His Incredible Physique Stands Out Too Much! Takao Osawa Blends In With the Crowd to Watch the “Stofa” Movie Event on the Streets of Shinjuku

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Takao Osawa watching an event for the movie *Street Fighter: The Movie* on the street

Carrying a large plastic bottle filled with a yellow beverage

A man stands there, his thick arms—almost as wide as his face—crossed in front of his broad chest, looking up at the “Street Fighter” characters on stage… It is actor Takao Osawa (58).

On the evening of September 1, a special “homecoming” event for the movie *Street Fighter: The Movie*—which is set for a worldwide simultaneous release on October 16—was held at PePe Plaza in Shinjuku, Tokyo (Shinjuku Ward).

“This is a live-action adaptation produced by Hollywood of the fighting game *Street Fighter*, which debuted in 1987. The film’s promotional tour, the ‘Street Fighter World Warrior Tour,’ has kicked off, and Japan—the birthplace of the original game—was chosen as its first stop.

On stage were Hollywood actor Jason Momoa (47), known for his role as Dante Reyes in the 2023 film *Fast & Furious: Fire Boost*; British actor Andrew Koji (38), who is also a martial artist;and New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Hirooki Goto (47)—all “giants” of their respective fields—lined up on stage. Comedian Eitaka Kano (44), who provides the Japanese voice for the character Joe, also made an appearance and really livened up the event,” said a film magazine writer.

Four hundred people were invited to the fenced-off event venue via a lottery, but many onlookers with smartphones in hand had also gathered on the sidewalk outside. Among them was a figure who stood out for his particularly large build. It was Osawa, wearing a black cap, a white shirt that exposed his upper arms, and sweatpants.

“Mr. Osawa was standing at the very front of the onlookers, arms crossed, staring intently upward. He was holding a large plastic bottle filled with a yellow drink and stood there the whole time, gulping it down. Since everyone around him was looking up at the stage, few people noticed him.There was also someone in a suit next to Mr. Osawa who looked like a staff member, so my heart was pounding, thinking he might make a surprise appearance. But since he stayed there watching until the very end, he might have just been passing by by chance.” (A passerby watching the event)

Speaking of Osawa, he played the role of General Oki in four films, from the 2019 movie *Kingdom* to the 2024 film *Kingdom: The Return of the General*.Over the course of eight years, he bulked up by 20 kilograms through strength training and a strict diet. Although his role in the series has ended, he is known for leading a wild lifestyle in his private life—one that could be described as “the real Oki.”

In the movie *Smashing Machine*, released this past May, he portrayed Nobuyuki Sakakibara (62), an entrepreneur who serves as the president of the mixed martial arts organization “RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION.” Professional wrestler and actor Dwayne Johnson (54), who starred in the film,praised him highly , saying, “Mr. Osawa possesses an overwhelming presence and dignity. He is elegant and has a powerful aura.”

On this day as well, Osawa’s rugged physique was in full force. He radiated an aura every bit as strong as that of the big-name actors lined up on stage. Who knows—maybe he’s secretly aiming for a role in the next film…

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Osawa’s thick upper arms are impossible to miss
The onlookers around him seem completely engrossed in the event and don’t seem to have noticed Osawa
Osawa kept staring intently at the event, his expression unchanged
On September 1, an event for the movie *Street Fighter: The Movie* was held at Shinjuku PePe Plaza
On his social media, he has posted photos of himself working out at the gym (自身のインスタグラム@osawa_takao.officialより)
  • PHOTO Kumatarō Arai

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