Kento Kaku Embraces a New Persona as an “Old Joe” Kind of Guy! From His Panama Hat in ‘OLDJOE’ to ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Merch, Here’s Why You Can’t Miss Him Now

If there’s one guy you absolutely can’t take your eyes off right now, it’s 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 merch counters, he’s constantly entertaining us with his larger-than-life presence. After all, his range is off the charts, from that iconic character Takashi Mitsuhashi to a yakuza with class. This time, let’s take a closer look at Kento Kaku’s undeniable “Old Joe” charm.

The Aesthetics of a Man in ‘OLDJOE’: A Pride That Comes “In a Box”

The first thing making headlines is the movie ‘OLDJOE’. Kento Kaku plays Satoru Nishimura, a former yakuza now in his middle years. Directed by Ren Yamada and written by Naoya Morishita, the character’s “weathered” allure is simply next-level. What’s especially eye-catching is the Panama hat perched on his head. And this is no ordinary hat. Beyond its presence in the film, the fact that it’s sold as a limited made-to-order item “in a box” really strikes a chord with anyone who appreciates a touch of masculine romance.

There’s a grittiness to it that feels like it’s begging for a line like, “A guy like me shouldn’t be wearing this.” Yet, the way he turns even that “doesn’t-quite-fit” vibe into part of the appeal is pure Kento Kaku. I’m sure I’m not the only one who, after watching the movie, found myself checking out my own silhouette in the mirror. The way he walks, with that hat on and his back straight, is truly the embodiment of manly style.

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

Even as he shows off this cool, sophisticated side, let’s not forget *that* blonde-haired character. Yes, we’re talking about Takashi Mitsuhashi from ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’. While the success of the movie version is still fresh in our minds, its popularity shows no signs of fading. I heard that the acrylic keychains released exclusively at Lawson sold out in the blink of an eye. It really drives home just how powerful this series is. What’s more, with the ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ exhibition now underway, they’ve even re-released those red T-shirts with the iconic “Coward” logo (apparently, size L is especially popular).

If you wear that “Coward” T-shirt while out and about, you’re practically guaranteed to get a nod of solidarity from fellow fans. The way Kento Kaku has made such a charismatic character a modern-day icon is truly impressive. It’s the gap—Mitsuhashi being a handsome guy, yet goofy, but capable when it counts—that makes him so compelling. I believe that this perfect balance is an art form only Kaku can pull off.

• ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Merch: The Lawson-exclusive acrylic keychains were an instant sell-out.
• ‘From Today, It’s My Turn!!’ Exhibition: The exhibition-exclusive “Coward” T-shirt (red/size L) is a must-have item.
• Movie ‘OLDJOE’: Directed by Ren Yamada, written by Naoya Morishita. Don’t miss Kento Kaku’s character Satoru Nishimura and his Panama hat.

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

If you widen your view, you’ll be amazed by the sheer breadth of his work. 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. The unique presence he brought to that tense atmosphere had a different texture from his comedic roles, yet it was equally captivating. Recently, even merchandise like a mobile battery tied to that movie became a hot topic. It’s clear that the “Kento Kaku” brand is a complete entertainment package, offering fun across all sorts of platforms.

Watching how he carves out his own position while co-starring with a respected senior like Takao Osawa and a close ally like Takanori Iwata, you can clearly see the depth he’s gaining as an actor.

Conclusion: Keep Your Eye on This “Old Joe”

Looking at everything he’s involved in—movies, dramas, merchandise, events—it’s like he’s hitting the bullseye of our hearts from every direction. From the youthful “it’s all happening now” vibe of Takashi Mitsuhashi to the mature charm of Satoru Nishimura, it’s as if he has multiple “Joes” living inside him.

If we glance at his upcoming schedule, 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 show up wearing that Panama hat and suddenly sporting a “Coward” T-shirt. And that would be a uniquely enjoyable scenario, a privilege reserved for an entertainer like Kento Kaku, who is truly one of a kind. Anyway, for the foreseeable future, we can’t take our eyes off him. No, we don’t *want* to. We’re definitely going to keep watching this guy, Kento Kaku, in all his “Old Joe” glory.