Joe Odagiri

Jō Odagiri 小田切 譲 Odagiri Jō born February 16 1976 better known by his stage name Joe Odagiri オダギリ ジョー Odagiri Jō is a Japanese actor and musician South China Morning Post described him as a rebel something made evident by his grungy gothic style Odagiri Joe was born in Tsuyama Okayama prefecture a small town in central Japan renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring Though he was accepted by Kochi University he turned it down for an opportunity to study in the United States He had originally intended to study movie directing at California State University in Fresno but mistakes in the application process landed him in acting classes It may have been a blessing in disguise for two years after studying in Fresno and later starring in a few stage performances in Japan Odagiri would find himself catapulted to fame in his role in the Kamen Rider series playing the central character of Kamen Rider Kuuga Yusuke Godai He became the predecessor of the Ikemen Hero craze literally goodlooking actors playing hero roles in popular TV series Since then Odagiri has appeared in many movies and dramas He won the Best New Actor Award at the 2003 Japan Academy Awards for his role as the uniquely bisexual nemesis in the film Azumi and in the following year was awarded the Best Supporting Actor Award for his electrifying performance in internationally acclaimed director Kitano Takeshis 2004 film Blood and Bones Odagiris creative acting skills and strong presence in films have secured him a place in stardom He is slated to appear in numerous more films in 2005 including Maison de Himiko where he portrays a homosexual man in a relationship with the protagonist played by Shibasaki Kous father