Minehiro Kinomoto | Today's AI Wiki

1. Life and Background

Minehiro Kinomoto's life and career trajectory began in his home prefecture of Shiga, leading to his debut in the entertainment industry and subsequent rise to prominence.

1.1. Early Life and Upbringing

Minehiro Kinomoto was born on November 22, 1989, in Ōtsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. He stands 69 in ^{(175 cm)} tall and has a blood type of B. Kinomoto has expressed a particular fondness for Kinomoto Station in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, due to the shared name with his own family name.

1.2. Education and Early Career

In 2006, Minehiro Kinomoto gained early recognition when he received the Special Jury Award at the 19th Junon Super Boy Contest, a significant platform for discovering young male talent in Japan. This award paved the way for his acting career, which officially began in 2008 with his debut in the television drama Poor Man Bombīmen. Kinomoto is currently represented by Village Entertainment, having previously been affiliated with JVC Entertainment.

2. Personal Life

Beyond his professional endeavors, Minehiro Kinomoto engages in various personal activities and has shared publicly known aspects of his private life.

His personal interests include music appreciation. He possesses notable special skills in karate and track and field. Additionally, Kinomoto holds professional qualifications, including Nissho Bookkeeping (2nd Grade) and Zen-sho Bookkeeping (1st Grade in Accounting). For karaoke, he often performs Hideaki Tokunaga's "Rainy Blue." A personal philosophy that has influenced him is the belief that "If you keep thinking about a dream story, it will eventually become reality."

On November 10, 2023, Kinomoto announced his marriage to a non-celebrity woman. Following this significant life event, he conveyed his deepened commitment to his acting profession. On January 15, 2025, he shared the news on social media that he and his wife had welcomed their first child at the end of the previous year.

3. Career

Minehiro Kinomoto's professional acting career spans a wide array of media, prominently featuring his work in films, television series, and stage productions. He is particularly recognized for his involvement in the Kamen Rider Series.

Minehiro Kinomoto at the Tokyo International Film Festival in 2017.

3.1. Filmography

Minehiro Kinomoto has built an extensive filmography in visual media, encompassing roles in major motion pictures, television dramas, original video productions, and streaming series.

3.1.1. Film

Minehiro Kinomoto has appeared in numerous films, often taking on diverse roles and making significant contributions to the Kamen Rider Series cinematic universe.

2009: Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider W & Decade: Movie War 2010 as Ryu Terui (credited as Mysterious Man)
2010: Kamen Rider W Forever: A to Z/The Gaia Memories of Fate as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel
2010: Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider OOO & W Featuring Skull: Movie War Core as Ryu Terui
2011: Gakudori as Masaki Sato (lead role)
2011: Messiah as Shusuke Shiba
2012: Yukuefumei as Shota Shinoda
2013: Ikenie no Dilemma (three parts: , , ) as Hiroki Hiyama
2013: 009-1 as Chris
2013: Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard: The Fateful Sengoku Movie Battle as Hideyoshi (friendship appearance)
2014: Hatachi no Kuzu as Kanade Uzuki
2015: Good Stripes as Holly
2016: Hoshigami no Yakusoku
2016: Mother Lake as Ao Miyake
2016: Tokyo DAYS
2016: Kamen Rider Drive Saga: Chaser as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel
2017: Momo to Kiji as Kaito Yamaguchi
2017: 3ft Ball and Souls as Ren Takamura (Baby Doll)
2017: Hedorooba as Kazuya
2019: RETURN as Shinji
2019: RUN!-3films- "Tsuioku Dance" as Sato
2020: Kamen Rider Zi-O Next Time: Geiz, Majesty as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel
2022: Oni ga Warau as Makoto Momozono
2022: Hito as Takahashi
2023: Wheels and Axle
2024: THIS MAN as Yoshio Yasaka (lead role)
2024: Bibalam as Kensuke Wakai
2025: Time Machine Girl as Yasuto Ide

3.1.2. Television

Minehiro Kinomoto has appeared in numerous television drama series, taking on a variety of roles.

2008: Poor Man Bombīmen (NTV) as Tetsu Igarashi
2008: Homeroom on the Beachside (Fuji TV) as Akihiro Wada
2009: Spring Drama Special "Handsome★Suits: The TV" (Fuji TV) as Tetsuo Sakurai
2009: Anime Sazae-san 40th Anniversary Special Drama "Sazae-san" (Fuji TV) as Driving school student
2010: Kamen Rider W (TV Asahi) as Ryu Terui
2010: Saturday Premium "I'll Teach You How to Find a Dream! 2" (Fuji TV)
2011: Hancho ~Jinnansho Azumihan~ Series 4 ~Seigi no Daisho~ Episode 10 (TBS) as Taku Shibazaki
2012: Teen Court Episode 7 (NTV) as Shota Kurata
2013: Monday Golden "Seifuku Sousa" (TBS) as Shoichi Shinozaki
2014: Kasouken no Onna Season 14 Episode 1 and 2 (TV Asahi) as Haruki Noma
2016: Rental Kyuseishu Episode 6 (NTV) as Yuya Takamoto
2018: Todome no Kiss Episode 1 (NTV) as Ryohei Miyamoto
2019: Tokusou 9 Season 2 Episode 3 (TV Asahi) as Masanobu Hosoe
2021: Sado 2021 Episode 4 (TV Tokyo) as Yuji Kanai
2022: Tokusou 9 Season 5 Episode 9 (TV Asahi) as Shinji Iwasaki

3.1.3. Original Video (OV)

Kinomoto has also appeared in original video (V-Cinema) productions, notably reprising his role in the Kamen Rider franchise.

