Kento Kaku Embraces a New Chapter as an ‘Old Joe’: From the Panama Hat in ‘OLDJOE’ to ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Merch – Why You Can’t Look Away from Him Right Now

Right now, there’s one man you simply can’t look away from: Kento Kaku. From morning till night, it feels like there isn’t a day we don’t see his face – whether on the big screen, streaming services, or even at the merch counters, he’s constantly entertaining us with his sheer presence. After all, his range is extraordinary, from that character Takashi Mitsuhashi to a yakuza gentleman. This time, let’s delve into what makes Kento Kaku, the quintessential “Old Joe,” so captivating.

The Aesthetics of Man in ‘OLDJOE’: The Pride of a ‘Boxed’ Hat

First up, the film ‘OLDJOE’ is creating quite a buzz. Kaku plays Satoru Nishimura, a former yakuza approaching middle age. Directed by Ren Yamada and written by Naoya Morishita, the role sees him exuding a refined, ‘weathered’ charisma that’s seriously impressive. The detail that really stands out is the Panama hat perched on his head. This is no ordinary accessory. Beyond its presence in the film, the fact that it’s being sold as a made-to-order item, complete with its own box, really taps into a sense of masculine romance.

There’s a certain ruggedness to it that makes you think of lines like, “This kind of hat’s not really for a bloke like me,” but the fact that Kaku can turn even that sense of ‘not quite fitting the mould’ into part of its appeal is a testament to where he is now. I can’t be the only one who, after watching the film, found myself checking my own reflection in the mirror. The way he walks in that hat, with his back straight, is the very embodiment of a certain masculine elegance.

The ‘Coward’ from ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Is Making a Comeback

Even while showing us this sophisticated side, we can’t forget about *that* blonde hair. Yes, Takashi Mitsuhashi from ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’. The success of the movie is still fresh in our minds, but the popularity shows no sign of waning. I heard that the acrylic key chains, released exclusively at Lawson, sold out in the blink of an eye. It really drives home just how powerful the franchise is. What’s more, with the ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!! Exhibition’ happening, I hear they’re re-releasing that red T-shirt with the ‘Coward’ logo (apparently, size L is a particular hit).

If you wore that ‘Coward’ T-shirt out on the street, you’d instantly find yourself among ‘mates’. Kaku’s achievement in cementing such a charismatic character in modern pop culture is truly significant. The gap between Mitsuhashi’s good looks and his goofy side, balanced by the fact he steps up when it counts – it’s this perfect sense of balance that I believe is an art form only Kaku can pull off.

• ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Merchandise: The Lawson-exclusive acrylic key chains were a hit, selling out immediately.
• ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!! Exhibition’: The event-exclusive ‘Coward’ T-shirt (red/size L) is a must-have item.
• Film ‘OLDJOE’: Directed by Ren Yamada, written by Naoya Morishita. Kaku’s Satoru Nishimura and his Panama hat are a must-see.

Alongside Takao Osawa and Takanori Iwata, on the Other Side of ‘AI’

Expanding the view further, the breadth of his work is astonishing. In the film ‘AI Amok’, he delivered a gripping performance in a near-future suspense alongside Takao Osawa (as Kosuke Kiryu) and Takanori Iwata (as Makoto Sakuraba). Amidst that tense atmosphere, Kaku’s unique presence draws you into the screen, offering a different texture compared to his comedy roles. Recently, even merchandise like a mobile battery linked to that film became a talking point. Indeed, ‘Kento Kaku’ as a brand is a whole entertainment package, offering enjoyment across every medium.

Working with a respected senior like Takao Osawa and ally Takanori Iwata, watching how he carves out his own position is a clear window into his deepening craft as an actor.

Conclusion: Keep Your Eyes on This ‘Old Joe’

Looking at it all, it’s clear: films, dramas, merchandise, events… he’s capturing our hearts from every possible angle. From the youthful ‘right-now’ energy of Takashi Mitsuhashi to the mature depth of Satoru Nishimura, it’s as if he’s got multiple ‘Joes’ living inside him.

Looking at his upcoming schedule, this momentum shows no signs of stopping. What face will he show us on his next project? Maybe one day he’ll show up wearing that Panama hat and a ‘Coward’ T-shirt. And that’s the kind of unique, entertaining privilege that’s only allowed for a one-of-a-kind performer like Kento Kaku. In short, we won’t be able to look away for a while. Actually, we won’t *want* to. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this man and his ‘Old Joe’ charm.