Japanese Literary Awards

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Hiro Mizushima

みずしま ひろ

Mizushima Hiro

Aliases: 齋藤 智裕 / 齋藤智
Pen Names: Tomohiro Saito（Author name (real name)）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1984-04-13 （Tokyo, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese, English
Residence History
Zurich, Switzerland (childhood) → Tokyo, Japan

Career

Occupations
actor, novelist, entrepreneur, model, YouTuber
Active Years
2004-
Affiliations
Ken-On (agency; 2004 - 2010), A stAtion (2011 - 2016), 3rd i connections Co., Ltd. (CEO; 2016 - )

Education

Keio University, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies (SFC)
Faculty of Environment and Information Studies
Degree: 学士
Period: 2004 - 2008 (卒業 2008年3月)
Year of Graduation: 2008
Country: Japan
Attended Keio University's Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC)

Awards

Japan Academy Prize
2009
Work: Drop
Category: 新人俳優賞
Organization: Japan Academy Prize
Result: 受賞
Poplar Publishing Novel Award
2010
Work: KAGEROU
Category: 大賞
Organization: Poplar Publishing
Result: 受賞
Elan d'or Award
2010
Category: 新人賞
Organization: Japan Film & Television Producers Association
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

KAGEROU

2010 Novel

Debut novel published under his real name Tomohiro Saito. An entertainment-driven long novel with mystery elements aimed at younger readers.

youthmysteryentertainment

Kamen Rider Kabuto

2006 TV drama

He starred as Tsukasa Tendou / Kamen Rider Kabuto, gaining wide recognition in this tokusatsu TV drama. One of his signature roles.

heroismcoming-of-agejustice
Adaptations
  • [film] Kamen Rider Kabuto the Movie: God Speed Love (2006)

Drop

2009 Film

A youth film depicting delinquency and friendship in which he co-starred. His performance earned him the Japan Academy Prize for Newcomer Actor.

friendshipcoming-of-ageconflict

BECK

2010 Film

A film adaptation of a popular manga in which he starred. A coming-of-age ensemble story centered on music and a band.

musiccoming-of-agechallenge

Black Butler

2014 Film

A starring role in a feature film. He was involved as a co-producer under his real name (Tomohiro Saito), taking part both as actor and producer.

dark fantasyloyaltyrevenge

Bibliography

  • KAGEROU (2010, Poplar Publishing)
  • Hiro Mizushima 1st Photo Book "Hiro"
  • HIROMODE (photo book)
  • Hiro Mizushima 2nd Photo Book "With You"
  • Hiro Mizushima 3rd Photo Book "Water Island ~ PEACE"

Adaptations

  • Kamen Rider Kabuto the Movie: God Speed Love
  • Drop (film)
  • BECK (film)
  • Black Butler (film)
  • GIRLS (TV series; guest appearance)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
entertainment-oriented prosecinematic, fast-paced description
Recurring Motifs
coming-of-age conflictpersonal transformationfriendship and loyalty

Legacy

While best known as a leading actor in television and film (notably Kamen Rider Kabuto), he has also built a multifaceted career as a novelist and entrepreneur. His debut novel KAGEROU won a literary award, reflecting recognition in both acting and writing.

In Popular Culture

  • Widely recognized among tokusatsu fans for his lead role in Kamen Rider Kabuto

Quotes

  • Like Ken, Tendou is my origin. I don't consider it an embarrassing past.
    Source: Interview (Instagram statement / media report) (2018)

Trivia

  • Spent part of his childhood in Zurich, Switzerland and is fluent in English.
  • Won the Japan Academy Prize for Newcomer Actor for the film Drop (2009).
  • Published debut novel KAGEROU under his real name Tomohiro Saito and won the 5th Poplar Publishing Novel Award (2010).
  • Served as a co-producer under his real name on the film Black Butler (2014), participating on the production side as well.
  • Launched the YouTube channel 'Hiro Mizushima' in 2019 (subscribers ~219k as of 2021).
  • Married singer Ayaka in 2009; has two daughters (born 2015 and 2019).
  • Reports indicated he declined the ¥20,000,000 prize associated with the Poplar Publishing award (reported in media).