Yusuke Hirayama

Yusuke Hirayama, born way back in November ‘70, hails from Saitama, Japan. He’s carved out this pretty wild career in Japanese film and TV, but let’s not sugarcoat it—most folks spot him instantly from his roles in Mozu, Alice in Borderland, and Kamisama no Pazuru. Hirayama’s got one of those faces you see once, and then suddenly he pops up everywhere. He’s not flashy, but there’s something magnetic about the way he handles a character, like he’s holding back an inside joke or some secret. Take Mozu, for instance. That show’s a whole ride—gritty, moody, stuffed with intrigue. Hirayama’s role isn’t some throwaway, either. He digs into his character, bringing this kind of understated intensity. Then there’s Alice in Borderland, where, let’s be real, the whole thing’s bonkers in the best way possible. Hirayama fits right into the chaos, blending menace with a dash of humor—he knows how to walk that tightrope. And Kamisama no Pazuru? Science fiction with a twist, and again, he brings his A-game. He’s not the loudest guy in a scene, but man, he’s got presence. You get the sense he’s always thinking two steps ahead, maybe even laughing at the absurdity of it all. Basically, if you’re watching a Japanese thriller or sci-fi flick and Hirayama pops up, you know you’re in for something good. Not a household name worldwide, but he’s absolutely earned his stripes.