Masato Sakai

Acting

Masato Sakai

Born October 14, 1973 · Kobe, Hyogo, Japan (age 52)

Masato Sakai (堺雅人) is a Japanese actor. He won the award for best actor at the 31st Yokohama Film Festival for The Wonderful World of Captain Kuhio and The Chef of South Polar and the award for best supporting actor at the 2008 Nikkan Sports Film Award, at the 33rd Hochi Film Award and at the 51st Blue Ribbon Awards. He also received a nomination for best supporting actor at the 32nd Japan Academy…

Known For

PromarePromare · 2019
Promare
7.12019
MovieAnimationAction
Galo and the Burning Rescue Fire Department face off against BURNISH, a group of mutants who are able to control and wield flames, and the fire disaster they have unleashed on Earth.
Sukiyaki Western DjangoSukiyaki Western Django · 2007
Sukiyaki Western Django
6.22007
MovieAdventureAction
A nameless gunfighter arrives in a town ripped apart by rival gangs and, though courted by both to join, chooses his own path.
A Moon in the OrdinaryA Moon in the Ordinary · 2025
A Moon in the Ordinary
7.72025
MovieDramaRomance
Kensho Aoto reunites with Yoko Sudo, whom he had feelings for in junior high school, for the first time in 35 years. On the second floor window sill of a small apartment. Yoko was leaning against the window and looking up at the moon in the night sky, then Kensho was watching her from outside. Kensho “What were you thinking back then?” Yoko “...Something like a dream. Just about something like a dream.” The two of them are naturally attracted to each other for the first time at the age of 50. They eventually start talking about the future...
Vamp ShowVamp Show · 2001
Vamp Show
2001
Movie
Five merry men who travel and live all over the country. They all love to sing and for some reason they are all nocturnal. Their hobbies are raiding and blood donor cars. What they don't like is crosses, and what they love is - choo-choo-choo!!! ?
Buddha: The Great DepartureBuddha: The Great Departure · 2011
Buddha: The Great Departure
7.52011
MovieAdventureAnimation
Prince Siddhartha is heir to the Shakya kingdom, which is constantly at war with the more powerful Kosala kingdom. His father tries to raise as him as a warrior leader and to shield him from the miseries of the world. Meeting the young outcast girl Migaila, Siddhartha experiences love for the first time but also witnesses the suffering that afflicts humankind. Meanwhile, in Kosala, Chapra rises through the military, despite his lowly origins, to become a hero and general of the army. A final showdown between the two kingdoms forces Siddhartha to re-evaluate the path he is following.
The Wall ManThe Wall Man · 2007
The Wall Man
3.72007
MovieHorrorDrama
The wall man is a strange wall-dwelling creature that is neither human nor ghost.
When the Last Sword Is DrawnWhen the Last Sword Is Drawn · 2003
When the Last Sword Is Drawn
7.42003
MovieActionDrama
Kanichiro Yoshimura is a Samurai and Family man who can no longer support his wife and children on the the low pay he receives from his small town clan, he is forced by the love for his family to leave for the city in search of higher pay to support them.
Destiny: The Tale of KamakuraDestiny: The Tale of Kamakura · 2017
Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura
7.42017
MovieMysteryDrama
Set in an alternate universe, the ancient capital of Kamakura is a vibrant town where fantastical creatures live alongside humans. Akiko is a cheerful publishing assistant who moves into town after marrying Masakazu, a popular mystery writer. Akiko is surprised by the unusual town but enjoys the new curiosities surrounding her. However, just as she was beginning to settle in, a trifling incident sweeps her spirit to the underworld too soon. Convinced that destiny has something else in store for his wife, Masakazu journeys into the underworld to bring back Akiko’s spirit.

Movies

PromarePromare · 2019
Promare
7.12019
MovieAnimationAction
Galo and the Burning Rescue Fire Department face off against BURNISH, a group of mutants who are able to control and wield flames, and the fire disaster they have unleashed on Earth.
