutenant and has been talked about for his Showa-era handsome face. That retro charm feels fresh in the Reiwa-era entertainment scene. Since this year marks Showa 100, we’ll likely see more Showa-themed productions — Nakajima and Honda are both likely to be in constant demand. Their shared trait: low, handsome voices, which leave a strong impression,” notes a key network producer.

Speaking of ikébo (good voices), Mamoru Miyano (41), who thrives both as a voice actor and actor, is being eyed as well.

“He’s a top-tier voice actor with a huge fanbase, and he’s increasingly being cast in attention-grabbing dramas. With his peer Tanaka losing momentum, Miyano might land even better slots. He’s also known for his sketch comedy skills, so there’s demand for him as a promotional guest on variety shows,” says a broadcast writer.

Another name mentioned is Takashi Tsukamoto (42), with nearly 30 years of experience.

“He’s long been seen as a skilled supporting actor, capable of playing villains too. But since around March this year, his TikTok LIVE broadcasts have been a huge hit. On busy days, he receives gifts (tips) worth over a million yen, making him a top streamer. Since he bans video clips and screenshots, it’s little known outside his audience, but his breezy talk has won over younger fans. He was already a well-known figure and was poised to snatch up those troublesome husband or useless guy roles that Tanaka frequently played,” a production company director explained.

After years of struggling, Kei Tanaka finally secured his position in his mid-30s — and then threw it away with his own hands.

From “FRIDAY” June 6–13, 2025 combined issue.