Kōdai Asaka is widely known for his exceptional acting skills. He has now become a familiar face in the world of Japanese dramas and films.
Have you seen and explored his various works on screen? If not, let’s dive deeper into Kōdai Asaka’s profile and discover his incredible charm.
Kōdai Asaka Profile
Kōdai Asaka (浅香航大) was born on August 24, 1992, in Kanagawa Prefecture. He stands approximately 182 cm tall.
Asaka once joined Johnny’s Entertainment (now known as Stellar Boys Entertainment) and was a member of the Johnny’s junior group, “J.J. Express.”
However, perhaps due to his idol career not progressing as expected, Asaka left Johnny’s in 2008 and joined the talent agency A-team. Currently, he is represented by Tristone Entertainment.
Asaka made his acting debut in the TV drama Hanazakari no Kimitachi e: Ikemen Paradise 2011 in July 2011, marking his first step as an actor after leaving his idol career behind.
In 2014, he starred in NHK’s morning drama Massan as the character “Eiichirō Kamoi,” significantly boosting his popularity and giving him more acting opportunities.
If you’ve ever watched Ryōko Yoshida’s film Mienai Mokugekisha, you’d be impressed by Asaka. Not only is he skilled at expressing emotions through his gaze, but he also radiates an aura that can stir the heart.
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6 Notable Works of Kōdai Asaka in Acting
1. Anata no Ban desu
Anata no Ban desu (Your Turn to Kill) is a mystery thriller drama that aired in the spring and summer of 2019.
The story revolves around a newlywed couple, played by Kei Tanaka and Tomoyo Harada, who inadvertently become involved in a series of murders in their new apartment complex.
Neighbors are killed one by one, caught in a terrifying murder game. Asaka plays a young detective named “Masato Kamiya,” tasked with investigating the cases but ends up getting entangled in the incidents.
2. Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
This drama tells a pure love story depicting the relationship between “Adachi Kiyoshi,” a shy virgin, and his elite colleague, “Kurosawa Yuichi.”
A BL drama starring Eiji Akaso and Keita Machida, Asaka plays “Tsuge Masato,” a romantic novelist and Adachi’s good friend.
Asaka’s character falls in love at first sight with “Minato Wataya,” a blonde-haired courier played by Yutaro.
Their relationship begins to develop after Tsuge rescues a stray cat that eventually becomes their connection.
3. Konya wa Konoji de
In the culinary romance drama adapted from the manga Konya wa Konoji de (Tonight is U-Shape), Asaka stars alongside Nakamura Yuri.
The story follows Yoshioka, an advertising company employee, who cancels a university club reunion due to having to finish a colleague’s work.
By chance, he reconnects with Keiko, an upperclassman he’s always admired. Overcoming his nerves about going to an izakaya alone, Yoshioka takes Keiko’s recommendations.
There, they enjoy food and drinks at a U-shaped table izakaya, where their romantic relationship begins to blossom.
4. Hanayome Miman Escape
Hanayome Miman Escape (Bride-to-Be Escape) depicts the life of Yū Kashiwazaki (played by Sae Okazaki), a woman approaching an ideal age for marriage.
She leads a monotonous life with her boyfriend of seven years, Naoki Matsushita (played by Daisuke Nakagawa).
On her birthday, Naoki forgets to celebrate, leading to a big argument between them.
Angry, Yū decides to leave their home. Returning to her hometown, she meets her handsome and mature ex-boyfriend, Fukaichi (played by Kōdai Asaka), who makes her heart race.
Now, Yū faces a tough choice: stay with her current boyfriend or return to her ex. This emotional turmoil leaves her uncertain about her future.
5. Chastity High
Renai Battle Royale (Chastity High) is a Netflix drama set in an aristocratic school with strict rules prohibiting romantic relationships or sexual activity among students.
Anyone caught breaking these rules faces expulsion.
Arisawa Yuichika (played by Ai Mikami), a student from a poor family, exploits her friends’ romantic relationships to make money.
She eventually collaborates with Ryo Makiryo (played by Ryūya Miyase), an heir to a wealthy family. Their professional relationship gradually turns into a tender love story.
Kōdai Asaka plays “Makiyuto,” Ryo’s older brother and a teacher at the school. However, Makiyuto himself becomes involved in a forbidden relationship with a student, creating a tale of love full of conflict and taboo.
6. Octo: Mind Investigator Akari Shinno
Octo: Mind Investigator Akari Shinno follows Akari Kokono (played by Marie Iitoyo), a talented detective capable of solving difficult cases.
She has a unique ability to see the “color of emotions” of those who look into her eyes, including the “murderous intent” of suspects.
Using this ability, Akari uncovers people’s deepest emotions and reveals the truth behind cases.
Season two aired in autumn 2024, where Akari is transferred to the Metropolitan Police Department and reunited with her former colleague, Ryō Kazehaya (played by Kōdai Asaka).
Initially skeptical of Akari’s abilities, Kazehaya begins to appreciate her talent after witnessing her solve numerous cases.
Their professional relationship grows through trust, though no romantic developments occur between them.
In season two, Kazehaya is promoted to Akari’s superior as the head of Division 8 of the Criminal Investigation Department.
With Akari now working with a new partner, her interactions with Kazehaya decrease, leaving fans of their pairing disappointed.
From all the mentioned dramas and films, which one is your favorite? These are just a fraction of the roles Kōdai Asaka has portrayed.