JapaneseActorSingerTaiga Drama Actor

Sadao Abe

Sadao Abe is a prominent Japanese actor, stage actor, and musician recognized for his versatile career in stage, television, and film, and his contributions to Japanese popular culture.

1. Overview

Sadao Abe (阿部 サダヲAbe SadaoJapanese, born 阿部 隆史Abe TakashiJapanese; April 23, 1970) is a prominent Japanese actor, stage actor, and musician from Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture. He embarked on his professional journey in the entertainment industry around 1992, joining the esteemed theater company Otona Keikaku, where he quickly rose to become a leading figure. Abe gained widespread recognition through his roles in popular television dramas such as Team Medical Dragon and as the dynamic lead vocalist, known by his persona "Hakai," of the Japanese comedy rock band Group Tamashii. His career spans across various artistic fields including stage plays, television dramas, films, and music, showcasing his versatility and significant contributions to Japanese popular culture. He has received critical acclaim, including nominations and awards for his acting, notably a Best Actor nomination at the Japan Academy Film Prize for his performance in Maiko Haaaan!!!.

2. Early Life and Background

Sadao Abe's formative years in Chiba Prefecture, including his childhood and early interests, shaped his path before entering entertainment.

2.1. Birth and Childhood

Sadao Abe was born on April 23, 1970, in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. In his early elementary school years, he was described as a timid child who would often cry when called upon by teachers in class. Despite this initial shyness, he later developed a more outgoing personality. His blood type is A, and he stands at 65 in (164 cm) tall.

2.2. Education and Early Interests

Abe's early passion was baseball, inspired by Tatsunori Hara. He played baseball throughout his elementary, junior high, and high school years, serving as a second baseman in junior high and a third baseman in high school. Known for his speed, he excelled at stealing bases. During his time in the baseball club, he transformed into a more flamboyant individual, earning the nickname "Kakkoman," meaning "cool guy" or "show-off." He initially harbored serious aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player. However, after witnessing the skill of Hiroshi Ishige, a high school baseball player from Chiba who later became a professional, Abe recognized the significant gap in their abilities and decided to abandon his dream. He later recounted an anecdote where he asked Ishige for an autograph, and when Ishige asked which team's autograph he wanted, Abe requested one from Ishige's high school, Choshi Municipal Choshi High School, which Ishige signed for the first time with his high school name. During his student days, Abe also played the drums in a band.

3. Career

Abe's career began with an unconventional entry into theater, leading to his rise as a prominent actor and the lead vocalist of Group Tamashii, spanning diverse roles in television, film, and stage.

3.1. Early Career and Affiliation

Sadao Abe's entry into the entertainment industry was somewhat unconventional. After graduating from high school, he initially considered working at a local pachinko parlor, but his teacher dissuaded him. He then took a job at Laox in Akihabara, selling fax machines. However, he found the work deeply unsatisfying and was eventually encouraged to leave after about a year and a half. Following this, he held various temporary jobs, including a truck driver.

His decision to pursue acting was influenced by a friend's suggestion and a prophetic remark from an elementary school classmate's mother, who predicted he would be a good actor by age 30. While transitioning between jobs, he decided to audition for the theater company Otona Keikaku, founded by Suzuki Matsuo. His audition was notably eccentric: he appeared with short hair dyed white and dressed in a military uniform, which reportedly astonished Matsuo. Despite having no prior acting experience upon joining Otona Keikaku in 1992, he quickly became a prominent figure within the troupe. His professional debut occurred in March 1992 with the stage play Fuyu no Kawa. Later that year, in June 1992, he made his television debut in the drama Enka na Aitsu wa Yogoto Fujori na Yume o Miru, stepping in as a substitute for another actor, Yōichi Nukumizu, less than six months after joining the company. Early in his career, he was once physically disciplined by Matsuo for being late to a stage performance.

