Japanese Literary Awards

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Sosuke Ikematsu

いけまつ そうすけ

Ikematsu Sōsuke

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1990-07-09 （Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Fukuoka, Japan (birthplace) → Tokyo, Japan (residence and career base)

Career

Occupations
Actor
Active Years
2001-
Affiliations
Blue Shuttle (2001 - Apr 2010), Horipro (May 2010 - Aug 2023), Freelance (Sep 2023 - )
Influenced By
Shinya Tsukamoto, Yuya Ishii, Amir Naderi

Education

Fukuoka University Ohori High School
Country: Japan
Nihon University College of Art (Department of Cinema)
Department of Cinema (Directing Course) / Department of Cinema
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Period: 2009-2013
Year of Graduation: 2013
Country: Japan
Directed and produced the graduation film 'Tomoshibi' (灯火).

Awards

Newcomer Actor Award
2015
Work: Bokutachi no Kazoku; Ai no Uzu; Paper Moon
Category: 新人俳優賞
Organization: Japan Academy Prize
Result: 受賞
Best Supporting Actor
2015
Work: When I Feel the Sea; Paper Moon; Bokutachi no Kazoku
Category: 助演男優賞
Organization: Blue Ribbon Awards
Result: 受賞
Best Supporting Actor
2015
Work: Bokutachi no Kazoku; When I Feel the Sea; Paper Moon; etc.
Category: 助演男優賞
Organization: Kinema Junpo Best Ten
Result: 受賞
Best Actor
2020
Work: From Miyamoto to You
Category: 主演男優賞
Organization: Kinema Junpo Best Ten
Result: 受賞
Best New Actor
2013
Work: Yokomichi Yonosuke; A Story of Moving to Tokyo
Category: 最優秀新人男優賞
Organization: TAMA Film Festival
Result: 受賞
Best Actor
2017
Work: The Night Is Always the Bluest (film)
Category: 最優秀男優賞
Organization: TAMA Film Festival
Result: 受賞
Rising Star Asia Award
2021
Work: Angel of Asia
Organization: New York Asian Film Festival
Result: 受賞
Best Actor
2015
Work: Adult Drop
Category: 主演男優賞
Organization: Japan Movie Professional Awards
Result: 受賞
Arts Encouragement Prize (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) — New Artist (Film)
2024
Work: Sekai no Okiku; Between the White and Black Keys; Shin Kamen Rider; etc.
Category: 映画部門
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs (Japan)
Result: 受賞
Best Supporting Actor
2024
Work: Boku no Ohisama; Baby Valkyrie: Nice Days
Category: 助演男優賞
Organization: Yokohama Film Festival
Result: 受賞
Best Actor
2019
Work: Zan,
Category: 最優秀主演男優賞
Organization: Takasaki Film Festival
Result: 受賞

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Last Samurai

2003 Film (Hollywood drama)

A Hollywood film starring Tom Cruise in which Ikematsu made an early international appearance, playing the boy Higen.

BushidoCross-cultural exchangeComing-of-age

Tetsujin 28

2005 Film (SF / Tokusatsu)

Chosen from thousands of applicants, Ikematsu made his first film lead as Shoutarou Kaneda.

HeroismComing-of-ageFamily

Our Family

2014 Film (Drama)

A drama about a complicated family; Ikematsu's supporting performance was widely acclaimed.

FamilyEveryday collapseRebirth

Paper Moon

2014 Film (Drama)

A drama centered on financial and interpersonal entanglements where Ikematsu's supporting role stood out.

DesireMoral conflictInterpersonal relationships

The Night Is Always the Bluest

2017 Film (Youth drama)

A sensitive portrayal of contemporary youth in which Ikematsu starred and earned multiple domestic awards.

YouthLonelinessSubtle everyday emotions

Zan,

2018 Film (Period drama / Jidaigeki)

A period drama directed by Shinya Tsukamoto in which Ikematsu played the lead; screened at international festivals.

Violence and ethicsLone protagonist

Shin Kamen Rider

2023 Film (Tokusatsu / Action)

A major production in which Ikematsu played Kamen Rider No.1, reinterpreting a national hero figure.

Reframing heroismAction performance

Bibliography

  • The Last Samurai (2003)
  • Tetsujin 28 (2005)
  • Our Family (2014)
  • Paper Moon (2014)
  • The Night Is Always the Bluest (2017)
  • Zan, (2018)
  • From Miyamoto to You (2019)
  • Shin Kamen Rider (2023)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Performance characterized by restrained emotional expressionEmphasis on physicality in performanceCareful depiction of inner changes tailored to each role
Recurring Motifs
Loneliness and conflicts of youthCoexistence of intense emotion and serenityCollapse and renewal of family / relationships

Legacy

From a child actor to roles in both international productions and major domestic indie and commercial films, Ikematsu is regarded as one of contemporary Japan's representative actors for his skill and choice of challenging roles. He serves as a bridge from younger talent to the mid-career generation and has had significant pop-culture impact (e.g., portraying Kamen Rider No.1).

Archives

  • NHK People Archive
  • KINENOTE - Profile
  • allcinema - Artist Entry

In Popular Culture

  • Portraying Kamen Rider No.1 in 'Shin Kamen Rider' increased recognition across multiple generations.
  • His varied roles in film and television have led to frequent media recognition as a new-generation acting talent.

Quotes

  • There are many great directors, so I want to be an actor who can endorse and align with their vision.
    Source: Interviews (various) (2018)
  • I refine my expression by watching many films. In 2015 he mentioned watching around 200 films a year.
    Source: Magazine / Interview (2015)

Trivia

  • Debuted as a child actor as Young Simba in the musical 'The Lion King' (Shiki Theatre Company).
  • Made film debut as Higen in 'The Last Samurai' (2003).
  • Left agency Horipro at end of Aug 2023 and became freelance.
  • His favorite band is Elephant Kashimashi.
  • Played baseball in high school (softball team, outfield).