1. Biography
Etsushi Toyokawa's journey into acting began with a deep personal commitment, leading him to leave his university studies to pursue his passion.
1.1. Early Life and Education
Etsushi Toyokawa was born on March 18, 1962, in Yao, Osaka, Japan. He grew up with an older sister, three years his senior, under the care of his parents who were engaged in business. Due to his parents' busy work schedules, he often ate freely at home, leading him to be a chubby and quiet child. During his elementary school years, he aspired to be a tatami mat craftsman, finding the work of a local tatami shop owner fascinating.
Toyokawa's childhood was marked by frequent family relocations due to his parents' work, making it challenging for him to form lasting friendships. He never experienced bullying, but he struggled with dialects; when he moved from Osaka to Chiba, he was teased for his Osaka dialect, and upon returning to Osaka after adapting to Chiba's speech, he was again mocked for his accent. He and his sister shared a room until he was in high school, sleeping in a bunk bed. Influenced by his sister, he often read shōjo manga like Ribon and Bessatsu Margaret.
As he considered his future during high school, his sister was attending Doshisha University in Kyoto. His father suggested he also attend Doshisha and live with his sister in Kyoto. However, not keen on continuing to live with his sister after high school, he opted to attend Kwansei Gakuin University in Hyōgo Prefecture. Initially, Toyokawa had no intention of going to university; he had dreamed of traveling the world after high school, believing he would only discover his true calling after experiencing the world. His parents, however, strongly opposed this, insisting he complete university before embarking on his travels, leading him to enroll.
1.2. Early Career and Breakthrough
While at Kwansei Gakuin University, Toyokawa began living in a dormitory. He had no prior interest in theater until he noticed the drama club's activities from his room. Invited by a club member, he casually joined. His stage debut in August or September, in a small role in an original play from the then-popular underground theater scene, was hard to describe, perhaps not even human, but the thrill of performing in front of an audience captivated him, leading him to fully immerse himself in acting.
Driven by a desire to pursue acting seriously, Toyokawa dropped out of university in his second year and moved to Tokyo. He was deeply moved by a performance of the "Under Thirty" (劇団3○○) theatrical troupe, led by Eri Watanabe, and immediately after the show, he directly appealed to join the troupe, which he did in 1983. He made his official stage debut in Mabuta no Haha, written and directed by Watanabe, and remained with the troupe for seven years, appearing in numerous productions until his departure in 1989.
After leaving "Under Thirty," Toyokawa joined his current agency, Alpha Agency, through Watanabe's introduction. In 1989, he made his film debut in director Takahiko Watanabe's Kimi wa Boku ni Suki ni Naru, cast through an audition as a colleague of Masaya Kato. This marked the beginning of his extensive career in film and television. He made his first television appearance as a guest in the final episode of Fuji TV's Aitsu ga Trouble in 1990, followed by roles in NHK's Akazukin Kaitō Ranma in 1991 and other productions. He also appeared in Takeshi Kitano's 1990 film Boiling Point (also known as 3-4X10月).
His breakthrough came in 1992 when he co-starred with Shinji Takeda in the television drama Night Head, playing one of two brothers with supernatural powers. Despite being a late-night program, it gained a cult following. In the same year, he starred as Mutsuki Kishida in Joji Matsuoka's film Kira Kira Hikaru. These roles brought him national recognition, earning him multiple newcomer awards, including the Japan Academy Film Prize for Newcomer of the Year and the Élan d'Or Award for Newcomer of the Year, making him particularly popular among women in their twenties. He continued to appear in popular dramas such as Kono Yo no Hate and Kono Ai ni Ikite in 1994, further cementing his public recognition.
In 1995, he starred as Shigeru Akiba in Shunji Iwai's film Love Letter, for which he received the Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role and a Popularity Award. In the same year, he starred in Tell Me That You Love Me, portraying a hearing-impaired painter who deepens his love while overcoming his disability. The drama achieved a peak viewership rating of 28.1%.
