A Stalker's Guide to Takeuchi Ryoma

Who better than to continue my 'Generation Next' stalkers guide series other than with everyone’s new favourite heart-stealer and breakout actor Takeuchi Ryoma. I can't think of a better person to fit the title of 'nation's boyfriend'. He's instantly the kind of guy who feels warm and homely, traits belonging to the boy next door vibe he gives off. The best part about it all is that's just who he is, a genuinely friendly and lovable guy who emanates kindness.

He’s one of those celebrities who you just can’t help but feel drawn to, as I found after discovering him in cutesy romantic family comedy Kahogo no Kahoko. Honestly, with his resonating charm and dashing smile, it didn’t take much for me to fall for him. 

Although some still say Takeuchi Ryoma has yet to develop his own acting style, what I’ve personally seen of him so far has really impressed me, and with each consecutive role he took over the last couple years I can only see him taking the dorama world by storm in no time at all.

BASICS

Native Name: Ryo Takeuchi
Also known as: Ryoma Takeuchi
Date of birth: 26th April 1993
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Height: 1.85m (185cm)
Profession: Actor, Model
Blood Type: A
Talent Agency: Horipro
Official Website: http://www.horipro.co.jp/takeuchiryoma/
Instagram: takeuchiryoma

Takeuchi Ryoma was born on April 26th, 1993 in Tokyo, Japan. He has a younger sister and brother. He has a treasured miniature schnauzer called Furea (pictured). He studied Global Environmental Sciences at Rissho University.  

Since he's still in his early days in his career, there isn't an extensive amount of information on Takeuchi Ryoma’s background.

Takeuchi started playing soccer at the early age of 5. He continued playing for his high school team, eventually receiving a scholarship to pursue it further in college, but he quit due to feeling inadequate enough to play professionally. In April 2013, he auditioned to be a male model for a fashion magazine, which was when he began using his current stage name. It was in 2014 when Takeuchi’s acting career then took off after being cast in the lead role of Kamen Rider Drive.

AWARDS

30th Nikkan Sports Film Awards (2017) 
Yūjirō Ishihara Newcomer Award for Teiichi: Battle of Supreme High

41st Japan Academy Awards (2018)
Newcomer of the Year for Teiichi: Battle of Supreme High

42nd Elan d'Or Awards (2018)
Newcomer of the Year

DRAMAS

As a huge Tokusatsu star, Takeuchi Ryoma already earned a huge following from the beginning of his career. I’ll admit I’m not really the biggest Tokusatsu fan, so Takeuchi Ryoma wasn’t on my radar at the beginning of his acting career. His first breakthrough role as Shinnosuke Tomari in Kamen Rider Drive earned him a substantial following, before gaining even further popularity through his roles on highly acclaimed and well-loved dramas. 

Takeuchi Ryoma may not have an extensive backlog to his career just yet, but the works he’s starred in thus far are actually some of my favourite dramas ever. As a general rule, I trust Takeuchi’s judgment where it comes to his role choices, and he hasn’t let me down so far! 

Let me run through some of his most popular (and highly recommended) roles, which indeed turned him into the charismatic fan favourite he is today. As before, I’ve omitted a couple of his more minor roles and am just going to feature the more significant ones.

As childhood friend Goro in Toki Wo Kakeru Shojo: This drama is based on the anime and previous adaptations of the same name, and follows the story of a girl who suddenly acquires the ability to leap through time. Though it’s a slightly different rendition of the original, I loved Ryoma Takeuchi’s character here, so much so that it broke my heart a little. Takeuchi is great at nailing dramatic scenes, and his character here is no exception.

As a college student from Tokyo in asadora Hiyokko: A series set in 1964 which follows a young girl who travels to Tokyo to look for work and to find her missing father. At 156 episodes, it's quite a commitment if you're just trying to check out Takeuchi Ryoma's previous works, so it's something to bear in mind. Although I’m not too far into this wonderful series, from what I’m aware of, Takeuchi’s character becomes a fleeting love interest and I gather is somewhat adorable.

