Yoshihiko Hakamada

Yoshihiko Hakamada (袴田 吉彦) was born on 16 July 1973 in the industrial city of Hamamatsu, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. He attended Hamana High School, where his interest in performance began to surface, eventually leading him to enter the entertainment industry after winning the prestigious Junon Super Boy Contest Grand Prix Award in 1991. His victory opened the door to a contract with Platinum Production, and he made his acting debut the same year, marking the start of a career that has spanned over three decades. Hakamada quickly became known for his versatility, appearing in a wide range of television dramas, from intense period pieces to light‑hearted contemporary comedies, and he has also built a substantial filmography that includes both live‑action features and voice work in Japanese dubs. One of his most internationally recognized roles is his contribution to the beloved Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, where his voice work helped bring the whimsical story to life for Japanese audiences. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he cultivated a reputation for professionalism and an ability to embody complex characters, earning critical praise and a loyal fan base. In addition to his on‑screen work, Hakamada has released music, issuing singles and albums that showcase his vocal talents, further demonstrating his multifaceted artistic abilities. His personal life has also attracted media attention; in 2010 he married tarento Ai Kawanaka, and the couple welcomed their first child shortly thereafter, adding a new dimension to his public persona. Despite his extensive experience, Hakamada continues to pursue new challenges, remaining active in the industry as of the present day and collaborating with close friends such as Hideaki Itō and Gamon Kaai on various creative projects.