2. Career and Filmography
Etsushi Toyokawa's career spans a wide array of visual media, showcasing his remarkable versatility and enduring presence in the Japanese entertainment landscape.
2.1. Filmography
Toyokawa has starred in numerous films, often taking on diverse and challenging roles.
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1989 | Kimi wa Boku ni Suki ni Naru | ||
1990 | Boiling Point | Okinawa-Rengou Kumichou | |
1990 | Byouin e Ikou | ||
1991 | The Gentle Twelve | Juror 11 | |
1991 | The Hitman: Blood Smells Like Roses | ||
1992 | Kacho Shima Kōsaku | Kenzo Kashimura | |
1992 | Kira Kira Hikaru | Mutsuki Kishida | Leading role |
1993 | Tsuribaka Nisshi 6 | Reporter Tachibana | |
1994 | Undo | Yukio | Leading role |
1994 | Angel Dust | Tomoo | |
1994 | Ghost Pub | Nobuya Sugimoto | |
1994 | Night Head | Naoto Kirihara | Leading role |
1995 | Love Letter | Shigeru Akiba | |
1995 | No Way Back | Yuji Kobayashi | American film |
1995 | School Mystery | Yuji Sakamoto | Also known as Phantom of the Toilet |
1996 | Men's Painting | Sugio Tsurumaru, Matsuo Tsurumaru | Leading role |
1996 | Yatsuhaka-Mura | Kosuke Kindaichi | Leading role |
1997 | Kizu Darake no Tenshi | Mitsuru Kida | Leading role |
1997 | Misty | Tajomaru | Leading role |
1997 | Lie lie Lie | Makoto Aikawa | Leading role |
1998 | Fool: Wounded Angel | Mitsuru Kida | |
1999 | Millennium Traveler | Tsurugi | Leading role |
2000 | Face | Hiroyuki Nakagami | |
2000 | Zawazawa Shimokitazawa | ||
2000 | New Battles Without Honor and Humanity | Kaneo Kadoya | Leading role |
2002 | Dog Star | Shiro | Leading role |
2002 | Inochi | Yutaka Higashi | Leading role |
2002 | Sazanami | Tatsuo Tamamizu | |
2003 | Moon Child | Vampire Luca | |
2004 | Tange Sazen | Tange Sazen | Leading role |
2005 | Year One in the North | Ashirika (Masayuki Takatsu) | |
2005 | Lakeside Murder Case | Masaru Tsukumi | |
2005 | The Man Behind the Scissors | Yasunaga | Leading role |
2005 | Beat Kids | Eiji's Father | |
2005 | The Great Yokai War | Yasunori Katō | |
2005 | Free Love | Yuichiro Iwai | Leading role (Theatrical release of TV drama) |
2005 | Loft | Makoto Yoshioka | Leading role |
2005 | The Great Blackout | Shinichi Kido | Leading role |
2005 | Shissō | Priest | |
2006 | Hula Girls | Yojiro Tanikawa | |
2006 | Nihon Chinbotsu | Dr. Yusuke Tadokoro | |
2006 | Yawaraka na Seikatsu | Shoichi Tachibana | |
2006 | Arigato | ||
2007 | Love in the Time of Cholera | Kikuji Murao | Leading role |
2007 | Tama Moeru! | Noda | |
2007 | Southbound | Ichiro Uehara | Leading role |
2007 | The Investigation Game | Fumihiko Makishima | Leading role |
2007 | Tsubaki Sanjuro | Hanbei Muroto | Remake of the Kurosawa film |
2008 | The Kiss | Akio Sakaguchi | |
2008 | 10 Promises to My Dog | Yuichi Saito | |
2008 | Teacher and Three Children | Yoshihito Yamazaki | |
2008 | 20th Century Boys | Otcho (Choji Ochiai) | |
2009 | 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope | Otcho | |
