How Takuya Kimura became one of East Asia’s best-loved stars: from era-defining Japanese boy band SMAP and beloved TV drama Love Generation, to style icon and endorsement king

Aug 5 , 2022

Japanese icon Kimura Takuya is going to turn 50 in November this year, but remains as beloved as ever. Photo: Handout

Takuya Kimura is turning 50 this year, but the Tokyo-born star is as popular as ever, with a healthy Instagram following and a starring role in English-language drama The Swarm

Variety show SMAPxSMAP welcomed guests including Michael Jackson, Madonna and Lady Gaga, while dramas Long Vacation and Love Generation were defining millennial TV moments

Takuya Kimura easily ranks among the most-recognised entertainers to emerge from Japan. Since his early days as a member of boy band SMAP and his recurring roles in smash drama series, to establishing himself as a swoon-worthy style icon and go-to brand face, his name has been with us for over 30 years. He might now be a married father of two, amazingly turning 50 later this year, but his popularity refuses to fade. So what exactly is his brand of star magic?

Born in Tokyo on November 13, 1972, by the age of 15, Kimura had joined talent agency Johnny & Associates, and was selected as one of the five members of SMAP just a year later. The group shot to almost instant fame following the release of its debut single, Japanese No 2 hit “Can’t Stop!! Loving”, quickly gaining a solid fan base. That audience may have mainly consisted of teenage girls in the beginning, but soon widened as the group’s career progressed.

Japanese boy band SMAP composed of (clockwise from left) Kimura Takuya, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Katsuyuki Mori, Shingo Katori, Goro Inagaki and Masahiro Nakai (middle). Photo: Weibo

In addition to their singing career, SMAP’s members often appeared in variety shows on TV, and even hosted their own self-titled programme, SMAPxSMAP, which ran from 1996 until the group disbanded in 2016. With segments ranging from cooking, comedy and games, and international guests including Michael Jackson, Madonna and Lady Gaga, the programme further boosted the quintet’s popularity and they were soon described as the “national treasure” of Japan.

SMAPxSMAP Japan / Lady Gaga The Edge of Glory - Yoü and I - Born This Way HD

The members also dabbled in acting in TV drama series, particularly Kimura, whose screen work is probably more well known than his songs. His first significant role was in Asunaro Hakusho, an adaptation of the manga series by Fumi Saimon, but it was his lead role in Long Vacation that cemented Kimura’s status as the “king of ratings”, while following series such as Love Generation and Hero all received a positive reception too.

Released in 1996, the popular Japanese TV drama Long Vacation made Takuya Kimura the “king of ratings”. Photo: Handout

It wasn’t just that the drama series continued to generate high ratings. What Kimura wore on- and off-screen easily sparked the latest trends across East Asia. Accessories like thick black-rimmed glasses, his Rolex Explorer I, Red Wing boots, and even the crystal apple in Love Generation were once sought-after items. With his slender figure, striking facial features and heartthrob status, it is not difficult to understand Kimura’s charm.

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