Kamen Rider W Super Battle DVD: Donburi no α / Saraba Itoshi no Recipe yo (2010) as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel
Kamen Rider W RETURNS Kamen Rider Accel (2011) as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel (lead role)
Shin Kenka no Hanatachi (2013) as Shun
Shin Kenka no Hanatachi Kanketsuhen (July 2013) as Shun
Drive Saga: Kamen Rider Chaser (2016) as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel
Kamen Rider Zi-O Next Time: Geiz, Majesty (2020) as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel (friendship appearance)

3.1.4. Streaming Series

Minehiro Kinomoto has extended his acting presence into online streaming platforms.

Net Movie Kamen Rider W FOREVER AtoZ de Bakusho 26 Renpatsu (2010) as Ryu Terui
Net Movie Kamen Rider Fourze Minna de Jugyo Kitaaa! (2012) as Kamen Rider Accel (voice)
Kamen Rider Revice: The Mystery (2022, TELASA) as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel
Good Morning, Sleeping Lion 2 (2023, Lemino, Hikari TV) (friendship appearance)

3.2. Stage Performances

Minehiro Kinomoto has an extensive background in theatrical productions, performing in various plays and musicals.

Kokan setsu! ~Saien~ (September 21-25, 2011, Tennozu Ginga Gekijo)
Dream Jumbo Takarabune ~Kesshite Otogame Kudasaimasu na~ (January 6-13, 2013, Aoyama Gekijo; January 26, 2013, Umeda Geijutsu Gekijo) as Yodo Yamauchi
Keiji Ru (July 10-19, 2013, Zenrosai Hall Space Zero)
Shinnen Koujou Kengakukai 2014 (January 2-4, 2014, Atelier Helicopter)
Bokura no Tosho-shitsu 3 ~Minna de Dokusho-kai~ (May 3-4, 2014, Ginza Blossom Hall; May 6, 2014, Theater Drama City)
Gang Hour (September 30 - October 5, 2014, Shinjuku Theater Molière) as Tanaka
Hijiri Meijiza Rune Matsuri ~Anmari Kaburu to Okorarechau yo~ (December 19-23, 2014, Meijiza; December 27, Umeda Geijutsu Gekijo) as Hanbei Takenaka
Minehiro Kinomoto One-Man Play Akutagawa Ryunosuke no Koi (August 1-2, 2015, JZ Brat SOUND OF TOKYO, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel 2F)
Misoka Meijiza Osame Ru Matsuri ~Anmari Utau to Semerarechau yo~ (December 29-31, 2015, Meijiza; January 16, 2016, Umeda Geijutsu Gekijo) as Yon
Tokyo Mahalo 16th Performance Soshite Tomo wa Nido Shinda (April 30 - May 8, 2016, Akasaka RED/THEATER)
Hounangumi Project Performance Reading Play Aitakute... (May 14, 2016, Theater Sun Mall)
Tokyo Mahalo 17th Performance Joshi Ana (July 6-13, 2016, Akasaka RED/THEATER)
Bokura no Tosho-shitsu Special Class (December 24-27, December 31, 2016, Yurakucho Asahi Hall, Sankei Hall Breeze)
SHATNER of WONDER #6 Tooi Natsu no Gogh (July 14-23, 2017, Tennozu Ginga Gekijo) as Jose
La Set x Inukoro Collaboration Performance Maware! Muteki no Murder Case (October 12-22, 2017, Sun Mall Studio) as Fujisawa
Yukutoshi Kurutoshi Fuyu no Jin Shiwashi Meijiza Jidaigeki Matsuri (December 28-31, 2017, Meijiza; January 13, 2018, Umeda Geijutsu Gekijo) as Date Shigezane
La Set Produce Gang Hour (March 13-18, 2018, Akasaka RED/THEATER) as Tanaka
Hakuchi (March 28 - April 1, 2018, CBGK Shibugeki!!) as Kichigai
Kibarashi Boys 9th Main Performance Furachi na Samurai (May 9-13, 2018, Ikebukuro Owl Spot)
Toshi ga Kureru YO Meijiza Daigassen Matsuri (December 28-31, 2018, Meijiza; January 19, 2019, Umeda Geijutsu Gekijo) as Murakami Yoshikiyo
LOOSER ~Ushinai Tsuzukete Shimau Album~ (June 6-9, 2019, Shinagawa Prince Hotel Stella Ball; June 15-16, Morinoimiya Piloti Hall)
Meijiza no Hen ~Kirin ni Noru~ (December 28-31, 2019, Meijiza) as Hideyoshi Kinoshita
Ru Poe (January 25 - February 2, 2020, New National Theatre, Small Theatre) as Sakutaro Hagiwara
LIFE RESET? (March 21-29, 2020, DDD Aoyama Cross Theater)
7BOX Queens Sketch (September 16-24, 2020, CBGK Shibugeki!!) as Humpty (Shigehumi Hara)
Chushingura Uchiiru Matsuri (December 28-31, 2020, Meijiza) as Gengoemon Kataoka
Himizu (September 18-26, 2021, Theater Mixa)
Aka to Kuro no Othello (November 30 - December 5, 2021, Tokyo Atelier Fanfare Higashi Shinjuku)
Stage Play Elephant (April 6-17, 2022, KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre Large Studio)
Stage Play Tsubaki Setsu Sanjushi ~One for all, All for one?~ (April 28 - May 7, 2023, Hulic Hall Tokyo; May 12-14, 2023, COOL JAPAN PARK OSAKA TT Hall)