2009 | 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption | Otcho | |
2010 | Sword of Desperation | Kanemi Sanzaemon | Leading role |
2010 | A Good Husband | Shunsuke Kitami | Leading role |
2011 | Postcard | Keita Matsuyama | Leading role |
2013 | Platinum Data | Reiji Asama | |
2013 | Human Trust | Harry Endo | |
2014 | Judge! | Ichirō Ōtaki | |
2014 | Climbing to Spring | Goro Tada | |
2015 | Her Granddaughter | Jun Kaieda | Leading role |
2016 | Black Widow Business | Tōru Kashiwagi | |
2017 | March Comes in Like a Lion | Kōda | |
2017 | March Goes out Like a Lamb | Kōda | |
2017 | The Blue Hearts | Tatsuya Akiyama | |
2018 | Flea-picking Samurai | Senbē | |
2018 | Laplace's Witch | Amakasu | |
2018 | Punk Samurai Slash Down | Naitō Tatewaki | |
2018 | Scattered Camellia | Narrator | |
2019 | Paradise Next | Shima | Leading role, Taiwanese-Japanese film |
2019 | Midway | Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto | American film |
2019 | Samurai Marathon | Ioki Suketora | |
2020 | Last Letter | Atō | |
2020 | I Never Shot Anyone | Shuo | |
2021 | Ito | Kōichi Sōma | |
2021 | One Summer Story | Tomomitsu Waragai | |
2021 | Every Trick in the Book | Kenjirō Kurata | |
2022 | My Brother, The Android and Me | Kaoru Kiryu | Leading role |
2022 | Kingdom 2: Far and Away | Biao Gong (Hyou Kou) | |
2022 | 2 Women | Atsurō Shiraki | Leading role |
2023 | Baian the Assassin, M.D. | Fujieda Baian | Leading role |
2023 | Baian the Assassin, M.D. 2 | Fujieda Baian | Leading role |
2023 | And So I'm at a Loss | Kōji Sugawara | |
2023 | Revolver Lily | Kinya Hosomi |
2.2. Television Dramas
Toyokawa has also made a significant impact on television, starring in many acclaimed dramas.
Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1989 | Thursday Gold Drama: Yome, Shūtome, Ōshūtome 3 | |||
1990 | Aitsu ga Trouble | One of the culprits | Final episode guest | |
1990 | Tuesday Mystery Theater: Nishimura Jūgyō Special Inubue | |||
1991 | Representative Director Detective | Episode 16 | ||
1991 | Tales of the Unusual: Examinee | Kohei Takada | ||
1991 | Friday Drama: Akazukin Kaitō Ranma | |||
1991 | Yumemiru Kurai, Ii Janai | |||
1991 | Thursday Theater: Shabondama | Koji Sakaki | ||
1991 | Seven Female Lawyers 2 | Episode 7 | ||
1991 | Sasurai Keiji Ryojōhen IV | Episode 5 | ||
1991 | Taiheiki | Kichiji | Taiga drama | |
1992 | Really Scary Stories: Ghost Detective | |||
1992 | Sayonara o Mō Ichido | |||
1992 | Uradeka | Nakanishi | Episode 3 | |
1992 | Itoko Dōshi | Natsuhiko Mitsuya | ||
1992 | Night Head | Naoto Kirihara | Leading role | |
1992 | Night Head The Other Side | Naoto Kirihara | ||
1993 | Seishun Botan Doro | Shinzaburo | Leading role (co-starring Rie Miyazawa) | |
1993 | Ochanoma | Nagasaki | ||
1993 | RUN | Yuichi Ishihara | ||
1993 | Suspense Demon: Moeru Himitsu | Kyoichi | ||
1993 | Selected! Black Suspense: Sōshitsu | Shuichi Kujima | ||
1993 | Murder Shogi Piece | Ryusho Taniyama | ||
1993 | Homura Tatsu | Kiyohara no Iehira | Taiga drama | |
