Happy Birthday to Japan’s Hot Young Star — Yuki Furukawa!

With his boyish good looks and innocent charm, it’s no wonder Yuki Furukawa has managed to capture the hearts of countless fans around the world. Although it’s only been three years since the Japanese actor made his screen debut in the high school drama “Asuko March,” Yuki has already established himself as a major force in the J-drama world. In honor of Yuki’s 27th birthday today, let’s take a closer look at the life and career of one of Japan’s finest exports.

Considering he was born in Tokyo and raised in Vancouver and New York, Yuki’s universal appeal should come as no surprise. Perhaps the most obvious benefit of this global upbringing is his fluency in both Japanese and English. If you’d like to hear Yuki’s velvety voice on full display, check out his “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” video from earlier this year. His powerful English-speaking voice makes him even sexier!


Speaking of Yuki’s good looks and charisma, did you know that he got into acting after winning a popularity contest at his school? That’s right! In 2009, while attending Keio University in Tokyo, Yuki was crowned “Mr. Keio,” the title awarded to the most handsome and popular man on campus. Looking to capitalize on his appeal, the talent agency Horipro invited Yuki to an acting audition for its 50th anniversary and the rest, as they say, is history.

These GIFs make it pretty obvious why Yuki Furukawa was voted ‘Mr. Keio’

Yuki’s breakthrough role came in the 2013 Japanese drama “Mischievous Kiss: Love in TOKYO” where he played the lead role of Naoki Irie, the aloof genius who softens when he falls in love with his polar opposite. Thanks in large part to Yuki’s stellar performance, the show has proven to be extremely popular with fans all over the world and has spawned a sequel, the currently airing hit “Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in TOKYO.”

Coincidentally, all of the actors who play his family members in “Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in TOKYO” also are December babies!

Koura Kazumasa, who plays Naoki's father, turns 47 on December 18

Tomomi Nishimura, the actress who portrays Naoki's mother, will be 44 on December 17

Yuga Aizawa, who plays Naoki's younger brother, turned 12 on December 2

Happy birthday to Yuki Furukawa, who manages to dazzle us at every turn, and the rest of his drama family! Yuki really is an actor on the rise and it certainly won’t be long until the whole world appreciates his immense talent and charm.

What’s your favorite Yuki Furukawa moment? Let us know in the comments!

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