Born on January 23, 1973, in Kyoto, Japan, he is a former judoka who transitioned into acting and television. Competing in the heavyweight category, he won a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and multiple World Championship titles. After retiring from judo, he became a popular television personality in Japan, known for his charisma and humor. He has appeared in various films and TV dramas, bringing his athletic discipline and presence to the screen.