Haiyu is the Japanese word that means actor, or actress. Just like most other parts of the world, gossip about celebrities, talking about favorite actors and actresses, etc. are important parts of casual daily banter.

With the advent of the internet, Japanese drama has become increasingly popular across the world. Along with that, Japanese actors and actresses are known by many outside of Japan as well. For Japanese drama fans, few are unfamiliar with icons such as Kimura Takuya, otherwise known as Kimutaku, a member of the arguably one of the most famous Japanese boy bands ever, SMAP. With a career that has spanned over 30 years now, some of the dramas that he has starred in include Long Vacation, Love Generation, Pride, and many more.

Some other actors and actresses that are popular include Erika Sawajiri, Keiko Kitagawa, or Tomohisa Yamashita, otherwise known as Yamapi. What are some of your favorite Japanese actors and actresses?

Let’s remember the following useful sentences before going to Japan!

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●Saikin wa shiranai haiyu-san bakkari desune.
(最近は知らない俳優さんばっかりですね。)
> Recently, there are a lot of actors and actresses that I don’t know.

●Ichiban suki na haiyu-san wa dare desuka?
(一番好きな俳優さんは誰ですか？)
> Who is your favorite actor or actress?

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Now all that’s left is to go out there and try using them in Japan!

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Shinagire (品切) Fun! Japan Words vol.154