Yu Inaba

Yu Inaba (Japanese: 稲葉 友, Hepburn: Inaba Yū; born January 12, 1993) is a Japanese actor best known for his portrayal of Go Shijima / Kamen Rider Mach in the tokusatsu superhero television series Kamen Rider Drive (2014–2015).^[1][2] Affiliated with the talent agency LesPros Entertainment, he stands at 175 cm tall and has built a career spanning dramas, films, and stage performances since debuting in the early 2010s.^[3] Inaba entered the entertainment industry in 2009 after placing 22nd in the Junon Super Boy Contest, a nationwide talent search that launched his acting pursuits.^[4] His breakthrough came with Kamen Rider Drive, where he played the hot-blooded mechanic and rider alongside Ryoma Takeuchi's lead character, contributing to the series' popularity through its 48-episode run and related films like Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Future (2015).^[1] Beyond tokusatsu, Inaba has taken on diverse roles in Japanese television, including appearances in Hotei no Dragon (2025) as a supporting character and recent projects such as Musashino Rondo (TV Asahi, 2025) and Ii Koto Warui Koto (NTV, 2025).^[5] Inaba's personal interests reflect a multifaceted lifestyle, encompassing hobbies like watching theater, reading manga, playing music (with prior band experience), and DIY projects, alongside skills in baseball, basketball, handball, stage combat, and holding a standard driver's license.^[3] He also serves as an honorary tourism ambassador for his hometown of Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, highlighting his ties to the region where he was born.^[6]

Early Life

Childhood and Family

Yu Inaba was born on January 12, 1993, in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. He stands at 175 cm tall and has blood type A. Raised in Sagamihara as the youngest of three brothers, Inaba's early years were shaped by his family's suburban environment in the city, known for its blend of residential neighborhoods and access to outdoor activities. His father, a technology (industrial arts) teacher, played a significant role in his upbringing, fostering practical skills through shared home projects; Inaba frequently assisted with carpentry and DIY tasks from a young age, which sparked his enduring interest in hands-on activities. His mother is a middle school home economics teacher.^[7] Inaba has described a close-knit family dynamic, with his older brothers already married by his early adulthood. His childhood hobbies included baseball, basketball, and music, reflecting an active and creative youth that later informed his personal pursuits.

Entry into Entertainment

Yu Inaba's entry into the entertainment industry began in November 2009, when, at the age of 16 and as a high school sophomore, he won the Grand Prix of the 22nd Junon Super Boy Contest, beating a record 15,491 applicants.^[8] The annual contest, sponsored by the Japanese fashion and entertainment magazine Junon, scouts young male talent aged 13 to 22 not yet affiliated with agencies, and Inaba entered upon recommendations from friends and family, motivated by his longstanding interests in music—where he had prior band experience—and sports like baseball and basketball.^[9][4] In preparation for the contest, Inaba focused on performances that highlighted his singing aspirations, aiming to emulate versatile idols like SMAP, which aligned with the event's emphasis on multifaceted appeal.^[8] Immediately following his victory, he received widespread media attention, including coverage in major outlets, and undertook his first professional work providing voice acting for a minor role in the Japanese dubbed version of the film Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief in early 2010, expressing nervousness about transitioning from student life to public appearances.^[10] Subsequently, Inaba affiliated with LesPros Entertainment, a prominent Japanese talent agency under the Burning Production group, which provided training in acting, performance, and media skills to prepare him for a professional career.^[3] Under the agency's guidance from 2010 to 2013, he participated in modeling assignments, stage workshops, and minor on-screen and promotional roles, building experience while balancing high school studies before achieving wider recognition.^[11]

Acting Career

Debut and Early Roles

Yu Inaba entered the entertainment industry after winning the Grand Prix at the 22nd Junon Super Boy Contest in November 2009, when he was a 16-year-old high school sophomore selected from a record 15,491 applicants.^[12] This victory, prompted by recommendations from those around him, marked his transition from an ordinary student to an aspiring performer and opened doors to professional opportunities under the management of LesPros Entertainment, which provided crucial support in navigating his initial steps.^[13][3] Inaba made his official acting debut in 2010 with a supporting role as Satoshi Ozu in the TBS television drama Clone Baby, a suspense series exploring themes of human cloning and identity.^[14] The role, though minor, allowed him to gain foundational experience in front of the camera amid a cast of emerging talents, including Kento Yamazaki and Tori Matsuzaka, and highlighted his early potential in the competitive Japanese drama landscape.^[15] As a newcomer, Inaba faced typical hurdles such as adapting to professional sets and building confidence, but the production served as a practical introduction to the demands of scripted television.^[16] Building on this, Inaba took a significant leap in 2011 with his stage debut in the play Sanada Ten Braves: Boku-ra ga Mamoritakatta Mono at the Tennozu Galaxy Theatre, where he was cast in the lead role of the ninja Sarutobi Sasuke—a character known for his physical prowess, loyalty, and comedic vulnerability as a retainer to Sanada Yukimura.^[17] This opportunity, secured through LesPros' advocacy, represented a bold move for the inexperienced actor, who underwent intensive rehearsals including kendo training to embody the role's action elements.^[13] However, the pressure of headlining his first theatrical production led to intense anxiety and sleepless nights in the month leading up to opening, challenges he overcame by drawing on guidance from senior cast members and refining his approach to performance.^[13] These early endeavors in drama and theater were pivotal in establishing his versatility and visibility within Japan's entertainment circles, laying the groundwork for future genre explorations without yet delving into tokusatsu.^[18]

