Shogen Itokazu, professionally known simply as Shogen, is a prominent Japanese actor and former model hailing from Okinawa, Japan. Born on June 20, 1978, he has built an international career that bridges domestic Japanese cinema and overseas projects. Recognized for his striking screen presence and dedication to realism-based acting, Shogen has appeared in numerous acclaimed films and television series, gaining widespread recognition for roles in projects like Gensan Punch and the live-action adaptation of Death Note.
- Shogen: Quick Facts & Personal Profile
- Early Life, Education, and Cultural Background
- Modeling Career Abroad and Transition to Acting
- Major Movies, TV Shows, and Breakthrough Roles
- Selected Filmography
- Awards and Nominations
- Wife, Daughter, and Personal Life
- Net Worth and Financial Standing
- Frequently Asked Questions About Shogen
- How old is actor Shogen?
- Who is Shogen’s wife?
- Does Shogen have children?
- What are Shogen’s most famous movies and TV shows?
- What is Shogen’s height?
- What is Shogen’s net worth?
Shogen: Quick Facts & Personal Profile
An overview of Shogen’s personal details, background, and physical measurements highlights his path from an Okinawan youth to an internationally recognized performer:
- Full Real Name: Shogen Itokazu (糸数 尚玄)
- Stage Name: Shogen
- Date of Birth: June 20, 1978
- Age: 48 years old
- Place of Birth: Naha, Okinawa, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Ethnicity: Okinawan Japanese
- Height: 1.83 meters (6 feet 0 inches)
- Occupation: Actor, Model, Producer
- Years Active: Early 2000s-present
- Spouse: May J. (m. 2022)
- Children: 1 daughter (born November 2023)
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Itokazu
- Net Worth: Estimated at $1.5 million
- Instagram Handle: @shogenism
Early Life, Education, and Cultural Background
Shogen was born and raised in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa, Japan. He was raised primarily by his mother without his father present, which fostered a close bond between them. Details regarding his siblings have remained private.
Shogen attended Naha High School, graduating in 1997. He then pursued higher education at Asia University, where he played basketball and completed his studies in 2001. During university, he participated in an exchange program in the United States, which helped spark his early international outlook. Deeply proud of his heritage, Shogen frequently emphasizes his Okinawan cultural background in interviews and creative projects.
Modeling Career Abroad and Transition to Acting
Before establishing himself as a dramatic screen actor, Shogen worked as a fashion model. His modeling career took him across Europe, allowing him to live and work internationally.
In 2004, he returned to Japan and transitioned into acting. He made his feature film debut in Bloody Snake Under the Sun (Habu to Kenkotsu), portraying an Okinawan sanshin musician in a postwar drama selected for the 20th Tokyo International Film Festival. Eager to master his craft, Shogen moved to New York City in 2008 to train in realism-based acting at Black Nexxus under coaches such as Susan Batson.
Major Movies, TV Shows, and Breakthrough Roles
Shogen’s international training enabled him to secure roles across diverse cultures. In 2014, he played Young Gôken in the action mini-series Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist. The following year, he achieved a major career breakthrough as FBI agent Raye Penber in the live-action television adaptation of Death Note.
Another monumental milestone was his leading performance as Nao Tsuchiyama in the internationally co-produced drama film Gensan Punch (2021), directed by Brillante Mendoza. His portrayal of a Japanese boxer with a prosthetic leg training in the Philippines earned critical acclaim across the global festival circuit.
Selected Filmography
- Bloody Snake Under the Sun (2005)
- Sukiyaki Western Django (2007)
- Kafoo: Waiting for Happiness (2009)
- Uzumasa Limelight (2014)
- Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist (2014) – Young Gôken
- Death Note (2015) – Raye Penber
- High & Low: The Movie 3 – Final Mission (2017)
- Gensan Punch (2021) – Nao Tsuchiyama
- December (2022)
- House of the Owl (2024, Disney+/Netflix) – Ken Murakami
- One Last Bloom (2023)
- The Redemption of Sin (2024)
- Lone Samurai (2025)
- Takarajima (Hero’s Island) (2025)
Awards and Nominations
Shogen’s commitment to nuanced, physically demanding performances has earned him industry accolades:
- 2021 Busan International Film Festival: Won the Kim Jiseok Award (for Gensan Punch)
- 2022 Busan International Film Festival: Won the Asia Star Award
Wife, Daughter, and Personal Life
Shogen is married to the singer and songwriter May J. (born May Hashimoto). The couple registered their marriage on June 20, 2022, choosing Shogen’s birthday as their wedding date.
In November 2023, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter. They have chosen to keep their daughter’s name and private details away from public media exposure.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2026, Shogen has an estimated net worth of approximately $1.5 million. His primary sources of income stem from his acting career in feature films and streaming series, commercial modeling contracts, and behind-the-scenes producing work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shogen
How old is actor Shogen?
Shogen was born on June 20, 1978. As of 2026, he is 48 years old.
Who is Shogen’s wife?
Shogen is married to singer May J. The couple tied the knot on June 20, 2022.
Does Shogen have children?
Yes, Shogen and his wife May J. welcomed their first child, a daughter, in November 2023.
What are Shogen’s most famous movies and TV shows?
He is best known for his starring role in Gensan Punch (2021), playing Raye Penber in the live-action Death Note (2015) series, and portraying Young Gôken in Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist (2014).
What is Shogen’s height?
Shogen stands at 1.83 meters (6 feet 0 inches) tall.
What is Shogen’s net worth?
Shogen has an estimated net worth of around $1.5 million, earned through his acting, modeling, and production career.
