1. Overview
Yoshiyoshi Arakawa (荒川 良々Arakawa YoshiyoshiJapanese, born January 18, 1974) is a prominent Japanese actor known for his distinctive appearance and versatile acting style. Born Yoshitomo Arakawa (荒川 良友Arakawa YoshitomoJapanese) in Ogi, Saga Prefecture, he is affiliated with the renowned theater company Otona Keikaku. Arakawa's career spans across film, television dramas, and stage productions, where he has garnered recognition for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic to serious roles. He made his acting debut in 1998 and earned his first leading film role in the 2008 movie Fine, Totally Fine. His unique presence and impactful performances have established him as a respected character actor in the Japanese entertainment industry.
2. Early Life and Career
Yoshiyoshi Arakawa's formative years and initial steps into the acting world laid the foundation for his distinctive career.
2.1. Early Life and Education
Born on January 18, 1974, in Ogi, Saga Prefecture, Japan, Arakawa grew up in a family that operated a drapery business. During his high school years at Ryukoku High School, he was an active member of the rugby club. After graduating from high school, he pursued further education at a bookkeeping vocational school located in Fukuoka. Following his studies, Arakawa spent approximately three months living in New York City, gaining diverse life experiences before embarking on his professional acting journey.
2.2. Career Beginnings
Arakawa's entry into the entertainment industry began in 1998 when he successfully auditioned for Otona Keikaku, a prominent Japanese theater company and talent agency. This marked his official step into professional acting, leading to numerous appearances in films, television dramas, and commercials. His dedication and unique talent quickly made him a notable figure within the industry, culminating in his first leading role in the 2008 film Fine, Totally Fine.
3. Personal Characteristics and Acting Style
Yoshiyoshi Arakawa is recognized for his unique physical attributes and a versatile acting approach that allows him to embody diverse roles effectively.
3.1. Appearance and Nickname
Arakawa is characterized by his distinctive physical appearance, notably his chubby physique and his signature buzz cut hairstyle. These traits contribute to his memorable presence on screen and stage. He initially performed under the stage name 荒川 上手Arakawa JōzuJapanese. However, due to frequent misreadings of this name, he adopted his current stage name, Yoshiyoshi Arakawa, by taking a kanji character from his real name, Yoshitomo. Both of his stage names were given to him by Suzuki Matsuo, the founder and director of Otona Keikaku.
3.2. Acting Approach and Versatility
Arakawa is highly regarded as a versatile character actor, capable of portraying a wide array of roles across different genres. His acting approach allows him to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic characters, often bringing a unique depth and nuance to his performances. This versatility has made him a sought-after talent in the Japanese entertainment industry, enabling him to deliver impactful and memorable portrayals that resonate with audiences. His first leading role in the 2008 film Fine, Totally Fine further showcased his capabilities as a lead performer.
3.3. Personal Traits
Beyond his on-screen persona, Yoshiyoshi Arakawa is known to be left-handed. He stands at a height of 72 in (183 cm) and has O blood type. These personal details, combined with his professional reputation, contribute to the public's perception of him as an individualist actor.
