Biografía
Ryuhei Matsuda, a uniquely talented and striking actor, was born on May 9, 1983, in Tokyo to Miyuki Matsuda and Yûsaku Matsuda. His life changed dramatically six years later when his father passed away from bladder cancer at age 40. Despite this loss, Ryuhei and his mother persevered, and unlike many children of famous actors, he showed little interest in acting during his early years. However, at 15, everything shifted when Nagisa Oshima offered him the pivotal role of the androgynous Samurai Sozaburo Kano in the controversial film Gohatto. Embracing the challenge, Ryuhei prepared intensely, training in kendo for two months to ready himself physically and emotionally. His debut was met with success, performing alongside esteemed actors like Takeshi Kitano and Tadanobu Asano, earning critical praise and numerous awards. Shortly after, he left high school to focus entirely on his promising film career, which flourished. In 2001, Ryuhei struck gold again with his role in the dark, thought-provoking high school drama Blue Spring, directed by Toshiaki Toyoda. His portrayal of Kujo, a laid-back yet brutal and introspective gang leader, garnered even broader recognition. His career continued to rise with roles such as the 2003 collaboration with Toyoda in the acclaimed 9 Souls, and a cameo in the vibrant, comedic live-action adaptation of Cutie Honey in 2004. Ryuhei kept working with Japan’s top actors and directors, appearing in the violent 2004 Takashi Miike action film Izo alongside Takeshi Kitano, and the 2005 film Ranpo Jigoku with Tadanobu Asano. With his charisma, versatility, and ability to tackle roles ranging from comedic and outrageous to moving and controversial, Ryuhei Matsuda’s potential seems limitless.