Sukiyaki Western DjangoSukiyaki Western Django · 2007
Sukiyaki Western Django
6.22007
MovieAdventureAction
A nameless gunfighter arrives in a town ripped apart by rival gangs and, though courted by both to join, chooses his own path.
A Moon in the OrdinaryA Moon in the Ordinary · 2025
A Moon in the Ordinary
7.72025
MovieDramaRomance
Kensho Aoto reunites with Yoko Sudo, whom he had feelings for in junior high school, for the first time in 35 years. On the second floor window sill of a small apartment. Yoko was leaning against the window and looking up at the moon in the night sky, then Kensho was watching her from outside. Kensho “What were you thinking back then?” Yoko “...Something like a dream. Just about something like a dream.” The two of them are naturally attracted to each other for the first time at the age of 50. They eventually start talking about the future...
Vamp ShowVamp Show · 2001
Vamp Show
2001
Movie
Five merry men who travel and live all over the country. They all love to sing and for some reason they are all nocturnal. Their hobbies are raiding and blood donor cars. What they don't like is crosses, and what they love is - choo-choo-choo!!! ?
Buddha: The Great DepartureBuddha: The Great Departure · 2011
Buddha: The Great Departure
7.52011
MovieAdventureAnimation
Prince Siddhartha is heir to the Shakya kingdom, which is constantly at war with the more powerful Kosala kingdom. His father tries to raise as him as a warrior leader and to shield him from the miseries of the world. Meeting the young outcast girl Migaila, Siddhartha experiences love for the first time but also witnesses the suffering that afflicts humankind. Meanwhile, in Kosala, Chapra rises through the military, despite his lowly origins, to become a hero and general of the army. A final showdown between the two kingdoms forces Siddhartha to re-evaluate the path he is following.
The Wall ManThe Wall Man · 2007
The Wall Man
3.72007
MovieHorrorDrama
The wall man is a strange wall-dwelling creature that is neither human nor ghost.
When the Last Sword Is DrawnWhen the Last Sword Is Drawn · 2003
When the Last Sword Is Drawn
7.42003
MovieActionDrama
Kanichiro Yoshimura is a Samurai and Family man who can no longer support his wife and children on the the low pay he receives from his small town clan, he is forced by the love for his family to leave for the city in search of higher pay to support them.
Destiny: The Tale of KamakuraDestiny: The Tale of Kamakura · 2017
Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura
7.42017
MovieMysteryDrama
Set in an alternate universe, the ancient capital of Kamakura is a vibrant town where fantastical creatures live alongside humans. Akiko is a cheerful publishing assistant who moves into town after marrying Masakazu, a popular mystery writer. Akiko is surprised by the unusual town but enjoys the new curiosities surrounding her. However, just as she was beginning to settle in, a trifling incident sweeps her spirit to the underworld too soon. Convinced that destiny has something else in store for his wife, Masakazu journeys into the underworld to bring back Akiko’s spirit.
Ningen Shikkaku: Director's Cut-banNingen Shikkaku: Director's Cut-ban · 2009
Ningen Shikkaku: Director's Cut-ban
6.52009
MovieAnimationDrama
A theatrical film version of Madhouse's Aoi Bungaku Series anime. The film will re-edit the four episodes based on Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human (Ningen Shikkaku) novel, which have character designs inspired by manga artist and novel illustrator Takeshi Obata. This "director's cut" will include new "navigation" footage which is being created specifically for the film with narrator Masato Sakai.
The Chef of South PolarThe Chef of South Polar · 2009
The Chef of South Polar
7.12009
MovieDramaComedy
When eight men are assigned to live 14,000 kilometers from home in inhumanly cold conditions, food becomes their new existence.
Golden SlumberGolden Slumber · 2010
Golden Slumber
7.12010
MovieActionComedy
When easy-going Aoyagi meets an old friend for a fishing trip, he ends up drugged, framed for the Prime Minister's assassination, and on the run from corrupt cops. It's only the beginning of what quickly becomes the worst, weirdest day of his life. But he'll get by with a little help from his friends, who include a famous pop diva, a rockabilly deliveryman, a crippled old gangster, and the world's most cheerful serial killer.