1994 | Kono Ai ni Ikite | Seiichi Uekusa | ||
1994 | Tales of the Unusual Winter Special: Lunatic Love | Boku | Leading role | |
1994 | Umi ga Mitai to Kimi ga Itte | Yusuke Sawaki | Voice appearance | |
1994 | Kono Yo no Hate | Seiji Kamiya | ||
1995 | Tell Me That You Love Me | Koji Sakaki | Leading role | |
1997 | Aoi Tori | Yoshimori Shibata | Leading role | |
1999 | Kyōdai: Niisan, Onegai Dakara Shinde Kure | Reizo Nakanishi | Leading role (co-starring Beat Takeshi) | |
1999 | Dangerous Relations | Shinji Uozumi | Leading role | |
1999 | Welcome to the Class Reunion: Too Late Summer Homecoming | Shunichi Sakaki | Leading role | |
2001 | New Year Human Drama Special: 17-nenme no Papa e | Shinji Karaki | Leading role (co-starring Kyoko Fukada) | |
2001 | Woman and Love and Mystery: Seicho Matsumoto Special Project: Warui Yatsura | Shinichi Totani | Leading role | |
2001 | Love Story | Yasu Nagase | Leading role | |
2001 | Saturday Special Drama: Shijō no Koi Ai wa Umi o Koete | Morioka | Leading role | |
2002 | Takeshi Kitano Original Drama: Shōnen | Episode 2: "Hoshi no Su" (Star Nest) | ||
2003 | Lost Promise: The Fate of Torn Love | Junichi Shinohara | Leading role | |
2003 | Et Alors | Takafumi Kurusu | Leading role | |
2005 | Drama W: Jiyū Ren'ai | Yuichiro Iwai | Leading role (triple starring) | |
2005 | Seishun no Mon: Chikuhō-hen | Juzo Ibuki | TBS 50th Anniversary Special Drama | |
2005 | Dazai Osamu Monogatari | Osamu Dazai | Leading role | |
2006 | Bengoshi no Kuzu | Kuzu Motohito | Leading role | |
2011 | Go | Oda Nobunaga | Taiga drama | |
2012 | Beautiful Rain | Keisuke Kinoshita | Leading role | |
2016 | Continuous Drama W: Arachi no Koi | Taro Kitazawa | Leading role | |
2016 | Soseki Monmon Natsume Soseki Saigo no Koi Kyoto Gion no Nijūkyūnichikan | Natsume Sōseki | Leading role (co-starring Rie Miyazawa) | |
2018 | Half Blue Sky | Haori Akikaze | Asadora | |
2020 | The Fugitive | Masami Hosaka | Mini-series | |
2021 | My Daughter Can't Get a Boyfriend | Fuga Ichinose | Episodes 7-10 | |
2021-2024 | No Activity | Shingo Tokita | Leading role; 2 seasons | |
2024 | Tokyo Swindlers | Harrison Yamanaka | Leading role |
2.3. Other Media and Stage Work
Beyond traditional film and television, Toyokawa has explored various other forms of media and maintained a connection with the stage.
2.3.1. Web Dramas
- No Activity/Honjitsu mo Ijō Nashi (2021, 2024) as Shingo Tokita (leading role, co-starring Tomoya Nakamura), an Amazon Prime Video exclusive series.
- Tokyo Swindlers (2024) as Harrison Yamanaka (leading role, co-starring Go Ayano), a Netflix series.
2.3.2. V-Cinema
- Tough Part I: Tanjō-hen (1990)
- Female Teacher: Nureta Piano no Shita de (1991) as Ryū Goda
- Like a Beast: Kanketsu-hen (1992)
2.3.3. Stage Work
Toyokawa remained with the "Under Thirty" troupe for seven years, appearing in numerous productions until his departure in 1989. After leaving the troupe, he performed on stage only once more, around the age of 30.
