Ayumu Takahashi

Ayumu Takahashi has been quietly making waves in Japanese cinema, honestly. You might’ve caught their work in the quirky battle-comedy Akiba Meido Sensô from 2022. That movie? Wild ride. It’s got this whole “maid café turf war” thing going on in Akihabara, where the frilly uniforms hide some seriously unhinged rivalries. There are battles—actual, over-the-top fights—between maids, but underneath all the chaos, you get a glimpse into the odd subcultures that make Tokyo what it is. It’s a fever dream kind of film, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Takahashi’s performance nails that mix of sweet and slightly unhinged. Jump back a few years, and you’ll find them in Majo no Takkyûbin, the 2014 live-action take on Kiki’s Delivery Service. Okay, so adapting such a beloved story? Kind of a minefield. But Takahashi brings a grounded, awkward charm to the cast, balancing out the magical whimsy with a down-to-earth vibe. It’s not all flying brooms and talking cats—there’s real insecurity, teen angst, and the messiness of growing up. Fast forward to 2023, Takahashi pops up in Skip and Loafer, which is all about those weird, in-between years—moving to Tokyo, making new friends, fumbling through social minefields. Their role just fits, you know? A little awkward, a little hopeful, but always genuine. Whether it’s wild maid battles or heartfelt teen drama, Takahashi keeps things interesting and never feels like they’re phoning it in.