Takanori Iwata

4.1. Group Activities

Iwata's musical journey began prominently as a performer for two of Japan's leading J-Pop groups under the LDH agency. He joined **Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE** on November 10, 2010, and has remained an active member since. This group quickly gained immense popularity, and as one of its key performers, Iwata contributed significantly to their musical and performance style. In 2015, he teamed up with Sandaime J Soul Brothers' vocalist Hiroomi Tosaka and performer Naoki Kobayashi to form a dance and vocal unit known as **The Sharehappi from Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE**. This unit released their single, "Share The Love," which notably served as a theme song for a popular Pocky advertisement. The accompanying "Pocky Dance" (Pocky Sharehappi Dance) became a widespread national hit, with people across the country imitating the dance moves. The Sharehappi unit was active from 2015 to 2017.

On April 27, 2014, Iwata also joined **EXILE**, another flagship group of LDH, after winning the "EXILE PERFORMER BATTLE AUDITION." He maintained his membership in both Sandaime J Soul Brothers and EXILE, showcasing his versatility and commitment to both groups. His participation in EXILE further solidified his status as a top-tier performer in the Japanese music scene. In addition to these primary groups, Iwata is also a member of **®AG POUND**, a dance group active since 2015, and was previously part of **Twiggz Fam** and **STREET KINGDOM JAPAN**, reflecting his roots in the Krump dance community. It has been noted, however, that Iwata has not participated in EXILE's activities since 2023, with the reason for this absence remaining undisclosed, including for tours like EXILE LIVE 2023 in TAIPEI and EXILE LIVE TOUR 2025 "WHAT IS EXILE".

4.2. Solo Activities

Takanori Iwata ventured into a solo singing career, making his debut on September 15, 2021, with the single korekara. This marked a new chapter in his musical endeavors, allowing him to explore his artistic expression independently. In December 2024, it was announced that Iwata had partnered with Universal Music Japan's Virgin Music label, indicating a strategic move to further develop his solo musical output.

5.1. Television Series

Iwata's television career began in 2011 and has seen him take on numerous roles, including several leading performances. His early appearances included a guest role in the seventh and tenth episodes of Rokudenashi Blues (2011, Nippon TV).

In 2014, he gained wider recognition for his role as Eito Sakuraba, also known as "Hachi," in Fuji TV's drama Dear Sister. In this series, he played the best friend of the protagonist. To authentically portray his character, who aspired to be a professional skateboarder, Iwata dedicated significant time to practicing skateboarding tricks. The following year, in 2015, he appeared in two Nippon TV dramas: the 2-hour special Senryoku-gai Sōsa-kan and Wild Heroes. In Wild Heroes, he played Harutaro Saeki, nicknamed "Choco," a charming former bad boy who managed a Karaoke establishment and was beloved by older women in town. He starred alongside other EXILE Tribe members in this series. Later in 2015, he was cast as Junpei "Cobra" Hino, the leader of the Sanno Hoodlum Squad, in the first season of High＆Low: The Story of S.W.O.R.D., a part of the High&Low action and music franchise produced by the EXILE Tribe. Iwata continued to reprise his role as Cobra in subsequent seasons and films within the franchise.

His notable roles in 2016 included Night Hero Naoto, where he made guest appearances and performed the ending dance in several episodes, and Suna no Tou: Shiri Sugita Rinjin (Tower of Sand) on TBS, in which he played Kohei Ubukata, the childhood friend of the heroine, Aki. In 2017, Iwata secured his first lead role in a television special, Fate Detector, one of the four mystery stories featured in Yo Nimo kimyô na Monogatari: Autumn 2017 Special for Fuji TV.

The year 2018 marked his first lead role in a regular terrestrial television drama, Gakeppuchi Hoteru (Hotel on the Brink) on Nippon TV, where he portrayed Naoya Ukai, a mysterious deputy manager who saves a hotel from bankruptcy. He also appeared as Akira Baba in the 2-hour TV special Enjo Bengonin (Attorney for the Flamed) on NHK General. In 2019, Iwata starred as Jun'ichi Wakamiya in Fuji TV's Sherlock: Untold Stories, a modern Japanese adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. His character, a psychiatrist, served as the Japanese counterpart to Dr. Watson, with the slightly unusual first name Jun'ichi chosen to allow for the abbreviation "J.W." aligning with John H. Watson. He also appeared in a special episode for this series.

