From the soccer pitch to a record-breaking television leading role
In short: Before he became a household name in Japanese drama, Ryoma Takeuchi was an athlete on the path to professional sports. His journey from a youth soccer prospect to breaking age records for prestigious television slots offers a masterclass in pivoting toward a different kind of stardom.
Born Ryo Takeuchi on April 26, 1993, his early life was defined by athletics rather than the arts. He began playing soccer at the age of five and joined Tokyo Verdy as a youth player. While he initially secured a college recommendation based on his soccer prowess, he ultimately chose not to pursue a professional sports career, shifting his focus toward education and eventually the entertainment industry.
Takeuchi's transition into the spotlight began in 2013 when he won the Mina Kare Grand Prix audition, beating out 2,457 contestants. This victory led to his first major feature in Mina magazine that same year. He quickly established a presence in the industry, notably starring as the protagonist Shinnosuke Tomari (Kamen Rider Drive) from 2014 to 2015, and earning a Best Stylish Award in late 2016.
His career reached a significant milestone in January 2020 with his role in the TBS Sunday Theatre production 'Ship of Theseus.' By taking on this leading role at age 26, he became the youngest actor to ever lead a Sunday Theatre production. This breakthrough solidified his status as a versatile performer capable of carrying major television projects.
Beyond his acting accolades, Takeuchi's personal life has been subject to significant media attention. In 2019 and 2020, reports surfaced regarding his relationship with Ayaka Miyoshi, eventually revealing they were living together before their reported split in October 2024 to prioritize their respective careers.
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