Rihito Itagaki

Rihito Itagaki (板垣 李光人) was born on January 28, 2002, in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, and has quickly become one of the most recognizable young talents in Japanese entertainment. From the remarkable age of two, he began modeling, appearing in child‑friendly campaigns that introduced him to the camera and sparked a lifelong passion for performance. In fifth grade he successfully passed a rigorous model audition for the prestigious Stardust Promotion agency, securing representation that would shape his career trajectory. After joining Stardust Promotion, Itagaki balanced his schoolwork with a steady stream of modeling assignments, gaining experience in fashion shows, print ads, and television commercials, which honed his poise and on‑screen presence. His first major acting break arrived in 2018 when he was cast as Heure in the popular Kamen Rider Zi‑O series, a role that earned him a dedicated fan base and introduced him to the world of tokusatsu drama. Building on that momentum, he delivered a compelling performance as Norman in the 2020 live‑action adaptation of The Promised Neverland, showcasing his ability to portray complex, emotionally nuanced characters. In 2021, Itagaki secured his first lead role as Meguru Sōma in My Androgynous Boyfriend, a series that highlighted his versatility by blending themes of gender expression and modern romance, and cemented his status as a leading actor of his generation. His continued ascent was evident in 2023 when he played Magoroku Inui in the cooking drama Fermat's Cuisine, demonstrating his skill in portraying everyday heroes with depth and authenticity. Throughout his career, Itagaki has remained committed to expanding his artistic range, taking on diverse roles across genres while maintaining a strong presence in the modeling world. His dedication, youthful energy, and evolving talent suggest a promising future as he continues to influence both the fashion and entertainment industries in Japan and beyond.