Three Ghosts
Oct 6, 2026
Three Ghosts · 2026
Three Ghosts
2026
Movie
The show is scheduled to be performed at PARCO Theatre in October 2026! (Performances also scheduled in Osaka, Fukuoka, Aichi, Okayama, and Miyazaki in November-December)
Legal High SPLegal High SP · 2013
Legal High SP
8.02013
MovieDramaComedy
Kazuhiko Kogure, who is a 2nd grade student in middle school, falls off from one of the school's rooftop. There were other male students on the roof when Kazuhiko Kogure fell off. According to the other students there, Kazuhiko Kogure tried to jump to another school building, but missed. Fortunately, Kazuhiko Kogure only fractured his leg and ribs. According to Kazuhiko Kogure's mother Hidemi, the school insists it was students playing around and did not involve bullying. Hidemi though, doesn't believe it, because Kazuhiko Kogure has a fear of heights. Hidemi goes to see attorney Machiko Mayuzumi and Machiko decides to take her case, but she asks for fellow attorney Kensuke Komikado's help. Meanwhile, the school hires attorney Teshigahara Isao.
My SO Has Got DepressionMy SO Has Got Depression · 2011
My SO Has Got Depression
7.22011
MovieDrama
Mikio is a married man and works hard for the company where he is employed. Then one day Mikio is diagnosed with depression. Mikio's wife is Haruko. They have been married for 5 years. Haruko draws comics for work, but they do not sell well. She mainly relied on Mikio for support. Meanwhile, Haruko did not notice any changes in her husband. She begins to blame herself for not noticing any signs. Mikio's depression derived from his work. His company has been pressing him to quit the company. After Mikio quits his job his condition improves, but the dynamics of their relationship changes.
Honey and CloverHoney and Clover · 2006
Honey and Clover
6.32006
MovieDramaRomance
Adapted from the popular manga of the same name, director Masahiro Takada's coming of age drama follows five Hama Art College students as they prepare to venture out into the real world on a great voyage of self-discovery.
Mourning Becomes ElectraMourning Becomes Electra · 2004
Mourning Becomes Electra
2004
Movie
The Two in TracksuitsThe Two in Tracksuits · 2008
The Two in Tracksuits
6.82008
MovieDramaComedy
A son quits his job and is persuaded by his father to head off to a cottage in the remote mountains. Together, the two of them manage to get through their days while wearing old jerseys left by a deceased grandmother. The following summer, the two once again leave the stifling heat of Tokyo, as if escaping to the mountain cottage. However, the next summer is very different.
Promare / Side: GaloPromare / Side: Galo · 2019
Promare / Side: Galo
7.42019
MovieActionAnimation
A prequel to Promare, set one day before the events of the film.
Dr. Coto's ClinicDr. Coto's Clinic · 2022
Dr. Coto's Clinic
7.62022
MovieDrama
In this drama set on Shikina Island, a far-flung island of the Japanese archipelago located more than six hours from the Japanese main islands, the young physician Kensuke Goto arrives at the island and has to deal with the island's inhabitants, not eager to accept him, at a clinic lacking sufficient medical equipment. Here's a human drama showing how Dr. Coto values the dignity of human life while unflinchingly facing disease with a serious attitude.
The Goddess of 1967The Goddess of 1967 · 2000
The Goddess of 1967
6.52000
MovieComedyDrama
A rich, young businessman travels to Australia with the intention of buying a 1967 Citroën DS. Once he arrives, things do not go to plan, and he must drive the DS into the outback alongside a blind young woman in order to track down its seller.
Key of LifeKey of Life · 2012
Key of Life
7.62012
MovieComedyCrime
A failed actor switches identities with a stranger at a bath house thinking it is his way out of his life of misery but only to find himself filling the shoes of an elite assassin.
Tales of the Bizarre: 2008 Spring SpecialTales of the Bizarre: 2008 Spring Special · 2008
Tales of the Bizarre: 2008 Spring Special
2008
MovieFantasyComedy
Hosted by veteran comedian Tamori, "Bizarre Tales 2008 Spring Special" presents five tales. 1. Sakki Yori mo Ii Hito - starring Ito Hideaki. 2. Kore……Mite…… - starring Toda Erika. 3. Hinodedori Shouten Machi Ikiiki Day - starring Funakoshi Eiichiro. 4. Sukitōtta Tsuitachi - starring Kitano Kie. 5. Flashback - starring Sakai Masato.