3.2. Music Activities

In 1995, Sadao Abe co-founded the comedy rock band Group Tamashii with fellow actors from Otona Keikaku. Within the band, he performs as the lead vocalist under the stage name "Hakai" (破壊DestructionJapanese). The band quickly gained recognition for their unique blend of music and comedic performances. A significant milestone in their career was their appearance at the 56th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2005, where they performed their hit song "Kimi ni Juice wo Katte Ageru♥" (君にジュースを買ってあげる♥I'll Buy You Juice♥Japanese). Notably, Abe's bandmate, Ryūichi Kozono, was a high school classmate, and the two even shared living quarters after graduation.

3.3. Acting Career

Sadao Abe's prolific acting career spans numerous television dramas, films, and stage plays, where he has taken on a wide array of roles, demonstrating his remarkable versatility.

3.3.1. Television Dramas

Sadao Abe has appeared in a wide array of television dramas, often taking on diverse and memorable roles. His significant performances include:

  • Enka na Aitsu wa Yogoto Fujori na Yume o Miru (1992) as Tsukasa, his television debut.
  • Karin (1993), an Asadora (NHK's morning drama series), where he played the drama club president.
  • Bayside Shakedown (1997) as Goro Saeki, a significant role in the popular police procedural.
  • Ikebukuro West Gate Park (2000) as Hamaguchi, a police officer, a role he reprised in a 2003 special. This series marked the beginning of his frequent collaborations with screenwriter Kankuro Kudo.
  • Summer Snow (2000).
  • Kisarazu Cat's Eye (2002) as Kaoru Nekota, a role he also reprised in film adaptations.
  • Kokoro (2003), another NHK Asadora, playing Gin Nakajima.
  • Tiger & Dragon (2005) as Ryūhei Taninaka, also known as Hayashiyatei Donta, a rakugo performer.
  • Unfair (2006) as Yuji Kokubo, a police detective, a role he continued in several television specials and film adaptations.
  • Dare Yorimo Mama wo Ai su (2006) as Pinko (Ichiro Yamada).
  • Team Medical Dragon (2006) as Monji Arase, an anesthesiologist. He reprised this role in sequels Team Medical Dragon 2 (2007), Team Medical Dragon 3 (2010), and Team Medical Dragon 4 (2014).
  • First Kiss (2007) as Masaru Nikaido.
  • The Waste Land (2009) as Hideo Tahara.
  • Rikon Dokyo (2010), his first lead role in a continuous drama, playing Dai Konaka.
  • Marumo no Okite (2011) as Mamoru Takagi (Marumo), a lead role he shared with Mana Ashida, and reprised in specials in 2011 and 2014.
  • Taira no Kiyomori (2012), an NHK Taiga drama, as Shinzei.
  • Going My Home (2012) as Taro Tokunaga.
  • Inemuri Sensei (2013) as Kurokami.
  • Mama ga Ikita Akashi (2014) as lead Takehiro Omori.
  • Kokoro ga Pokitto ne (2015) as lead Haruta Kojima.
  • Keisei Saimin no Otoko Part 2 (2015) as lead Ichizō Kobayashi.
  • Gappa Sensei! (2016) as Sentaro Osawa.
  • Sogeki (2016) as Akira Kijima.
  • Gekokujō Juken (2017) as lead Shinichi Sakurai.
  • Naotora: The Lady Warlord (2017), an NHK Taiga drama, as Tokugawa Ieyasu.
  • Anone (2018) as Kaji Mochimoto.
  • Idaten (2019), an NHK Taiga drama, as lead Masaji Tabata, a role he co-starred in with Nakamura Kankuro VI.
  • Living (2020) as the writer.
  • Switch (2020) as Nao Komatsuki.
  • Koisuru Haha-tachi (2020) as Marutaro Konjakutei, a role he also led in a spin-off.
  • Ore no Ie no Hanashi (2021) as Takasshi.
  • Kūhaku o Mitashinasai (2022) as Saeki.
  • Taiga Drama ga Umareta Hi (2023) as Kinji Kusuda.
  • Extremely Inappropriate! (2024) as lead Ichiro Ogawa, a role that garnered significant attention.
  • Hiroshige Blue (2024) as lead Hiroshige Utagawa.
  • Shiawase na Kekkon (2025) as lead Kotaro Harada.
  • Anpan (2025), an upcoming NHK Asadora, as Sōkichi Yamura.