4. Filmography
Yoshiyoshi Arakawa has an extensive filmography across various media, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
4.1. Films
Arakawa has appeared in numerous films, taking on significant and often memorable roles.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Anaza Haven | Satoshi Yamaguchi | |
| 2001 | Respect | Wrapper | |
| 2001 | Chi o Suu Uchū | Taxi driver | |
| 2002 | Hiyatoi Keiji | Bungee | |
| 2002 | Totsunyū seyo! Asamasansōjiken | Kido: Nagano Prefectural Police Mobile Unit Member | |
| 2002 | Ping Pong | Ota | |
| 2002 | Parco Fiction | Kanzō Ōsu | |
| 2002 | Ryōma no Tsuma to sono Otto to Aijin | Massager | |
| 2003 | RoboCon | Irahara: Elite First Robot Club Manager | |
| 2003 | Nihon no Razoku | Amp | |
| 2003 | Josee, the Tiger and the Fish | Bookstore staff | |
| 2004 | Drugstore Girl | Nobutoshi Nabeshima | |
| 2004 | Koisuru Imomushi | ||
| 2004 | Kamikaze Girls | Greengrocer | |
| 2004 | Akasen | Kimuraya | |
| 2004 | Survive Style 5+ | Katagiri: Assassin's Interpreter | |
| 2005 | All About My Dog | Koro (voice) | |
| 2005 | Yaji and Kita: The Midnight Pilgrims | Soul servant | |
| 2005 | The Summer of the Ubume | Torayaki Yasui (Kazutora) | |
| 2006 | Umizaru | Hattori: Kagoshima Television Director | |
| 2006 | Memories of Matsuko | Kenji Shimazu | |
| 2006 | Akihabara@Deep | Tyco | |
| 2007 | Like a Dragon | Buki-ya | |
| 2007 | Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad | Enomoto | |
| 2007 | Mōryō no Hako | Toraharu Awa | |
| 2008 | Fine, Totally Fine | Teruo Toyama | Lead role |
| 2008 | Tsukiji Uogashi Sandaime | Takuya | |
| 2008 | Tokyo! | Hikikomori (in Shaking Tokyo segment) | |
| 2008 | Watashi wa Kai ni naritai | Nitohei Takita | |
| 2009 | Kamogawa Horumo | Makoto Sugawara | |
| 2010 | Liar Game: The Final Stage | Jiro Nishida | |
| 2011 | Taiboku-ka no tanoshī Ryokō: Shinkon Jigoku-hen | Iijima | |
| 2012 | Key of Life | Junichi Kudo | |
| 2013 | Shazai no Ōsama | Koji Wada | |
| 2014 | Judge! | Carlos | |
| 2014 | Fukubuku Sō no Fuku-chan | Simać | |
| 2015 | Prophecy | Metabo | |
| 2015 | Jinu yo Saraba: Kamuroba Mura e | Aoki | |
| 2016 | Too Young to Die! Wakakushite Shinu | Hotoke | |
| 2017 | The Anthem of the Heart | Kazuki Jōshima | |
| 2018 | Kakugo wa Iika Soko no Joshi. | Akira Araki | |
| 2018 | Hardcore | Ushiyama | |
| 2019 | The 47 Ronin in Debt | Horibe Yasubei | |
| 2023 | One Second Ahead, One Second Behind | Bus driver | |
| 2023 | Kubi | Shimizu Muneharu | |
| 2024 | Cloud | Takimoto | |
| 2024 | At the Bench | Lead role; anthology film (2nd part) |
4.2. Television Dramas
Arakawa has an extensive career in television dramas, often taking on key roles in popular series.
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Tengoku no Kiss | Ichimon Kamio | TV Asahi | Episode 10 |
| 2000 | Ikebukuro West Gate Park | TBS | Episode 9 | |