3.3. Other Appearances

Beyond his primary acting roles, Minehiro Kinomoto has participated in various other media, including radio, video games, music videos, and variety shows.

3.3.1. Radio

Kinomoto no Kinyobi (April 6 - December 28, 2012, WALLOP Broadcasting Station)

3.3.2. Video Games

Minehiro Kinomoto has lent his voice and provided character modeling for several video game titles, particularly within the Kamen Rider Series.

Kamen Rider Battle Ganbaride (Arcade: November 2009; Nintendo DS: July 2010; Arcade: December 18, 2014; Arcade: 2023) as Kamen Rider Accel
Kamen Rider Climax Heroes (Wii/PSP: December 2010; Wii/PSP: December 2011; Wii/PSP: November 2012) as Kamen Rider Accel / Kamen Rider W Cyclone Accel Xtreme
Kamen Rider Battride War (PS3: May 2013; PS3/Wii U: June 26, 2014; PS4/PS3/PS Vita: February 2016) as Kamen Rider Accel
Kamen Rider Travelers Senki (3DS: November 2013) as Ryu Terui / Kamen Rider Accel
Super Hero Generation (PS3/PS Vita: October 23, 2014) as Kamen Rider Accel
Kamen Rider Summon Ride! (PS3/Wii U: December 4, 2014) as Kamen Rider Accel
All Kamen Rider Rider Revolution (3DS: December 1, 2017) as Kamen Rider Accel
Kamen Rider Climax Fighters (PS4: December 7, 2017) as Kamen Rider Accel
Kamen Rider Climax Scramble Zi-O (Nintendo Switch: November 29, 2018)

3.3.3. Music Videos

I for you ~Mainichi ga Christmas Eve~ by 4 you (December 12, 2012)

3.3.4. Variety Shows

Tsukai TV Sukatto Japan (October 21, 2019, Fuji TV) as a short drama performer
Kyoto Aji no Daisousasen Returns (August 22, 2020 onwards, KBS Kyoto) as Gourmet Detective

5. Awards and Recognition

Minehiro Kinomoto has received recognition for his performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.

Special Jury Award at the 19th Junon Super Boy Contest (2006)
Special Jury Actor Award at the "FOX Movie Short Film Festival 2016" for his role in the film RUN!-3films- "Tsuioku Dance" (March 2017)

6. Characteristics and Anecdotes

Minehiro Kinomoto's personality and career are illuminated by various anecdotes and personal traits, offering insights into his professional journey and personal preferences.

As a child, Kinomoto harbored a fascination for the Metal Hero Series, growing up watching shows such as Tokusou Robo Janperson and Blue SWAT. This early influence contributed to his excitement for the mechanical aspects seen in characters like Kamen Rider Accel. Although he also watched the Kamen Rider Series, his primary interest as a car enthusiast often focused on the vehicles featured in the shows rather than just the battle sequences. He would even determine his favorite Riders based on the cars they drove, with his top choice being Kamen Rider Zolda from Kamen Rider Ryuki.

During the audition process for Kamen Rider W, Kinomoto initially tried out for the lead role but was not chosen. However, this initial connection ultimately led to him being offered the part of the second Rider, Ryu Terui, which became one of his most recognized and significant roles. His real-life karate experience was incorporated into the fighting style of Kamen Rider Accel by the suit actor, Eitoku, adding an authentic element to the character's on-screen portrayal.

A rumor circulated that Kinomoto had expressed a desire to appear in Kamen Rider Drive due to perceived commonalities between Kamen Rider Accel and the series. This rumor reportedly reached Riku Sanjo, the main writer for both Kamen Rider W and Kamen Rider Drive, influencing Kinomoto's subsequent appearance in Drive Saga: Kamen Rider Chaser. However, Kinomoto himself denied the rumor when Sanjo inquired about it during filming.

7. External links

[https://www.village-entertainment.jp/artists/kinomoto.html Official profile at Village Entertainment]
[https://ameblo.jp/kinomoto-minehiro/ Minehiro Kinomoto Official Blog]
[https://twitter.com/kinomoto1122 Minehiro Kinomoto on X (formerly Twitter)]
[https://eiga.com/person/86958/ Minehiro Kinomoto at Eiga.com]