Further television appearances include a guest role as young Kouharu Shiromoto, the head of publicity, in the third season of Cold Case: Shinjitsu no Tobira (2020, WOWOW). In 2021, he joined the cast of Promise Cinderella (TBS) as Seigo Kataoka. The year 2022 saw him take on the lead role of Asami Mitsuhiko in two specials for the Asami Mitsuhiko Series on TV Tokyo, Uchida Yasuo Suspense Asami Mitsuhiko Karuizawa Satsujin Jiken and Uchida Yasuo Suspense Asami Mitsuhiko Genji Monogatari Satsujin Jiken. He also led the episode "Shazai" in Hon Ni Atta Kowai Hanashi Natsu no Tokubetsuhen 2022 for Fuji TV and played Juon Itsuki in Ichihashi Kiriko no Hanzai Nikki (NHK General).

In 2023, Iwata appeared as Makoto Niina in Even If You Don't Do It on Fuji TV, which also included a special episode. He took on the lead role of comedian Akashiya Sanma in the special drama "Warai ni Tamashii wo Utta Otoko-tachi," part of Daremo Shiranai Akashiya Sanma on Nippon TV. In 2024, he played Keita Hiyama in Antihero (TBS) and made his first appearance in an Asadora (morning drama), portraying Satoru Hanaoka in The Tiger and Her Wings (NHK General). Looking ahead, Iwata is set to co-star in the lead role of Jun Ichinose alongside Manami Higa in the drama Forest, scheduled for broadcast in January 2025 on ABC TV.

5.2. Films

Takanori Iwata has also built a substantial career in film, taking on diverse roles ranging from action-packed blockbusters to nuanced romantic dramas.

His film debut was in 2014 with Crows Explode, where he played Hiroki Shibata. A significant milestone came in 2016 with his first leading role in the romance film Shokubutsu Zukan (Evergreen Love), where he portrayed Itsuki Kusakabe, a mysterious herb lover. His performance earned him critical acclaim and several awards, including the Best New Artist Award at the 41st Hochi Film Awards, the New Actor Award at the 26th Japan Movie Critics Awards, and both the Newcomer of the Year Award and the Popularity Award at the 40th Japan Academy Film Prize. He further cemented his presence in the action genre by reprising his role as Cobra in several films within the High&Low franchise: Road to High&Low, High&Low The Movie, and High&Low The Red Rain (all in 2016), followed by High&Low The Movie 2 / End of Sky and High&Low The Movie 3 / Final Mission (both in 2017).

In 2018, Iwata showcased his versatility with three notable film roles. He starred as Kyosuke Yakumo, a freelance writer investigating a murder case, in the suspense film Last Winter We Parted. He also appeared as Rin in Naomi Kawase's acclaimed film Vision, which co-starred Juliette Binoche. Furthermore, he took on another lead role as Itsuki Ayukawa in the romance film Perfect World, based on a manga. For this role, he meticulously prepared by practicing wheelchair basketball and learning about the daily lives of individuals with disabilities, demonstrating his commitment to character portrayal. His performances in Last Winter, We Parted, Vision, and Perfect World earned him the Yūjirō Ishihara Newcomer Award at the 31st Nikkan Sports Film Awards.

In 2019, Iwata played Yu Himuro in Almost a Miracle, where he portrayed a high school student despite being 30 years old at the time, showcasing his ability to adapt to unique roles. The year 2020 saw him in a variety of films: he played Makoto Sakuraba, an elite police officer specializing in cybercrime, in Yu Irie's original film AI Collapse (AI Houkai); Morinori Tokito in Living in the Sky; and the historical figure Zhao Yun in Fukuda Yuichi's comedic take on the Three Kingdoms, The Untold Tale of the Three Kingdoms.

In 2021, Iwata starred as Kida in the suspense film Na mo Naki Sekai no End Roll (released internationally as The Master Plan), where he played a central figure in a "black market bargaining house." The film also had a spin-off drama, Re: The End of the Nameless World ~Half a Year Later, broadcast on dTV. His recent filmography includes Yūya Yashiro in Wedding High (2022), Itsuki Kanayama in Lesson in Murder (2022), and a return to his Sherlock character as Jun'ichi Wakamiya in The Hound of the Baskervilles (2022). In 2023, he portrayed a prince in the Netflix film Once Upon a Crime. Looking forward, he is cast as Michael in Saint Young Men: The Movie (2024) and will make a cameo appearance as himself in Paripi Komei THE MOVIE (2025).