Breakthrough with Kamen Rider Drive

In 2014, Yu Inaba was cast in the recurring lead role of Go Shijima, the younger brother of Kiriko Shijima and a freelance photographer who transforms into the secondary protagonist Kamen Rider Mach, in the Toei Company tokusatsu television series Kamen Rider Drive.^[19] The series, which ran for 48 episodes from October 5, 2014, to September 27, 2015, on TV Asahi, centered on themes of automobiles and law enforcement, following police detective Shinnosuke Tomari (portrayed by Ryoma Takeuchi) as he battles rogue androids known as Roidmudes using the transforming vehicle Tridoron and the Drive Driver system.^[20] Inaba's character debuted in episode 12, initially appearing as a manipulative and hot-headed individual driven by personal vendettas tied to his father's unwitting involvement in the Roidmudes' creation, before evolving into a key ally in the fight against the mechanical antagonists through his Signal Bike-powered Mach Driver and Type Speed armor.^[21] Filming for Kamen Rider Drive involved extensive action sequences emphasizing high-speed chases and vehicle transformations, with Inaba sharing the screen alongside co-stars including Takeuchi as the titular Kamen Rider Drive and Rio Uchida as Kiriko Shijima, highlighting themes of family redemption and human-android coexistence.^[19] The production, under director Hidenori Ishida and writer Riku Sanjo, marked a pivotal point in Inaba's career, catapulting him to prominence within Japan's tokusatsu community and solidifying his status as a rising young actor through the role's demanding physicality and emotional depth.^[22] Inaba reprised the role of Go Shijima/Kamen Rider Mach in the 2016 spin-off film Kamen Rider Drive Saga: Kamen Rider Mach / Kamen Rider Heart, where his character investigates Roidmude-like incidents while grappling with themes of justice and loss, further extending the franchise's narrative and reinforcing his association with the series.^[23] This breakthrough performance expanded Inaba's fanbase among tokusatsu enthusiasts, opening doors to subsequent leading roles beyond the genre.^[4]

Subsequent Roles

Following the success of Kamen Rider Drive, which established Yu Inaba as a prominent figure in tokusatsu, he expanded into diverse television roles across genres like mystery, horror, and romance. In 2016, Inaba took on the lead role of Maebara Keiichi in the live-action adaptation Higurashi When They Cry: Kai, a psychological horror series that marked one of his early post-tokusatsu leads.^[2] He followed this in 2017 with the supporting role of Kichi-kun in the mystery drama Wanitokagegisu (also known as The World of Lizards), where he portrayed a complex character involved in a web of deceit and corporate intrigue.^[2] By 2022, Inaba earned a main role as Date Ryunosuke in the romantic comedy Hare-kon, showcasing his versatility in lighter, ensemble-driven narratives. More recently, in 2023, he appeared as Sakuma Shu in Minato Shouji Coin Laundry Season 2, a slice-of-life drama emphasizing community and personal growth, further diversifying his portfolio. In film, Inaba balanced supporting and lead parts in indie and commercial projects, often collaborating with emerging directors. His 2019 role as Muro Saisei in This Old Road: Konomichi, directed by Mitsuo Noiri, highlighted his ability to convey quiet introspection in a family drama. In 2020, he played Asato Sakaue in Hotel Royal, a thriller about isolation and secrets in a remote inn, under director Masaharu Take. That same year, Inaba led as Haruo in Stare (Shirai-san), an indie horror film exploring voyeurism and psychological tension, which received praise for his nuanced performance in a taut, character-focused story. A standout was his 2022 lead role as Kiritani Jin in Sing in Love, a romantic drama directed by Izuru Kumasaka, where he starred opposite Kenshin Endo in a narrative of redemption and forbidden love, earning positive notes for his emotional depth in the BL-adjacent genre.^[24] Inaba's career evolution reflects a deliberate shift from action-oriented tokusatsu to mainstream dramas and indie films, allowing him to tackle varied emotional ranges and build collaborations with established talents like director Izuru Kumasaka and actors such as Honami Sato.^[25] This progression is evident in his move toward lead and supporting roles that prioritize character development over spectacle, as seen from his early horror leads to recent romantic ensembles. Up to 2025, Inaba continued this trajectory with projects like Musashino Rondo (as Kinugasa Tamotsu), a 2025 TV Asahi drama blending mystery and historical elements, co-starring Rin Takanashi and Masakado Yoshinori.^[26] He also featured in Solo Camping for Two (2025, as Takigawa Akihito), a feel-good outdoor series, and The Right to Judge (2025, as Toyokawa Kengo), a legal thriller on NTV.^[2] Additionally, in 2024, he headlined Cheated in My Last Three Months as Takasaka Aoi, a comedic take on relationships, and supported in RoOT, the live-action adaptation of ODDTAXI.^[27] These roles underscore his growing presence in contemporary Japanese media, with announcements for the 2026 Golden Kamuy: Abashiri Prison Arc film signaling continued momentum.^[28]