| 2001 | Gakko no Sensei | Saburo | TBS | |
| 2002 | Yonimo Kimyōna Monogatari Haru no Tokubetsu-hen: Manhole | Tamura | Fuji TV | |
| 2002 | Ai nante iranē yo, Natsu | Takanoe Shogun | TBS | |
| 2002 | Shiritsu Tantei Hama Mike | Pizza delivery part-timer | NTV | Episode 9 |
| 2002 | Yan Papa | TBS | ||
| 2003 | Tokyo Love Cinema | Norihei Yagi | Fuji TV | |
| 2003 | Trick | Shinji Inoue | TV Asahi | Season 3, Episode 1 |
| 2003 | Taikō-ki: Saru to Yoba reta Otoko | Ikki Kuramae | Fuji TV | |
| 2004 | Aijō Ippon! | Teruo Nishizoneji | NTV | |
| 2004 | 30 minutes | TV Tokyo | ||
| 2005 | Yoshitsune | Dainichibō Shunkei | NHK | Taiga drama (Episodes 4-6) |
| 2005 | Tiger & Dragon | Jump Chin Jump (Yukio Awashima) | TBS | |
| 2005 | 30 minutes Oni | TV Tokyo | ||
| 2005 | Kikujirō to Saki | Beat Kiyoshi | TV Asahi | Season 2 |
| 2005 | Kiken na Aneki | Tanaka | Fuji TV | |
| 2006 | Yaoh | Shingo Saito | TBS | |
| 2006 | Happy! | Unno Ieyasu | TBS | |
| 2006 | Kiseki no Dōbutsuen: Asahiyama Dōbutsuen Monogatari | Zookeeper Masaya Sasaki | Fuji TV | |
| 2006 | Sai hate no Himawari | Hiroshi Matsunaga | HBC | |
| 2007 | Kiseki no Dōbutsuen 2007: Asahiyama Dōbutsuen Monogatari | Zookeeper Masaya Sasaki | Fuji TV | |
| 2007 | Ojīsan Sensei Netto-hen | Saiji | NTV | |
| 2007 | Okabe Keibu Series: Tama Kohan Satsujin Jiken | Keiji Shibasaki | Fuji TV | |
| 2007 | Ganges kawa de Butterfly | Akinori Takano | NBN | |
| 2007 | Hataraki Man | Akihisa Kobayashi | NTV | |
| 2007 | Kikujirō to Saki | Beat Kiyoshi | TV Asahi | Season 3 |
| 2008 | Saba | Youth / Old woman's friend (dual role) | Fuji TV | |
| 2008 | Mirai Kōshi Meguru | Shingo 32 | TV Asahi | |
| 2008 | Deli Panda: Oshaberi Deli Bō, Tokyo do Mannaka Haitatsu-chū | New clerk | TV Tokyo | |
| 2009 | Ijiwaru bāsan | Takashi Ichiwari | Fuji TV | |
| 2009 | Hissatsu Shigoto Hito 2009 | Koyoshi Ozamauchi | ABC | Episode 10 |
| 2009 | Darekaga Uso o tsuite iru | Masaharu Naoki | Fuji TV | |
| 2009 | Liar Game: Season 2 | Nishida | Fuji TV | |
| 2010 | Kiseki no Dōbutsuen 2010: Asahiyama Dōbutsuen Monogatari | Zookeeper Masaya Sasaki | Fuji TV | |
| 2010 | Onna Keiji Mizuki Special | Keita Sakaguchi | TV Asahi | |
| 2010 | Unubore Keiji | Yu Saeki | TBS | |
| 2011 | Bartender | Kaoru Sugiyama | TV Asahi | |
| 2011 | Ijiwaru bāsan 3 | Takashi Ichiwari | Fuji TV | |
| 2011 | Full Throttle Girl | Masashi Hayashi | Fuji TV | |
| 2012 | Kagerō no Hane | NHK BS Premium | ||
| 2012 | Neko-ben: Shitai no Minoshirokin | Dai Tamura | TBS | |
| 2012 | Ikkyū-san | Nise (Ninagawa) Shinuemon | Fuji TV | |
| 2012 | Residen - 5-nin no Kenshui | Kazuyuki Maeda | TBS | |
| 2013 | Amachan | Masayoshi Yoshida | NHK | Asadora |
| 2013 | Ōoka Echizen | Sakichi | NHK BS Premium | Episode 6 |
| 2013 | Tanuki na Kazoku | Shōtarō Matsuki | NHK BS Premium | NHK Tokushima Broadcasting Station 80th Anniversary Drama |
