Kento Kaku Embraces a New Persona as the ‘Old Joe’ – From the Panama Hat in ‘OLDJOE’ to ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Merch, Here’s Why You Can’t Look Away

Right now, there’s one man you simply can’t take your eyes off: Kento Kaku. It feels like we see his face everywhere, from morning till night – whether it’s on the big screen, streaming services, or even the merch section – he’s constantly entertaining us with his undeniable presence. The range he commands, from that character Takashi Mitsuhashi to a yakuza with a touch of class, is nothing short of extraordinary. Here, we’re delving into the quintessential “Old Joe” charm of Kento Kaku.

The Aesthetics of a Man in ‘OLDJOE’: A Pride That Comes ‘Boxed’

First up, the film that’s on everyone’s lips: ‘OLDJOE’. Kaku plays Satoru Nishimura, a former yakuza on the cusp of middle age. Directed by Ren Yamada and written by Naoya Morishita, the “weathered” allure he brings to this role is immense. What’s particularly striking is the Panama hat perched on his head. This isn’t just any accessory. From its impact in the film to the fact that the officially available hat is a made-to-order item that comes in a box, it’s enough to make any man’s heart sing with a sense of romance.

There’s a ruggedness to it that feels like he might mutter, “A guy like me shouldn’t be wearing this,” but the fact that he can turn even that sense of “not quite fitting the look” into an asset is pure Kento Kaku. I’m sure I’m not the only one who, after watching the film, found themselves checking their own silhouette in the mirror. The way he walks, with that hat on and his back straight, is the embodiment of masculine style.

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

Even as he shows us this sophisticated side, we mustn’t forget that blonde hair. Yes, Takashi Mitsuhashi from ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’. The hit movie is still fresh in our memories, and his popularity shows no signs of waning. I heard that the acrylic key chains, sold exclusively at Lawson convenience stores, sold out in a flash. It’s a stark reminder of his staying power. What’s more, it seems that to coincide with the ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ exhibition, the red T-shirts featuring that “coward” logo (apparently the size large is especially popular) are being re-released.

Wear that “coward” T-shirt out on the street, and you’ll instantly find yourself among friends. The impact Kento Kaku has had in cementing such a charismatic character in modern pop culture is truly monumental. The gap between Mitsuhashi’s good looks and his goofy, yet surprisingly capable, side is a work of art. It’s that perfect balance that only he can deliver.

• ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Merch: The Lawson-exclusive acrylic key chains were a massive hit, selling out instantly.
• ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Exhibition: The venue-exclusive “coward” T-shirts (red/size L) are a must-have item.
• Film ‘OLDJOE’: Directed by Ren Yamada, written by Naoya Morishita. Satoru Nishimura’s (played by Kento Kaku) Panama hat is a sight to behold.

On the Other Side of ‘AI’, Co-starring with Takao Osawa and Takayuki Iwata

Looking at his broader career, you’ll be amazed at the range he covers. In the film ‘AI Amok’, he delivered a gripping performance in this near-future suspense alongside Takao Osawa (playing Kosuke Kiryu) and Takayuki Iwata (playing Makoto Sakuraba). The unique presence Kaku brought to that tense atmosphere was different from his comedy work, yet just as captivating. Recently, merchandise related to that film, like mobile batteries, also became a hot topic. It’s clear that “Kento Kaku” as a phenomenon is a powerhouse of entertainment that we can enjoy across all kinds of media.

Seeing how he carves out his position alongside a great senior like Takao Osawa and a close colleague like Takayuki Iwata – even just watching that process unfold, you can clearly see the depth he gains as an actor.

Conclusion: Keep Your Eyes on This ‘Old Joe’

Looking at everything, from films and dramas to merchandise and events, he’s truly hitting the mark from every angle. From the youthful energy of “It’s now or never!” Takashi Mitsuhashi to the seasoned maturity of Satoru Nishimura – it’s as if he has multiple “Joes” living inside him.

If you glance at his upcoming schedule, it’s clear this momentum isn’t stopping. What kind of face will he show us on his next set? Maybe one day, he’ll show up wearing that Panama hat and a “coward” T-shirt. And that’s exactly the kind of special treat we can expect from an entertainer as unique as Kento Kaku. Anyway, we won’t be able to look away for a while. No, we won’t want to. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the “Old Joe” side of Kento Kaku.