Best known for his sadistic portrayal of Kakihara in Ichi the Killer, Tadanobu Asano, born Tadanobu Sato, started his acting career at the young age of 16 on a TV series with advice from his father, an agent for actors. Two years later, Asano would make the jump to film and start a very lucartive career. Unlike many Japanese actors, Asano adapted more readily to the film medium and left behind television acting, commiting most of his work to theatrical movies. In addition to acting, Asano also directed commercials for his then wife Chara, and is also a musician for a band he helped form called " MACH-1.67" with futue Gojoe (2000) director Sogo Ishii in 1996.

Acting Toho Filmography
Four Sisters (1995) - Akira Higuchi
Acri (1996) - Hisoka
Tokyo Biyori (1997)
Gemini (1999) - Revenger with Sword
Gojoe (2000) - Shanao, Halfling Demon
Survive Style 5+ (2004) - Ishigaki