Kento Kaku: The ‘Old Joe’ We Can’t Get Enough Of – From His Panama Hat in ‘OLDJOE’ to Re-released ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Merch

Right now, there’s one man we just can’t stop watching: Kento Kaku. From morning to night, it feels like there isn’t a day we don’t see his face. Whether it’s on the big screen, streaming services, or even the merchandise floor, he’s out there entertaining us with his undeniable presence. I mean, the range he commands—from that guy Takashi Mitsuhashi to a yakuza gentleman—is simply off the charts. This time, let's dive into the unmistakably “Old Joe” charm of Kento Kaku.

The Aesthetic of the Man in 'OLDJOE' – It’s All About Pride, “Presented in a Box”

First up, the film everyone's talking about: 'OLDJOE'. Kaku plays Satoru Nishimura, a former yakuza on the cusp of middle age. Directed by Ren Yamada and written by Naoya Morishita, the world-weary allure he brings to this role is something else. What really catches the eye is the Panama hat perched on his head. And this isn’t just any hat. Beyond its presence in the film, the fact that it’s actually available for purchase as a made-to-order item “presented in a box” just speaks to a certain kind of masculine romance, doesn’t it?

You can almost hear him mutter a line like, “A bloke like me shouldn’t be wearing this.” But the way Kaku turns even that “it doesn’t quite suit him” quality into a selling point is pure modern-day Kento Kaku. I’m sure I’m not the only one who, after watching the film, found themselves checking out their own silhouette in the mirror. There’s a real code of honour in the way he walks with that hat on, back straight as a ramrod.

That “Cowardly Bastard” from 'From Today, It's My Turn!!' Is Making a Comeback

Even while he’s showing off this rugged side, we can’t forget *that* blonde-haired character. Yes, we’re talking about Takashi Mitsuhashi from 'From Today, It's My Turn!!'. The success of the movie version is still fresh in our minds, and his popularity shows no signs of fading. I heard the acrylic key chains sold exclusively at Lawson sold out in a flash. It really drives home just how powerful this brand is. And now, to coincide with the 'From Today, It's My Turn!!' exhibition, it seems they’re re-releasing that red T-shirt with the “cowardly bastard” logo (apparently the large size is especially popular).

Walk down the street in one of those “cowardly bastard” T-shirts, and you’ll instantly find yourself with a crew of mates. Kento Kaku’s legacy in creating a character with such modern-day charisma is truly massive. That gap between Mitsuhashi’s handsome face and his goofiness, while still being able to get serious when it counts… I reckon that perfect balance is an art form only Kaku can pull off.

• 'From Today, It's My Turn!!' Merchandise: The Lawson-exclusive acrylic key chains were a smash hit, selling out instantly.
• 'From Today, It's My Turn!!' Exhibition: The venue-exclusive “cowardly bastard” T-shirt (red / size L) is an absolute must-have.
• Movie 'OLDJOE': Directed by Ren Yamada, written by Naoya Morishita. You’ve got to see Kento Kaku’s Satoru Nishimura and that Panama hat.

On the Other Side of “AI” – Co-starring with Takao Osawa and Takayuki Iwata

And if you broaden your view, you’ll be amazed at his range. In the film 'AI Amok', he shared the screen with Takao Osawa (as Kosuke Kiryu) and Takayuki Iwata (as Makoto Sakuraba), delivering a gripping performance in this near-future suspense thriller. The unique presence he brought to that tense atmosphere was different from his comedic roles, yet just as compelling, drawing you right into the screen. Recently, there’s been buzz about a mobile battery released as tie-in merchandise for that film. It really hammers home that “Kento Kaku” as a brand is a whole entertainment package in itself, offering something to enjoy across every medium.

Seeing how he carves out his own space alongside a major senior like Takao Osawa and a close ally like Takayuki Iwata… just watching that process unfold shows you the growing depth of his craft.

Wrap-Up: Keep Your Eyes on This “Old Joe”

When you put it all together, he’s hitting us right in the heart from every angle—film, TV, merch, events. From the youthful, “It’s happening now!” energy of Takashi Mitsuhashi to the seasoned gravitas of a man like Satoru Nishimura. It’s like there are multiple “Joes” living inside him.

Looking ahead at what’s on the calendar, this momentum shows no signs of slowing down. What kind of face will he show us on his next project? Maybe one day he’ll just show up wearing that Panama hat and a “cowardly bastard” T-shirt. And that’s the kind of special treat only an entertainer as one-of-a-kind as Kento Kaku can pull off. Anyway, we won’t be able to look away for a while. Actually, scratch that—we *don’t* want to look away. We’re going to keep our eyes glued to the “Old Joe” persona of this man, Kento Kaku.