3.3.2. Films

Sadao Abe's filmography is extensive, encompassing a wide range of genres and roles. His significant film appearances include:

  • Ai no Shin Sekai (1994) as Osamu.
  • Naked Blood (1995) as Eiji Kure.
  • Tokiwa: The Manga Apartment (1996) as Hiroshi Fujimoto.
  • F (1998) as Wada.
  • After Life (1998) as young Ichiro Watanabe.
  • Uzumaki (2000) as Mitsuru Yamaguchi.
  • Kamikaze Girls (2004) as Ryuji 'the Unicorn' and a gynecologist.
  • The Great Yokai War (2005) as Kawatarō, a river imp.
  • Yaji and Kita: The Midnight Pilgrims (2005) as Kinkin.
  • Helen the Baby Fox (2006) as a police officer.
  • Ten Nights of Dream (2007), specifically in the segment "The 6th Night."
  • Kisarazu Cat's Eye: World Series (2006) as Kaoru Nekota, reprising his television role.
  • Unfair the movie (2007), Unfair the answer (2011), and Unfair the end (2015) as Yuji Kokubo.
  • Maiko Haaaan!!! (2007) as Kimihiko Onizuka, his first lead film role, co-starring with Shinichi Tsutsumi and Ko Shibasaki.
  • Paco and the Magical Picture Book (2008) as Horigome.
  • Yatterman (2009) as Dr. Kaieda.
  • Nakumonka (2009) as lead Yuta Shimoigusa.
  • Ōoku (2010) as Sugishita.
  • Friends: Mononoke Shima no Naki (2011) providing the voice for Gōyan.
  • Yume Uru Futari (2012) as lead Kanya Ichisawa, co-starring with Takako Matsu.
  • Kiseki no Ringo (2013) as lead Akinori Kimura.
  • Shazai no Ōsama (2013) as lead Yuzuru Kurojima.
  • Nuiguruma Z (2014) providing the voice for Boosuke.
  • Parasyte: Part 1 (2014) and Parasyte: Part 2 (2015) as the voice and performance capture for Migi.
  • The Magnificent Nine (2016) as lead Juzaburo Kokudaya.
  • Birds Without Names (2017) as lead Jinji Sano, co-starring with Yu Aoi.
  • Louder!: Can't Hear What You're Singin', Wimp (2018) as lead Shin.
  • The 47 Ronin in Debt (2019) as Asano "Takumi no Kami" Naganori.
  • Mother (2020) as Ryo Kawata.
  • Lesson in Murder (2022) as lead Yamato Haimura.
  • I Am Makimoto (2022) as lead Sō Makimoto.
  • Shylock's Children (2023) as lead Masahiro Nishiki.
  • Revolver Lily (2023) as Isoroku Yamamoto.
  • Last Mile (2024) as Ryuhei Yagi.
  • 11 Rebels (2024) as Takumi Mizoguchi.
  • Cells at Work! (2024) as Shigeru Urushizaki, reuniting him with Mana Ashida after 10 years.

3.3.3. Stage Plays

Sadao Abe has an extensive and critically acclaimed career in theater, often collaborating with renowned playwrights and directors. His stage work includes:

  • Fuyu no Kawa (1992) as Yatsu, his debut stage performance.
  • Ai no Batsu (1994, 1997) as Chimpoota and later Manabu Amasako.
  • Nihon Sogo Higeki Kyokai "Fukusuke" (1998), where he played Fukusuke (Suga Natsuo), a role he reprised in 2012 and 2024 (as Koōrogi in the latter).
  • Haha o Nigasu (1999, 2010) as Yusuke.
  • Kirei: Kamisama to Machiawase Shita Onna (2000), where he played the young Harikona, a role he reprised in 2005 and 2019 (as a Magician).
  • Ningen Fusha (2000) as Sam.
  • Tenpo Juninen no Shakespeare (2002) as Kijirushi no Ōji.
  • Ningen Gohasan (2003, 2018) as Haiji and Minosuke Kase, respectively.
  • Let's Go! Ninpōchō (2003) as Sada Sarutobi.
  • Tōmei Ningen no Jōki (2004), written and directed by Hideki Noda, as Tōru Suke.
  • Cabaret (2007) as the MC.
  • Zatoichi (2007) as Hachi.
  • Shida no Mure (2010) as Morimoto.
  • Hakkenden (2013) as Shino Inuzuka.
  • NODA・MAP's 16th production, Gekirin (2016), as Sakimori Omou.
  • Go Go Boys Go Go Heaven (2016) as Nagano, co-starring with Masaki Okada.
  • Dokurojo no Shichinin Season Tori (2017) by Gekidan Shinkansen, where he played Sutenosuke.
  • NODA・MAP's special performance THE BEE (2021) as Ido, for which he received the 29th Yomiuri Engeki Taishō (Yomiuri Theater Award) for Best Actor.
  • COCOON PRODUCTION 2022 Tsudaman no Sekai (2022).
  • Nihon Sogo Higeki Kyokai vol.7 Drive-in California (2022) as Akio.
  • Woman Lib Vol.15 Mō Gaman Dekinai (2023).
  • COCOON PRODUCTION 2024 Fukusuke 2024 -Kabukicho Mokushiroku- (2024) as lead Koōrogi.

3.3.4. Other Activities

Beyond his acting and music careers, Sadao Abe has participated in various other media and public engagements:

  • Variety Shows:** He was a regular on Warau Inu no Taiyo (笑う犬の太陽Laughing Dog's SunJapanese) and Onkō-san (音効さんSound Effects PersonJapanese) from autumn 1993 to spring 1994. He also appeared in Sekai Ururun Taizaiki (世界ウルルン滞在記World Ururun Stay RecordsJapanese) in December 2006, where he experienced stop-motion animation in the Czech Republic.
  • Radio Programs:** Abe has lent his voice to several radio dramas and talk shows, including:
    • FM Theater on NHK-FM: Tsuki yori Kaeru (月より帰るReturn from the MoonJapanese) in 1995, Stadium nite (スタジアムにてAt the StadiumJapanese) in 2000, and Kigeki ga Umareta Hi (喜劇が生まれた日The Day Comedy Was BornJapanese) in 2003.
    • Seishun Adventure on NHK-FM: Fushigiya Hakubutsukan (不思議屋博物館Mysterious House MuseumJapanese) in 2001.
    • Okada Yoshikazu Koyoi, Rock Bar de: Drama na Hitobito no Ongaku Danwa (岡田惠和 今宵、ロックバーで~ドラマな人々の音楽談義~Yoshikazu Okada Tonight, at a Rock Bar: Music Talks of Drama PeopleJapanese) in 2015.
  • Commercials (CMs):** Abe has been a prominent figure in numerous commercials for various products and companies, including:
    • Nestlé Milo (before joining Otona Keikaku).
    • Benesse Corporation's Tamahiyo series (たまごクラブ・ひよこクラブ・こっこクラブEgg Club, Chick Club, Chickie ClubJapanese) from 1998 to 2002.
    • Yasai no Senshi (野菜の戦士Vegetable WarriorJapanese) in 2002.
    • Me-Tele (メ~テレJapanese) in 2003.
    • Komaruzaru-kun (コマーさる君Japanese) for the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan (voice only, 2005-2006).
    • Bishoku Shuka Chanto (美食酒家ちゃんと。Gourmet Izakaya Chanto.Japanese) in 2006.
    • Daiwa Securities Group in 2007.
    • Koikeya's Mayopotato (マヨポテトJapanese) in 2007 and Potato Chips from 2008.
    • Kimocchi (キモッチJapanese) for NHK Educational TV's Watashi no Kimochi (voice only).
    • Anime "Perestroika" DVD (voice only, 2008).
    • Asahi Beverage's Fuji no Vanadium Tennen Mizu (富士山のバナジウム天然水Mount Fuji's Vanadium Natural WaterJapanese) in 2009.
    • Santen Pharmaceutical's Sante 40i (サンテ40iJapanese) from 2010.
    • NTT Docomo's Full HD Keitai (フルハイビジョンケータイFull High-Definition Mobile PhoneJapanese) in 2010, co-starring with Darth Vader.
    • Kao's Quickle Wiper (クイックルワイパーJapanese) from 2011.
    • Kirin Brewery's Kirin Free (2013) and Nodogoshi Nama (のどごし生Smooth Throat DraftJapanese) in 2016.
    • Asahi Breweries' Aqua Zero (2014).
    • Nissin Foods' Nissin Raoh (日清ラ王Japanese) "Shin Taberu Otoko" series (2017).
    • Ajinomoto Frozen Foods' Yawaraka Wakadori Karaage Volume Pack (やわらか若鶏から揚げ ボリュームパックSoft Young Chicken Karaage Volume PackJapanese) and Suigyoza (水餃子Water DumplingsJapanese) from 2020, often co-starring with Taishi Nakagawa.
    • Kansai Electric Power's Zero Carbon Vision 2050 campaign from 2021.
    • Edesign Insurance from 2024.
    • Ajinomoto's Nabe Cube (鍋キューブHot Pot CubeJapanese) in 2024.
  • Other:** In September 2013, at an event for his starring film The Apology King, Abe successfully challenged three Guinness World Records with the audience: "Longest human towel chain" (1061 people), "Largest number of people bowing simultaneously in pairs" (1022 people), and "Most people wearing paper crowns" (1047 people).