- Alas, She Is a Whore (1993) - Leading role (co-starring Eri Fukatsu)
- Shinjuku Ryōzanpaku 77th Performance: Ochoko no Kasa Motsu Mary Poppins (2024)
2.3.4. Voice Acting
- Earwig and the Witch (2020, NHK General TV) as Mandrake (voice)
- Lost Odyssey (2007, video game) as Kaim Argonar
2.3.5. Documentaries and Educational Programs
- Hi-Vision Tokushū: Motto Shiritai Greece "Aegean Sea Konpeki no Meikyū" (2004, NHK General TV) - Traveler
- Sekai Toki no Tabibito: Lupin ni Kuwareta Otoko Maurice Leblanc (2005, NHK BS Premium) - Reporter
- NHK Special (NHK General TV)
- Mukashi Chichi wa Nihonjin o Koroshita: Pulitzer-shō Sakka ga Mita Okinawa-sen (2011) - Reading of Dale Maharidge's monologue
- "Yoru no Machi" de Ikiru: Kabukichō Shiren no Fuyu (2021) - Narrator
- Shin Document Taiheiyo Sensō: 1941 Dai 1-kai Kaisen (Part 1 & 2) (2021) - Reading
- Balthus to Kanojotachi no Kankei (2014, NHK BS Premium) - Navigator
- Planet Earth II (2016-2017, NHK BS Premium) - Narrator
- The Blue Planet II (2018, NHK General TV) - Narrator
- NNN Document '24: Kamagasaki no Shōzō Ashita e no 3000-mai (2024, Yomiuri TV) - Narrator
- Sasurai no Todōfu Inu Shirō (2024, NHK E Tele) - Voice of Shirō
3. Creative Works and Commercials
Toyokawa's creative endeavors extend beyond acting, encompassing original screenplays and directorial work, as well as a significant presence in advertising.
3.1. Original Works and Screenplays
Etsushi Toyokawa has also ventured into writing and directing, demonstrating his artistic vision behind the camera. His works include:
- Yoshiharu Tsuge World: Taikutsu na Heya (1998, TV Tokyo) - Original story, screenplay, direction
- Yoshiharu Tsuge World: Natsukashii Hito (1998, TV Tokyo) - Original story, screenplay, direction
- Bishōjo H: Chichi, Kaeru... (1998, Fuji TV) - Original story, screenplay, direction
- Tales of the Unusual 2000 Spring Special: Hiyasu Onna (2000, Fuji TV) - Original story, screenplay, direction
- The Gift of the Magi: Kenja no Kōshin (2001, Hiroshima Home TV) - Original story only
- Manzai Couple (2001, TBS) - Original story, screenplay, direction
- LOVERS: St. Sebastian's Palm (2003, TBS) - Original story, screenplay, direction
- Special Drama: Ren'ai Shōsetsu Jūhachi no Natsu (2006, TBS) - Original story, screenplay, direction
As a television director, Toyokawa had a distinctive characteristic of casting directors or TV directors in important roles in his early works. For instance, in "Chichi, Kaeru...", the father of the heroine was played by Shunsaku Kawage, director of Kono Ai ni Ikite and Hoshi ni Natta Shōnen. In "Hiyasu Onna," the deceased lover frozen by the heroine was played by Jinsei Tsuji, director of Sennen Tabibito. In "Taikutsu na Heya" and "Natsukashii Hito," the protagonist Tsugibe was played by Ryosuke Hashiguchi, director of Hatsukoi and Gururi no Koto.. In Manzai Couple, he cast Miho Nakayama, an actress from Yoshimoto New Comedy, to play the heroine's later years, adding a playful touch.
3.2. Commercial Appearances
Toyokawa has been a prominent face in numerous television commercials for major brands, lending his image to various products and campaigns.
- Kikkoman Triangle (shochu)
- Japan Tobacco Seven Stars (tobacco) - This was the last TV commercial before the enforcement of Article 40 of the Tobacco Business Act.