Legal High 2 SPLegal High 2 SP · 2014
Legal High 2 SP
7.32014
MovieDramaComedy
Attorneys Kensuke Komikado and Machiko Mayuzumi receive a request from a general hospital. They go up against veteran attorney Kazuma Kujou who is trying to extract money from the general hospital by a medical malpractice lawsuit.
After SchoolAfter School · 2008
After School
8.12008
MovieMysteryComedy
A middle school teacher, Jinno, is friends with a young couple that is about to have a baby. But on the eve of the birth, the father, Kimura, disappears. Then, a hired private detective appears and ask Jinno's help to find Kimura.

TV Shows

KochiKameKochiKame · 1996
KochiKame
8.11996
SeriesAnimationComedy
Ryotsu Kankichi, or Ryo-san for short, is an unconventional cop working at the local police station who loves money. Together with famous celebrities like Nakagawa and Reiko, his strict boss Police Chief Ohara, and other wildly unique characters, he gets everyone caught up in all sorts of hijinks!
Legal HighLegal High · 2012
Legal High
8.52012
SeriesComedyDrama
A lawyer with a big personality works with an straightlaced recent law graduate on various law cases in Japan.
AtsuhimeAtsuhime · 2008
Atsuhime
9.02008
SeriesDrama
The 47th NHK Taiga Drama is a life story of Princess Atsu, who was born in Kagoshima Prefecture, then called Satsuma, and became the wife of Tokugawa Iesada, the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. She accedes to the highest rank in Ooku, the inner palace of the Edo castle where women related to the reigning shogun resided. Iesada dies soon after their marriage and Atsuhime assumes the name Tenshoin at the age of 23. She exerts herself for the Tokugawa clan and for the nation during the upheaval in the Meiji Restoration, headed by those from Satsuma.
Hanzawa NaokiHanzawa Naoki · 2013
Hanzawa Naoki
8.32013
SeriesDramaComedy
Hanzawa Naoki works as a loan manager at the Osaka Nishi branch of Tokyo Central Bank. One day, Hanzawa makes a loan contract for 500 million yen with Nishi Osaka Steel Company. Hanzawa didn't want to approve the loan, but he had to due to the branch manager's order. Nishi Osaka Steel Company seems financially stable, but the company actually hides massive amounts of debt through fraudulent accounts. The company is caught. Three months later, Nishi Osaka Steel Company goes bankrupt. The bank's branch manager is Asano. He is an ambitious man and tries to shift the blame to Hanzawa. Hanzawa then attends an inquiry about the loan failure at the bank's headquarters in Tokyo. Hanzawa denies fault and promises to retrieve the 500 million yen loan. He did this because it's the only way for Hanzawa to survive as a banker.
Dr. Coto's ClinicDr. Coto's Clinic · 2003
Dr. Coto's Clinic
8.72003
SeriesDrama
Dr. Goto Kensuke transfers to a remote island clinic after an incident at his Tokyo hospital. His first task: winning over the wary locals.
SanadamaruSanadamaru · 2016
Sanadamaru
8.02016
SeriesDrama
Spanning over 50 episodes, we follow the historical fiction of the Sanada clansmen as they plotted and fought their ways to survive the changing political alliances during the Warring States Period of Japan.
AudreyAudrey · 2000
Audrey
2000
SeriesDrama
Mizuki is a would-be actress who has yet to attain her goal, struggles to keep the dream in her heart alive while dealing with the reality of her normal life, far away from lights, cameras, and action she longs for. Despite words of warnings from her family, which includes her birth and step mothers, intended to keep her from reaching her destiny, she actually makes it onto a set of one of the film companies in Tokyo. She experiences the peaks and valleys of a starting actress, but receives a blow when news of the company collapses and eventually closes. Mizuki returns home, but, the fire once lit, still burns.