| 2013 | Umi no Ue no Shinryōsho | Akira Hiuchi | Fuji TV | |
| 2014 | Yowakutemo Katemasu | Nobuyuki Masumoto | NTV | |
| 2015 | Tenshi to Akuma: Mikaiketsujiken Tokumei Kōshō-ka | Tadashi Anano | TV Asahi | |
| 2015 | Shin Kiseki no Dōbutsuen Asahiyama Dōbutsuen Monogatari 2015: Inochi no Baton | Zookeeper Masaya Sasaki | Fuji TV | |
| 2015 | Tsuma to Tonda Tokkō-hei | Isumi Okuma | TV Asahi | 70th Anniversary of End of War Drama Special |
| 2016 | Kazoku no Katachi | Shuichi Sasaki | TBS | |
| 2016 | Jūhan Shuttai! | Heita Mibu | TBS | |
| 2016 | Chef: Mitsuboshi no Kyūshoku | Minoru Komatsu | Fuji TV | |
| 2017 | Tsuribaka Nisshi | Kenji Yajima | TV Tokyo | New Year Drama Special |
| 2017 | The Supporting Actors | Himself | TV Tokyo | Episode 2 |
| 2017 | Agatha Christie | Banpei Tatara | TV Asahi | (in And Then There Were None) |
| 2017 | Saki ni Umareta Dake no Boku | Tatsuki Gohara | NTV | |
| 2018 | Agatha Christie | Banpei Tatara | TV Asahi | (in The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side) |
| 2018 | SURVIVAL WEDDING | Master | NTV | |
| 2018 | Legal V: Ex-Lawyer Shoko Takanashi | Yūichi Baba | TV Asahi | |
| 2019 | Agatha Christie | Banpei Tatara | TV Asahi | (in A Murder Is Announced) |
| 2019 | Fruit Takuhaibin | Masakane | TV Tokyo | |
| 2019 | Idaten | Imamatsu (2nd Kokontei Enkiku) | NHK | Taiga drama (Episodes 3-Final) |
| 2019 | Ore no Sukāto, Doko Itta? | Kenta Koga | NTV | |
| 2019 | Sauna Road | Naoyuki Murata | TV Tokyo | Episode 10 |
| 2020 | Kyō no Nekomura-san | Fishmonger | TV Tokyo | |
| 2020 | Getsuyō Premier 8: Kosugi Kenji Suspense: Toban Bengoshi Kajiwara Fujiko no Jiken File | Satoru Ōki | TV Tokyo | |
| 2020 | Tario: Revenge Agency of Two | Hiroto Akagawa | NHK | Episode 6 |
| 2021 | Ore no Ie no Hanashi | Ryōichi Suehiro | TBS | |
| 2021 | Ann's Lyrics: Ann Sakuragi's Haiku Lessons | Ann's father | NHK | Miniseries |
| 2021 | Sauna Road 2021 | Naoyuki Murata | TV Tokyo | Episode 8 |
| 2022 | Muchaburi! Watashi ga Shachō ni Naru Nante | Tsuyoshi Miyauchi | NTV | |
| 2022 | Hoshi Shinichi no Fushigi na Fushigi na Tanpen Drama: Monogusa Tarō | Tarō (lead) | NHK BS4K, BS Premium | |
| 2022 | Uzukawamura Jiken | Tadahiko Yoshimi | WOWOW | |
| 2023 | Why Didn't I Tell You a Million Times? | Eisuke Ikeza | TBS | |
| 2023 | Aa, Love Hotel: Himitsu | Haruo | WOWOW | Episode 4 ("Early Spring") |
| 2023 | Saikō no Kyōshi 1-nen-go, Watashi wa Seito ni Maru Maru Sareta | Manabu Gashūin | NTV | |
| 2024 | Double Cheat: Itsuwari no Keikan Season 1 | Hitoshi Yashiba | TV Tokyo | |
| 2024 | Double Cheat: Itsuwari no Keikan Season 2 | Hitoshi Yashiba | WOWOW | |
| 2024 | Sauna Road 2024SP: Dareshimo Nanika o Mune ni Totonou | Naoyuki Murata | TV Tokyo |
4.3. Stage Productions
Arakawa has also made significant contributions to theater, performing in various stage plays.
