5 Hot Japanese Male Stars

We always associate gadgets and technology with Japan. It's not a bad thing. But it also overlaps its human face. So,what's not and what's happening in Japan? Better yet, who are the hottest male celebrities in Japan?

1. Gackt

For years to come the sleek and slender form of Gackt will top all such lists. He is a 30-something pop star who has tried his hand at singing, modeling and acting. He certainly has a David Bowie-style charm, a fact that is enhanced by his Glam Rock looks.

Gackt made a name for himself when he joined the rock band Malice Mizer. While their music definitely falls into the rock category, it also borders a bit on industrial and power metal. Whatever the case, their musical pieces and acts boasted expressive showmanship. Check out one of their songs here.

Gackt was supposed to be filming for a Hollywood movie called Bunraku. It also features big names like Josh Hartnett and Demi Moore. It's supposed to an action-packed Western so it's bound to have interesting gun fights and elaborate fight scenes.

2.Ken'ichi Matsuyama

Where do you know him from? He's L, of course! L is the eccentric boy-detective in the manga called Death Note. Ken'ichi, with his boyish looks and quiet disposition, certainly did justice to the role.

Death Note is what seems to have made Ken'ichi famous but he is also been part of many big projects. As a matter of fact, Legend of Kamui is an upcoming movie starring the 24 years old star. It's based on a manga and it's about a ninja with smooth moves. Actually, to be fair, is also sounds like a ninja with an identity crisis but let's give it the benefit of the doubt. With sword wielding ninjas, how can you go wrong? Check out the trailer here.

3.Masaharu Fukuyama

It seems to be the norm for young brats to be the 'hot young one' on any and every list. So it was a big surprise to come across this name. Apparently his name lounges about shyly in the top ten of almost every survey done amongst Japanese audiences. Funnily enough his name pops up in everything from 'best choice for a tutor' to 'who would make a great lover' list. That's a bit disturbing co-relation there but I'm going to let that slide.

As with most other stars, he doubles as a singer and actor. Admittedly, his songs seem to propel him forward more than his work on the television. On that note, he plays a professor in drama series called Galileo. Suddenly, the 'he should be my professor' notion among high school girls makes sense.

Check out one of his songs here.

4. Hiro Mizushima

Hiro is a 20-something model and actor that is slowly gaining popularity. Actually, his name made its way to a few of those aforementioned surveys. With boyish good looks and the support of teenage girls all over Japan, he has it made.

It turns out his rise to fame is attributed to Kamen Rider Kabuto. I can understand the reason for his popularity; the show is a sci-fi thriller of sorts where the hero fights enemies with super powers. At least that's the impression I get as I glance over a few clips of the show. The, er, effects and costumes might have been nabbed from muppet world but it's certainly not as bad as Frankenfish.

Check out a clip of the series here.

5. Jin Akanishi

Given his age, it would be tempting to call him a rising star. Well, he may be 25 with just a few works to his name but it looks like teenage girls are already dedicating fan clubs to him.

Apparently the star is part of a boy-band called KAT-TUN and he has taken part in a number of musicals. Why does this conjure up images of a modern version of Tom Jones? Seems like that's not far from the truth, especially if this video is anything to go by.