Yoji Tanaka

Born in Kiso, Nagano, Tanaka first began working for Japan National Railways after high school, but often went to the movies, including shows of indie and self-produced films. Becoming friends with young directors like Naoto Yamakawa, he left his job in 1990 and went to Tokyo, where he began working as an extra or lighting assistant on films by Naoto Takenaka, Junji Sakamoto, and others. After 1994 he concentrated on acting, eventually achieving fame in dramas like Hero. His first television show in a starring role, Outdoor Rock'n Roll, started broadcasting on BS Asahi in 2014.