Tomohisa Yamashita

Tomohisa Yamashita, also known by the affectionate nicknames Yamapi and Tomo, is a multifaceted Japanese entertainer whose career spans singing, acting, radio hosting, and television presenting. Born on April 9, 1985 in Funabashi, Chiba, he entered the highly competitive world of Johnny & Associates in 1996 as a junior trainee, quickly gaining notoriety for his charisma and athletic prowess cultivated since kindergarten karate lessons. His early acting break came with a cameo in NHK's Shonentachi (1998) and a memorable role in Ikebukuro West Gate Park (2000), but it was his portrayal of Kusano Akira in the cult classic drama Nobuta wo Produce (2005) that cemented his status as a rising star. The following year he landed the titular role in Kurosagi, which launched his dual success as both actor and singer, the latter being highlighted by the chart‑topping single Seishun Amigo released with fellow NEWS member Kazuya Kamenashi. Tomohisa has since headlined a string of high‑rating television series such as Operation Love, Buzzer Beat, the medical drama Code Blue and its record‑breaking film adaptation, which became the highest‑grossing domestic movie in Japan in 2018. His versatility extends to hosting duties on popular variety programs like Shogeki! Sansedai Hikaku TV and YamaPi no Kiss Eigo, as well as a prolific radio career with shows such as SOUND TRIPPER. In recent years he has pursued international projects, appearing in the HBO Asia series The Head, the Hollywood action comedy The Man from Toronto, and the HBO Max production Tokyo Vice, demonstrating his ambition to reach a global audience. Throughout more than two decades, Tomohisa Yamashita has remained a cultural icon, noted for his polished performances, entrepreneurial spirit, and continual evolution across multiple entertainment domains.