| Year | Title | Role | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Wani o Sude de tsukamaeru Hōhō | Parco Theater | |
| 2005 | Ice Cream Man | Shimokitazawa The Suzunari | |
| 2008 | Koisuru Ninpu | Theatre Cocoon | |
| 2008 | Sekai no Hakurankai | Shimokitazawa Ekimae Gekijo | |
| 2008 | Jokyōshi wa Ni-do Daka reta | Theatre Cocoon | |
| 2010 | Hakuran Kai -Sekai wa Futari no tame ni- | Parco Theater | |
| 2010 | Tensai Bakabon | Bakabon | Honda Theater |
| 2011 | Sono-zoku no Na wa "Kazoku" | Aoyama Enkei Gekijo | |
| 2011 | Ugokanai Ari | Setagaya Public Theater | |
| 2012 | Ponpon: Omae no Jiishiki ni Kokizami ni Furitaku naru 'nda: Ponpon | Komaba Agora Theater | |
| 2013 | Hijiri Baka Conte | Honda Theater | |
| 2014 | Kirei -Kamisama to Machiawase shita Onna- | Theatre Cocoon | |
| 2015 | Lettramon | Honda Theater | |
| 2015 | Shichinenburi no Koibito | Honda Theater, Theater Drama City | |
| 2016 | Vinyl no Shiro | Tar | Theatre Cocoon |
| 2018 | Ningen gohasan | Kurotaro | Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon, Morinomiya Piloti Hall |
| 2019 | Onna Goroshi Abura Jigoku | Toyoshimaya Nanazaemon / Shiro Inari Hōin | Terada Warehouse GI-5F, Shinjuku FACE |
| 2022 | Kedamono | Honda Theater, Kadel Hall, Sankei Hall Breeze | |
| 2023 | Mō Gaman Dekinai | Honda Theater, Sankei Hall Breeze | |
| 2024 | Fukusuke 2024 -Kabukicho Mokushiroku- | THEATER MILANO-Za, Rohm Theatre Kyoto Main Hall, Canal City Theater | |
| 2024 | The Cherry Orchard | Lopakhin | Setagaya Public Theater, Sky Theater MBS, Canal City Theater |
| 2025 | Jūrin-san | Shimokitazawa The Suzunari |
4.4. Other Media
Arakawa's work extends beyond traditional acting roles into various other forms of media, including voice acting, documentaries, commercials, and music videos.
4.4.1. Anime Television
Arakawa has lent his voice to animated television series.
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | The Genie Family | Hakuun Daishima | NTV |
| 2019 | Go! Go! Kitchen Sentai Cooklun | Matsutaro | NHK Educational TV |
4.4.2. Documentaries
Arakawa has participated in documentary productions, primarily as a narrator.
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ETV Tokushū | Narrator |
4.4.3. Commercials and Music Videos
Arakawa has appeared in numerous commercials and music videos, showcasing his broad appeal.
| Year | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Nescafe Excella Coffee wo Kai ni Dekakeru Tsuma: Happy New Morning | Commercial |
| 2013 | Leopalace21 Kagu/Kaden-hen, Shaonsei to Security + Kagu/Kaden-hen | Commercial |
| 2014 | Nissin Foods Nissin Curry Meshi | Commercial (Narration) |
| 2015 | Sumitomo Life Insurance 1UP | Commercial |
| 2016 | Toyota Roomy | Commercial |
| 2017 | Japan Post Group | Commercial |
| 2017 | LINE LINE NEWS | Commercial |
| 2018 | Jūkō Group French-hen, Baseball-hen | Commercial |
| 2020 | KDDI Au PAY Daikokuten Tōjō-hen | Commercial (as Daikokuten) |
| 2020 | Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Perac T Tablets | Commercial |
| 2021 | Moonton Technology Akashic Chronicle: Reimei no Mokushiroku | Web Commercial |
| N/A | Grapevine "Adabana" | Music Video |
5. Awards and Recognition
Yoshiyoshi Arakawa has received accolades for his performances, recognizing his talent in the performing arts.
In 2025, he was awarded the Excellent Actor Award at the 32nd Yomiuri Theater Awards for his roles in the stage productions Fukusuke 2024 -Kabukicho Mokushiroku- and The Cherry Orchard.
6. Related Figures and Affiliations
Yoshiyoshi Arakawa is closely associated with several key figures and organizations that have played a significant role in his career. His primary affiliation is with Otona Keikaku, the theater company and talent agency he joined in 1998. The founder and director of Otona Keikaku, Suzuki Matsuo, is particularly notable as he was responsible for naming both of Arakawa's stage names, including his current one, Yoshiyoshi Arakawa.