- Audi
- KDDI
- Sapporo Beer Black Label (co-starring Tsutomu Yamazaki)
- Kirin Brewery
- "Enjuku" (happoshu), "Sumikiri" (new genre beer) (2013-)
- "Kirin Ichiban Shibori Raw Beer" (2021-) (Oishii Beer e campaign)
- "Kirin Ichiban Shibori Sugar Zero" (2023-) (Niwa Shigoto no Ato and Fried Potato campaigns; Ii Jidai campaign (2024-); Daiben suru Musume and Mitometakunai Chichi campaigns (2025-))
- Apple Computer - Narrator
- Dainihon Jochugiku Kinchoil
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical SOYJOY (2007-)
- Nissan Teana
- AC Japan World Food Programme "Hope" (2008) - Narrator
- Asahi Beer Cooldraft (happoshu)
- Recruit Agent
- NTT West
- Toyota Group
- Toyota
- Toyota Corolla Spacio
- Toyota Crown (2015)
- Daihatsu Tanto Custom (2010-, 2013-) - As Chief Editor of CAR & More. Co-starred with Miho Kanno and Go Ayano. (For the second-generation late model: Atarashii ne (Fish Delivery/Office Love) campaigns (2010-); For the third-generation early model: Teaser, Style, and Interior campaigns (2013-))
- Toyota Tsusho (2015-)
- Toyota
- Nissin Foods Nissin Raoh (2011-)
- Japan Gateway / La Beaute Japon "Rigaos"
- Ajinomoto "Nabe Cube" (2015-)
- Sumitomo Mitsui Card Sumitomo Mitsui VISA Platinum Card (2016-)
- Kao Attack Neo Anti-bacterial EX W Power (2017-)
- Plus Alpha Consulting Talent Palette (2019-) (Motivation and Future campaigns)
- GYAO! (2019-2020)
- Cybozu Kintone (2023-) (Tanoshisō na Buchō and Hitosujinawa de wa Ikanai Gyōmu campaigns)
4. Acting Philosophy
Etsushi Toyokawa has a distinct approach to his craft, emphasizing deep immersion and consistency in his roles. When portraying real-life figures, including those fictionalized based on real people, he makes an effort to meet the person beforehand if possible. He states that he wants to confirm the existence of that person. Even for historical figures like Oda Nobunaga, he visits their graves.
He describes himself as an actor who "dives" into roles rather than overthinking them, comparing the act of tackling challenging or intimate scenes to jumping into water. A crucial aspect of his acting philosophy is maintaining a consistent "temperature" throughout the production period to ensure his emotional engagement with the character does not wane. Furthermore, he tries to avoid appearing in similar types of works consecutively, seeking variety in his roles.
5. Personal Life
Etsushi Toyokawa maintains a relatively private personal life, though some details about his family and interests have emerged. He married a woman who worked as a hair and makeup artist for the television drama Aoi Tori in 1997. They had one son and one daughter before divorcing on December 31, 2005, with his ex-wife taking custody of the children. In May 2015, he announced his remarriage to a former aesthetician and the birth of their daughter.
In 2008, Toyokawa experienced an anaphylactic shock after eating an oyster hot pot meal at home, requiring an ambulance ride to the hospital. The cause was an allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient in the pot, but his symptoms were mild.
He is known for his strong aversion to mixing his public and private life, often declining media interviews to maintain a mysterious image. However, he made his first appearance on a talk show, NHK's Asaichi, on September 2, 2016. He is a devoted fan of NHK programs, watching most of the shows on NHK General TV from 7:00 PM until after 10:00 PM. His favorite program is Tsurube no Kazoku ni Kanpai, hosted by Shōfukutei Tsurube, with whom he co-starred in the film Black Widow Business. He has also publicly stated his admiration for NHK announcer Shinichi Takeda, the former main anchor of NHK News 7, and expressed a desire to emulate Takeda if he were to play a news anchor role.
