Whether playing the role of a sadomasochistic yakuza torturer, a samurai with forbidden homosexual urges, a violent guitar-shredding survivor of electrocution, or an amnesiac medical student grieving for his dead girlfriend, the common thread that runs through Asano’s acting is a stoic calm that makes it seem as though he’s not acting at all.  This trademark cool reserve and deadpan delivery make the moments when emotion bursts forth, or subtly shines through, all the more powerful.  It creates a mesmerizing anticipatory effect that has proven sufficient to carry the story lines of some pretty quirky films which may have languished in the hands of lesser talent.  Asano has been compared to acting great Johnny Depp due to their similarity in choosing diverse projects, from obscure independent works to blockbusters, as well as for their shared qualities of uncontrived uber-coolness and distinctive good looks.  With his new roles in increasingly high profile films, Asano will likely maintain his prior excellence in the same way that Depp has done throughout the evolution of his career.  Early on, Asano did some television work, but has made the decision to focus solely on film since 2003.  He has also directed or co-directed two independent movies, Tori and R246 Story.

Though he may sometimes appear enigmatically detached on the big screen, Asano is anything but when playing punk rock, hamming it up in TV commercials, or speaking in interviews.  Asano as 'Bunodata' can in fact be quite wild on stage, making up in enthusiasm what he may lack in expertise.  Interviews show Asano to be personable, funny and humble, projecting an understated charisma that transfers through the translators and endears him to audiences of all nationalities.  According to the actor though, he was not always so popular.  Born and raised in Yokohama, Japan, his classmates taunted him for having fairer coloring, lighter hair and sharper features than the norm, due to Asano’s descent from an American maternal grandfather of Navajo heritage.  However, he now appreciates this outsider status, since it led to friendships with other outcasts who first introduced him to punk music, and later informed his acting roles as loners, rebels, or eccentrics of questionable sanity.

Asano stated in an Asia Pacific Arts magazine interview that he would only consider himself a renaissance man if that’s defined as someone who is interested in and has fun at many varied pursuits, not someone who is talented at everything he tries.  While this versatile artist could be called something of a jack of all trades, he is indisputably the master of at least one.  Very few actors in today’s films possess more on-screen presence and effortless character immersion than does Tadanobu Asano.  We look forward to seeing his work more widely distributed and deservedly appreciated in America, as well as around the world.