Yôsuke Kubozuka is a prominent Japanese actor, musician, model, director, and writer. He is one of Japan’s most distinctive and versatile artistic talents. Born on May 7, 1979, in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, Kubozuka started as a fashion model. He transitioned into acting in the mid-1990s. Over the decades, he has captivated audiences through iconic television roles, acclaimed cinematic performances, and his alternative pursuits as a reggae singer under the stage name 卍LINE (Manji Line).
Yôsuke Kubozuka Profile Summary
| Full Name | Yôsuke Kubozuka (窪塚洋介) |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1979 |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Birthplace | Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Profession | Actor, Reggae Singer (Manji Line), Model, Director, Writer |
| Spouse / Family | Married (Previously married to Non-Chan from 2003 to 2012) |
| Children | Kubozuka Airu (Son and actor) |
| Brother | Shunsuke Kubozuka (Actor) |
| Talent Agency | Asmakina |
Early Life and Family Background
Yôsuke Kubozuka was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Growing up in the late 1970s and 1980s, he developed diverse creative interests. Creativity is a shared trait in his family. His younger brother, Shunsuke Kubozuka, is also a recognized Japanese actor. Details regarding his parents remain private. His upbringing in Yokosuka shaped his entry into the Japanese modeling industry during his youth.
Wife, Children, and Personal Life
Kubozuka’s personal life often attracts media attention. He was married to Non-Chan from 2003 until their divorce in 2012, and he has since remarried. He shares a close relationship with his eldest son, Kubozuka Airu, who follows in his father’s footsteps as an actor and model.
In 2004, Kubozuka survived a severe accident when he fell 26 meters from his ninth-floor apartment window. He sustained non-fatal injuries and made a complete recovery. He then returned to the entertainment industry to continue his legacy in film and music.
Acting Career: Breakthroughs and Acclaimed Movies
Kubozuka began his professional acting career with a television debut in the 1995 crime drama Kindaichi Case Files. He quickly rose to fame through prominent TV roles. These include appearances in the legendary drama GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka) in 1998, Ikebukuro West Gate Park in 2000, and Strawberry on the Shortcake in 2001.
His cinematic breakthrough came with his performance as Sugihara in the 2001 film Go!. This role earned him critical acclaim, including the Best Actor and Newcomer of the Year awards at the 25th Japan Academy Prize in 2002. He also received accolades from the Kinema Junpo Awards, Yokohama Film Festival, and Mainichi Film Concours.
Over the years, Kubozuka has taken on diverse cinematic roles, expanding his international footprint. Notably, he appeared as Kichijiro in Martin Scorsese’s historical drama Silence (2016). His extensive filmography covers major titles across decades.
Notable Movies List
- Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo (1995)
- Go! (2001) – Sugihara
- Ping Pong (2002) – Peco
- Laundry (2002) – Teru
- Samurai Resurrection (2003) – Amakusa Shiro Tokisada
- Tokyo Tribe (2014) – Nkoi
- Silence (2016) – Kichijiro
- Alley Cat (2017) – Hideaki Ashita
- First Love (2021) – Gamon Makabe
- Sweet My Home (2023) – Satoshi Kiyosawa
- Frontline (2025) – Yukiyoshi Sendo
Notable Television Shows
- The Files of Young Kindaichi (NTV, 1995)
- Great Teacher Onizuka – GTO (Fuji TV, 1998)
- Ikebukuro West Gate Park (TBS, 2000) – Takashi (King)
- Strawberry on the Shortcake (TBS, 2001) – Saeki Tetsuya
- Long Love Letter (Fuji TV, 2002) – Asami Akio
- GTO Revival (KTV, 2024)
Musical Career as Manji Line (卍LINE)
Beyond acting, Yôsuke Kubozuka has a dedicated following in the Japanese music scene as a reggae artist performing under the name 卍LINE (Manji Line). Embracing reggae culture and philosophy, he has released multiple albums and singles. He uses his music platform to express social commentary, personal freedom, and artistic independence.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Yôsuke Kubozuka keeps his exact financial portfolio private. However, industry estimates place his net worth in the multi-million dollar range. His primary income stems from decades of lead and supporting roles in blockbuster films, television dramas, high-profile modeling campaigns, directing projects, and his career as a touring reggae musician.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Yôsuke Kubozuka born?
Yôsuke Kubozuka was born on May 7, 1979. He is currently 47 years old.
Who are Yôsuke Kubozuka’s family members?
He has a younger brother, actor Shunsuke Kubozuka, and a son, actor and model Kubozuka Airu.
What is Yôsuke Kubozuka’s most famous movie role?
He is internationally recognized for playing Kichijiro in Martin Scorsese’s 2016 film Silence, and celebrated in Japan for his award-winning role in the 2001 film Go!.
What is Yôsuke Kubozuka’s reggae singer name?
He performs reggae music under the stage name 卍LINE (Manji Line).
Is Yôsuke Kubozuka active on social media?
Yes, he maintains an official Instagram account under the handle @yosuke_kubozuka, where he shares updates regarding his artistic projects, fashion, and personal life.