As an aspiring art student and love interest in Kahogo no Kahoko: Quite possibly one of my favourite dramas of all time, Takeuchi’s role in this is one kept me coming back every episode. His character is super intriguing, and it’s fascinating to watch Kahoko grow as a person because of his influence and encouragement. If you're in the mood for something light and fluffy that gives you all the feels, I highly recommended picking this one up.

As a professional runner in Rikuo: Takeuchi blew me away in his role as an athlete who is caught in the midst of uncertainty when a company who usually specialize in tabi (a type of Japanese sock) approach him to test their new running shoes. I have such a huge admiration for Takeuchi after watching this drama seeing how much practice he must have put into running and making his character even more believable. His performance here is not to be missed! 

Other dramas he’s had minor supporting roles have been supernatural-romance drama Sumika Sumire and business drama Downtown Rocket, the latter of which was written by the same screenwriter behind Rikuo. He’s also starring in currently airing drama Black Pean, where he portrays a medical resident who suddenly finds himself having to report to the very arrogant and overly frustrating Dr. Tokai. Honestly, though, I'm excited to see where their relationship goes, as I'm sure there's some development to be had there! Although only a couple of episodes have aired thus far, I can already tell this may be one of Takeuchi's best performances, as his portrayal of a character undergoing extreme emotional trauma has blown me away!

MOVIES

Takeuchi Ryoma’s movie credits are not yet very extensive, but the roles he has been in have had quite the impact among fans (and the wider audience). Since 2017, he has won awards for his role in Teiichi: Battle of Supreme High, and is since slated to appear this year as the lead role in movie Sensei Kunshu.

YELL FOR THE BLUE SKY

Takeuchi’s first major movie role, and his first lead role since Kamen Rider Drive. Based on a manga, it follows the story of a shy young girl who vows to make it her dream to join the high school brass band and play trumpet after being inspired by a tv broadcast she saw as a child. Takeuchi Ryoma stars as an ambitious baseball player and potential love interest, a bright and cheerful guy who encourages our heroine whilst trying to fulfill his own dreams of winning in a baseball tournament.

TEIICHI: BATTLE OF SUPREME HIGH

His biggest movie role to date, this hilarious satirical movie follows a group of students who campaign for class president at an elite high school. Takeuchi takes on the role of Dan Otaka, a good-natured guy who represents the archetype of a poor scholarship student whose only care is his friends and family. Takeuchi’s character rounds out the star-studded ikemen cast by his extremely likeable character, who helps keep the movie a little more grounded amongst the hyperbolic acting and outrageous ensemble of characters. This movie follows the manga pretty faithfully but is brought to life wonderfully by the outstanding cast.  

Random facts

• He is a huge Marvel comic fan and longs to appear in one of Stan Lee’s movies. He recently met and interviewed special guest Stan Lee at Tokyo Comic-Con. 
• Takeuchi Ryoma was a Kamen Rider fan long before he was cast in the role of Shinnosuke Tomari, in particular being a fan of Kamen Rider Double.
• At 185cm, he gains a lot of attention for his height and his toned body, the result of years playing soccer.
• Takeuchi Ryoma is well known for his beautiful singing voice.

CMs & Endorsements

SoftBank
SoftBank (with Shison Jun)
Lotte Coolish (+ behind the scenes)
Lotte EatMint (+behind the scenes)
Strong The Tan San
Lotte Monaou
CookDo

And to round off this article, I’ll share with you some of my favourite photos of Takeuchi that really show just how utterly handsome this wonderful actor really is!

I know that it’s still early in Takeuchi Ryoma’s acting career, but he really deserves the recognition as one of Japan’s best up and coming rookie actors. If he’s someone who hasn’t yet crossed your radar, definitely check out his light romantic drama Kahoko no Kahogo, after which you’ll definitely fall in love with his charismatic and personable nature.

^{GIF sources: alare-chan, movielosophy}

Which of Takeuchi Ryoma’s roles was your favourite so far? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!