5.3. Short Films

5.4. Stage and Audio Dramas

Iwata has also ventured into theatrical productions and voice acting roles, further showcasing his performing versatility.

Iwata also lent his voice to the 2019 NHK documentary show Historical Anecdote. In the episode "Kamikaze: Why did those young men take off?", he served as a voice actor, reading the diaries left by a young soldier who lost his life in a suicide mission during the final days of the Pacific War. This role held personal significance as his own grandfather had been a troop member during the war.

6.1. Endorsements and Commercials

Iwata has been a highly sought-after figure in the advertising industry, participating in numerous commercial campaigns for major brands. His endorsements include:

6.2. Creative and Ambassador Roles

Iwata has taken on significant roles as a brand creative director and ambassador, leveraging his public image to represent various organizations and products. In 2017, he was appointed as an ambassador for the film Dunkirk. The following year, in 2018, he became the project ambassador for KOSÉ Sekkisei's "SAVE the BLUE" initiative. Since 2019, Iwata has served as an ambassador for Louis Vuitton, one of the world's leading luxury fashion houses. In 2021, he was named a Friends Ambassador for Moët Impérial DESIGN BY AMBUSH and subsequently became a "Friends of the House" for Moët & Chandon in 2022, participating in the "EFFERVESCENCE - Champagne Magic and Sparkle" concept film. Additionally, in 2023, he took on the role of corporate supporter for Aichi Toyota and became an ambassador for the skincare brand "FFAS." Looking to 2025, Iwata has been appointed as the official ambassador for Japan Lacrosse, with a stated aim to boost the sport's popularity, especially in anticipation of the 2028 Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.

6.3. Personal Projects and Ventures

Beyond his affiliations, Iwata has also launched his own personal initiatives. Since 2021, he has been involved with his solo project, "Be My guest." Furthermore, he has undertaken the role of creative director for "NERD MIND," a shoe brand under his family's business, Madras Co., Ltd., starting in 2021. In 2024, he launched his own personal brand, "GOD ONLY KNOWS."

6.4. Other Media Appearances

Iwata's presence extends to other media platforms beyond conventional music videos and film/TV roles. In 2013, he played Takanori Kuruma, the eldest son, as part of the supporter family "Kuruma-ka no Hitobito" for the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show. He was also featured as the character for the Gentosha Bunko 20th Anniversary Fair in 2016. In 2018, he made a cameo appearance in the music video for HONEST BOYZ's "TOKYO DIP feat. Pharrell Williams." In 2021, he served as the cover model for the novel Eien no Kamen (Eternal Slumber). He has also hosted a radio show, Takanori Iwata Sustena*Days supported by Nippon Paper Crecia, on Tokyo FM since April 2024. Furthermore, he took on a studio MC role for the streaming program LOVE POWER KINGDOM ~Ren'ai Kyōsha Senkyo~ on ABEMA, which began in February 2025.

8.1. Awards and Recognition

Iwata has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, particularly for his acting performances, which highlight his impact and talent in the film industry.

8.2. Influence and Legacy

Takanori Iwata's influence on the Japanese entertainment industry is multifaceted, stemming from his strong presence in both music and acting. As a key member of Sandaime J Soul Brothers and EXILE, he has contributed to the groups' massive popularity and numerous hit songs, including their two Japan Record Awards. His dancing prowess, particularly his background in Krumping, has made him a respected figure in the dance community.

In acting, Iwata quickly transitioned from supporting roles to critically acclaimed lead performances. His ability to portray diverse characters, from romantic leads to complex dramatic figures, has solidified his reputation as a versatile actor. His dedication to roles, such as learning to skateboard for Dear Sister and training in wheelchair basketball for Perfect World, showcases his commitment to his craft. The consistent awards he has received, including multiple newcomer awards, underline his significant impact on the film industry within a relatively short period.

Beyond his direct performances, Iwata has cultivated a broad public appeal, making him a popular choice for endorsements and brand ambassadorships. His foray into personal projects and creative director roles further demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to leave a lasting mark beyond performing. His consistent popularity and diverse talents has made him a prominent figure in Japanese pop culture, appealing to a wide demographic and inspiring many aspiring artists.

9.1. Published Works

9.2. Magazine Serials

Iwata has also contributed regularly to popular magazines, engaging with readers through serialized content.