4. Personal Life

Sadao Abe is married and a father of two children, a son born around 2001 and a daughter. Outside of his professional life, he is a fervent supporter of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team. He enjoys various foods, including Yodare-dori (よだれ鷄drooling chickenJapanese), Tanuki Onigiri (たぬきにぎりracoon dog rice ballJapanese), Aji-fry (アジフライfried horse mackerelJapanese), Senjigara (せんじがらfried offalJapanese), and Hiroo no Curry (広尾のカレーHiroo's CurryJapanese). He is also a listener of Nippon Broadcasting System's podcast All Night Nippon PODCAST Ungirls no Jumpin, and his daughter has even had her contributions featured on the program.

5. Stage Name Origin

Sadao Abe's stage name, 阿部 サダヲAbe SadaoJapanese, is a deliberate play on his real surname, Abe (阿部Japanese), and a reference to the infamous Sada Abe incident (阿部定事件Abe Sada JikenJapanese). The "Sadao" part of his stage name is a katakana rendition of "Sada wo" (定を), directly alluding to Sada Abe, the central figure in the sensational 1936 murder case. When he first adopted the name, his pale complexion led Suzuki Matsuo, the founder of Otona Keikaku, to humorously remark that his name sounded like a "corpse photo." In 2024, during the broadcast of his starring drama Extremely Inappropriate! on TBS, a veteran television producer even commented that Abe's stage name was ironically "the most 'inappropriate'" given the show's theme.

6. Awards and Nominations

Sadao Abe has received numerous accolades and nominations throughout his career, recognizing his exceptional acting prowess:

YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
2007Golden Arrow Award (45th)Theater AwardN/AWon
2007Japan Academy Film Prize (31st)Excellent ActorMaiko HaaaanNominated
2017Blue Ribbon Awards (60th)Best ActorBirds Without NamesWon
2021Yomiuri Theater Award (29th)Best ActorNODA・MAP THE BEEWon
2022Japan Academy Film Prize (46th)Excellent ActorLesson in MurderNominated
2023Japan Academy Film Prize (47th)Excellent ActorShylock's ChildrenNominated
2024The Television Drama Academy Awards (119th)Best ActorExtremely Inappropriate!Won
2024Hoso Bunka Kikin Award (50th)Acting AwardExtremely Inappropriate!Won

7. Legacy and Reception

Sadao Abe has established himself as a highly respected and versatile performer in the Japanese entertainment industry. His acting prowess has been consistently lauded, particularly for his extensive work in stage productions, which has significantly elevated his reputation. He has successfully transitioned his talents across various platforms, becoming a prominent figure in television dramas and films as well. A notable aspect of his career is his frequent collaboration with acclaimed screenwriter Kankuro Kudo, starting with the drama Ikebukuro West Gate Park in 2000. Abe's ability to embody a wide range of characters, from comedic to intensely dramatic, has cemented his status as a beloved and critically recognized actor. His contributions have enriched Japanese popular culture, making him a significant and enduring presence in the arts.