VivantVivant · 2023
Vivant
7.42023
SeriesDrama
Yusuke Nogi of Ryosho's Energy Development Division said that 10 times the official down payment was mistakenly sent to GFL, a local infrastructure company involved in a solar energy plant to be built in the Balkan Republic in Central Asia. Suspected of involvement, he heads to the Balkan Republic to collect the difference of $90 million. With the cooperation of his CIA friend Sam, Nogi obtained information that the terrorist al-Zaer had laundered the full amount of the contract money into diamonds and brought it out.
Aoi Bungaku SeriesAoi Bungaku Series · 2009
Aoi Bungaku Series
6.82009
SeriesAnimationDrama
An animated adaptation of six classical Japanese literature pieces, including No Longer Human (Ningen Shikkaku) and Run, Melos (Hashire, Melos) by Osamu Dazai, Kokoro by Natsume Souseki, Hell Screen (Jigoku Hen) and The Spider's Thread (Kumo no Ito) by Ryunosuke Akutagawa and In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom (Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita) by Ango Sakaguchi.
Sky HighSky High · 2003
Sky High
5.02003
SeriesDrama
Sky High is a live-action, supernatural Japanese television drama series, starring actress and model, Yumiko Shaku. It aired in Japan, first run, from 2003 to 2004, and was popular enough to spawn the 2003 feature film of the same name. Both are based on the Japanese manga, Skyhigh. Shaku stars as Izuko, the Guardian of the Gate to the afterlife. The basic premise of the television series is somewhat similar in concept to the American series, Ghost Whisperer, in which the protagonist must use her powers to guide the dead on their journey to the afterlife by helping them determine the meaning or circumstance of their death. However, in Izuko's case, no matter how hard she tries, her guidance does not always result in a happy ending.
Shinsengumi!Shinsengumi! · 2004
Shinsengumi!
8.12004
SeriesDrama
Shinsengumi! is a Taiga drama television series produced by Japanese broadcaster NHK. It was a popular drama about the Shinsengumi, a Japanese special police force from the Bakumatsu period.
EngineEngine · 2005
Engine
7.22005
SeriesComedy
Jiro Kanzaki is an F3000 test driver blessed with acute sensitivity and breathtaking driving techniques. He's a daredevil who feels no fear driving at speeds that even top racers dare not attempt. But unexpected trouble forces this world-famous racer to leave his team and return to Japan for the first time in years. Until he finds a new job as a racer, Jiro decides to stay with his parents. What awaits Jiro there is his hardheaded father, his nagging sister, the 12 children of the foster home his father runs, a snobbish male nurse, and a stubborn female nurse who likes to daydream about her life.
Dr. Rintaro, PsychiatristDr. Rintaro, Psychiatrist · 2015
Dr. Rintaro, Psychiatrist
6.82015
SeriesDramaComedy
A psychiatrist, Rintaro Hino, listens closely to the aching hearts of people, relieving them of their pain. His practice is growing but despite his achievements, Dr. Rintaro himself falls short in one department: love.
AntarcticaAntarctica · 2011
Antarctica
8.32011
SeriesDrama
Set in the 1950's, a Japanese Antarctic research exploration team and 19 dogs that accompanied the team are stationed at the Showa Base in Antarctica. After a year, the exploration team is ordered to withdraw from the Antarctic station due to severe weather conditions. The dogs have to be left behind. The following year, the next team arrives at the Showa Base station and a miraculous reunion occurs between a dog handler accompanying the new tean and two dogs, Taro and Shiro, that are brothers.