Other Activities

Radio Hosting

Yu Inaba serves as a navigator for the J-WAVE radio program ALL GOOD FRIDAY, which airs live every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and combines music selections with talk segments on lifestyle, culture, and current events.^[29] He joined the show at its launch on October 7, 2016, initially as an assistant to co-navigator LiLiCo, handling interviews, on-site reporting, and contributions to features like "WORK INSIDE," where he explores unique Tokyo professions.^[30] The program emphasizes sharing emerging talents and Tokyo's vibrant scene, aligning with J-WAVE's focus on music and urban culture.^[31] Inaba's involvement reflects his personal interest in music, one of his listed hobbies alongside baseball and basketball, and he has expressed a desire to pursue both acting and music professionally.^[4] On the show, he participates in music selection segments, introducing tracks that resonate with listeners' weekends, such as personal picks during special themed episodes.^[32] Examples include curating songs for new year reflections or collaborating with guests like musician Qin Motohiro for live performances and discussions.^[33] The program has received positive reception as a reliable weekly outlet for Inaba, whom he describes as a "home to return to" for relaxation amid his acting schedule, helping maintain his public presence through consistent engagement with fans via radiko streams and social media interactions.^[34] Popular corners like "FOLLOW ME!!" feature listener advice on life topics, enhancing its appeal as a supportive Friday ritual.^[33] Notable achievements include the show's longevity, entering its 10th year in 2025 with ongoing public broadcasts that draw crowds, such as the October 2024 event at Marunouchi Building featuring actors Ishimura Hayato and Yashiro Tomohito.^[35] In 2024 episodes, guests like musicians XinU and Soraya appeared, blending music premieres with casual talks to energize the weekend vibe.^[36] These specials underscore the program's role in bridging entertainment and music discovery.^[37]

Goodwill Ambassador

In 2021, Yu Inaba was appointed as the Sagamihara City Honorary Tourism Goodwill Ambassador, a role in which he promotes the city's attractions and cultural heritage to both residents and visitors.^[6] The appointment took effect on April 1, 2021, alongside other notable figures such as model Ai Tominaga, with Inaba expressing his honor in taking on the position and committing to highlight Sagamihara's lesser-known charms through his personal channels.^[38] His responsibilities include leveraging his public profile to boost local tourism, such as by sharing insights into the city's natural landscapes, historical sites, and community events on social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).^[39] Inaba has actively fulfilled this role by posting content that ties his professional life back to his Sagamihara origins, including updates on local spots and seasonal promotions that encourage exploration of the area.^[40] For instance, in his ongoing social media presence, he frequently references the city's greenery and recreational opportunities, aligning with his goal of discovering and disseminating Sagamihara's appeal in his own style.^[41] He was reappointed for subsequent terms, including in 2023 and 2024, underscoring the city's recognition of his contributions to tourism promotion.^[42][43] This ambassadorship has enhanced Inaba's public image as a dedicated advocate for his hometown, fostering a deeper connection between his career and the community where he grew up.^[44] By drawing on his childhood experiences in Sagamihara—such as outdoor activities amid its natural surroundings—the role allows him to authentically represent the city's vibrant, memory-filled environment to a broader audience.^[41]

Filmography

Television

Yu Inaba's television career spans a wide range of Japanese dramas and tokusatsu series, beginning with his debut in 2010. He gained prominence through his lead role in the tokusatsu series Kamen Rider Drive. Subsequent appearances include both supporting roles in mainstream dramas and guest spots in various productions.^[4]

Films

Yu Inaba began his film career in 2011 with a supporting role in the school drama Ike! Danshi Koukou Engekibu, followed by independent dramas and gaining prominence through tokusatsu crossovers reprising his Kamen Rider Mach character. His subsequent work spans action franchises, romantic dramas, and ensemble casts, often in supporting capacities that highlight his versatility.