Actress Shinobu Terajima, with whom Toyokawa has co-starred six or seven times as of October 2022, holds a sense of awe towards him. Toyokawa, in turn, praises Terajima, stating that he respects her "cool way of diving into roles" and finds her stimulating and easy to work with, creating an atmosphere where he feels he can "jump into roles together" with her.
His hobby is surfing, which he started in his early 40s and has pursued for about 15-16 years as of 2022. He notes that some people in their late 70s also surf, which influences his perspective. He considers surfing more than just a sport, particularly enjoying the "wave-waiting" time while sitting on his board. During this time, he feels he can shed all his "costumes" as an actor, father, professional, and man, and return to his true, "naked" self.
6. Awards and Recognition
Etsushi Toyokawa has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, recognizing his outstanding contributions to film and television.
- For Kira Kira Hikaru and Kacho Shima Kōsaku (1992)
- 14th Yokohama Film Festival Best New Actor (also for The Gentle Twelve)
- 18th Osaka Film Festival Best Supporting Actor
- 16th Japan Academy Film Prize Newcomer of the Year
- For Love Letter (1995)
- 20th Hochi Film Award Best Supporting Actor
- 17th Yokohama Film Festival Best Actor
- 10th Takasaki Film Festival Best Supporting Actor
- 19th Japan Academy Film Prize Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Popularity Award
- For Yatsuhaka-Mura (1996)
- 20th Japan Academy Film Prize Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
- For Kizu Darake no Tenshi (1997)
- 12th Takasaki Film Festival Best Actor
- For New Battles Without Honor and Humanity (2000)
- 15th Takasaki Film Festival Best Actor
- For Inochi (2002)
- 26th Japan Academy Film Prize Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
- For Year One in the North (2005)
- 29th Japan Academy Film Prize Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
- For Tama Moeru! and Tsubaki Sanjuro (2007)
- 3rd Osaka Cinema Festival Best Supporting Actor
- For The Kiss (2008)
- 23rd Takasaki Film Festival Best Supporting Actor
- For Sword of Desperation and A Good Husband (2010)
- 35th Hochi Film Award Best Actor
- 32nd Yokohama Film Festival Best Actor
- 84th Kinema Junpo Awards Best Actor
- 20th Tokyo Sports Film Award Best Actor
- 34th Japan Academy Film Prize Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
- For Tell Me That You Love Me (1995)
- 6th The Television Drama Academy Awards Best Actor, Best Dresser
- For Dangerous Relations (1999)
- 23rd The Television Drama Academy Awards Best Actor
- Other Awards
- 1993 Élan d'Or Award Newcomer of the Year
- 1995 Golden Arrow Award Grand Prix
- 2008 48th ACC CM FESTIVAL Best Performance Award (for Otsuka Pharmaceutical SOYJOY commercial)
- 2011 Yufuin Film Festival Best Film (for Postcard)
- 2020 TAMA Film Festival Best Film (for Last Letter)
- 2021 TAMA Film Festival Special Award (for Ito)
7. Evaluation and Legacy
Etsushi Toyokawa's career is marked by a consistent ability to deliver compelling performances across a wide range of genres and character types. From his early breakthrough as a supernatural brother in Night Head to his nuanced portrayals in critically acclaimed films like Love Letter and his commanding presence in historical dramas such as Go, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility. His numerous awards, including multiple Japan Academy Film Prizes and Yokohama Film Festival awards, underscore his critical acclaim and standing within the Japanese entertainment industry.
His dedication to understanding his characters, as evidenced by his practice of meeting real-life inspirations or visiting graves of historical figures, reflects a profound commitment to his craft. Toyokawa's deliberate choice to vary his roles and maintain a high "temperature" of artistic engagement has allowed him to avoid typecasting and continuously challenge himself, contributing to a rich and diverse filmography. His enduring popularity and critical recognition solidify his legacy as one of Japan's most respected and influential actors.