Japanese Literary Awards

← Back to Home

Masaaki Sakai

さかい まさあき

Sakai Masaaki

Pen Names: Masaaki Kurihara（Birth name）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1946-08-06 （Nakano, Tokyo, Japan (during Allied occupation)）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Nakano, Tokyo, Japan → Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan

Career

Occupations
talent (entertainer), singer, actor, host, comedian, radio personality
Active Years
1952-2025
Affiliations
Horipro, K-Dash, Tanabe Agency, S-Dash

Awards

Elan d'Or Award — Newcomer
1970
Organization: Japan Movie and Television Producers Association
Result: winner
Golden Arrow Award — Special Prize
1970
Organization: Golden Arrow Awards (Japan)
Result: winner
Japan Broadcast Writers Association Award — Performer
Organization: Japan Broadcast Writers Association
Result: winner
Best Dresser Award
1982
Organization: Best Dresser Award (organizers)
Result: winner
Art Encouragement Prize (Newcomer)
1996
Work: Oshaberi Denroku: Ichibantegara
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs
Result: winner
Japanese Film Critics Awards — Jury Special Prize
Work: Yunagi no Machi, Sakura no Kuni
Organization: Japanese Film Critics Awards
Result: winner
Shitamachi Comedy Film Festival — Comedy Honor Award
2013
Organization: Shitamachi Comedy Film Festival in Taito
Result: winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Saraba Koibito

1971 song

A representative song released in 1971. A pop ballad that became widely known linked with television appearances.

lost lovenostalgia

Saiyūki (TV series)

1978 television drama

A TV drama broadcast from 1978 in which he played the lead role of Sun Wukong, gaining broad popularity among children and adults.

adventurehero archetypecomedy

Kitakaze Kozō no Kantaro

1974 children's song / theme

A song broadcast on NHK's 'Minna no Uta', known and cherished over a long period.

for childrenseasonal imagery

The Best Second: What I've Always Valued

2025 memoir / essay

His first book published in 2025, a memoir/essay recounting his long entertainment career and work philosophy.

entertainment careerlife approachcraft legacy

Bibliography

  • The Best Second: What I've Always Valued (Asuka Shinsha, 2025)

Adaptations

  • Numerous screen appearances (many TV drama and film roles)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
affable and witty toneepisodic, retrospective narration (as expected in memoir)
Recurring Motifs
showmanshipvariety acts (kakushi-gei)music and television

Legacy

An entertainer active from the Group Sounds era with The Spiders to a long career as singer, actor and host. Known for TV hosting, music activities and variety act skills, he has had a significant impact on Japanese popular culture.

Archives

  • NHK archives (personnel/profile)
  • Victor Entertainment artist page
  • Nippon Columbia artist information

In Popular Culture

  • Nicknames: 'Machaaki', 'Mr. Kakushi-gei (hide-and-show acts)'
  • Iconic presence in TV variety and music programs

Quotes

  • At Mille Miglia an Italian spectator called out 'Machaaki!' and I thought 'I've become famous', but on closer listening it turned out they were pronouncing the name of my Maserati in a local accent.
    Source: Interview/anecdote reported in various media

Trivia

  • Birth name is Masaaki Kurihara; late birth registration made August 6 the registered date.
  • Served as a vocalist in Group Sounds band The Spiders in his youth.
  • Nicknamed 'Mr. Kakushi-gei' for performing difficult variety acts at the New Year Kakushi-gei show.
  • Classic car collector with a focus on Italian cars; has participated in Mille Miglia-style events.
  • Has been involved as a racehorse owner (e.g. Goodwood Guy).