Joker: Unforgiven InvestigatorJoker: Unforgiven Investigator · 2010
Joker: Unforgiven Investigator
7.12010
SeriesCrimeDrama
Date Kazuyoshi (Sakai) is a detective on the Kanagawa prefectural police force. During the day, he is known as a "Buddha" for his gentle personality, pouring all of his energy into resolving each case. At night, however, he transforms into a cruel punisher as his gentleness gives way to his anger towards the criminals. The series poses questions about what justice and evil truly are. Tokyograph
YukikazeYukikaze · 2002
Yukikaze
7.02002
SeriesAnimation
Thirty-three years ago, an alien force known as the "JAM" invaded Earth through a dimensional portal over Antarctica. Earth’s forces managed to drive the JAM away to a distant planet designated as "Fairy." While the majority of Earth’s population is unaware of the JAM’s presence, the war continues on Fairy, where Rei Fukai is an SAF (Special Air Force) pilot assigned to pilot "Yukikaze"—an advanced reconnaissance fighter plane equipped with a near-sentient A.I. that detects the presence of the JAM within its path.
Ultra Q: Dark FantasyUltra Q: Dark Fantasy · 2004
Ultra Q: Dark Fantasy
10.02004
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
Ultra Q: Dark Fantasy is a 2004 production, and the 19th installment in the Ultra Series that was broadcast in Japan in 2004. It is a sequel to Ultra Q, the first of the Ultra Series. It retains the same swirling effect for the titlecard, but with the words "Dark Fantasy" added underneath, the title also remains black and white.
Jounetsu TairikuJounetsu Tairiku · 1998
Jounetsu Tairiku
7.01998
SeriesDocumentary
Sunday night TV documentary program that heightens the spirits bringing a positive message to start the upcoming week by showcasing the routine and life of people, both famous and regular, including the bits of joy and struggle that go along into making something special. Scientifics, actors, craftsman and people in all fields share their experience.
TriangleTriangle · 2009
Triangle
7.22009
SeriesMysteryDrama
The series starts with the murder of a 10-year-old girl in 1984. 15 years later, after the case goes unsolved and passes the statute of limitations, a doctor named Goda Ryoji suddenly quits from his hospital and eventually becomes a detective. In 2008, he meets Sachi, a traveling artist in Paris, and shortly after Goda's return to Japan, he becomes involved in the expired murder case when another detective receives an anonymous phone call.
Tsukahara BokudenTsukahara Bokuden · 2011
Tsukahara Bokuden
8.52011
SeriesDrama
Takahara is a legendary figure in the Warring States Period of Japan. He was born in Kagoshima, the sacred place of sword. He learned the art of Taidao in Kagoshima from childhood. He had faced many life-and-death battles in his life, but he had never been injured at one time. In this new play, the story will be unfolded centering on the youth period of Sakahara, which has never been shown on the big screen before.
Ooku: The BeginningOoku: The Beginning · 2012
Ooku: The Beginning
3.52012
SeriesDrama
During the reign of the shogun, Iemitsu, an epidemic causes the population of men to greatly drop, leading to an ooku where the role of men and women are reversed. Thus, “the women become the shogun, served by 3000 handsome men”
Kodoku no kakeKodoku no kake · 2007
Kodoku no kake
2007
SeriesMystery
Papa for One SummerPapa for One Summer · 2003
Papa for One Summer
2003
SeriesComedyDrama
A high school student’s mother passes away leaving her alone with her grief. The girl, Marimo, discovers the name of a father she never knew. Marimo sets off to meet him, but is completely shocked when she finds someone very different from the father she envisioned. Her father, Shinpei, a 38-year-old would-be private detective, is shocked too, and doesn’t believe her until he sees the paperwork. With Marimo muttering “The worst father in the world” and Shinpei lamenting the loss of his freedom, these two are about to learn how difficult and rewarding a father/daughter relationship can be.
Golden BowlGolden Bowl · 2002
Golden Bowl
9.52002
SeriesDramaComedy
Focus, concentration, proper posture and good release are the hallmarks of a good bowler. Welcome to Golden Bowl bowling alley. A bit rundown and small but no worse for wear, the Golden Bowl is stockbroker Shu Akutagawa's favorite haunt. A regular, he likes nothing better than the rumble of the bowl running down the alley and crash and crackle of the pins tumbling down. When a beautiful, older and married neighbor - who shares the same name as his old flame Hitomi - makes an appearance at the Golden Bowl, things start to heat up as Shu teams up with her to challenge some pro bowlers. Will Shu be as lucky with Hitomi as he is with the pins? --NTV