Kuroda Yûki, the talented actor known for his youthful charm and successful career, has recently stirred conversation with his Instagram activity, marking the beginning of his persona as "bento ojisan" or bento uncle. The 42-year-old, who transitioned from being labeled a child prodigy to becoming a stage director, shared snapshots of his home-cooked bento creations on April 14, showcasing dishes like stir-fried veggies and cheesy bread, alongside commentary about his physical transformation.
On April 16, Kuroda appeared on Fuji Television's "Mezamashi Eight," explaining the motivations behind his new look. Sporting facial hair, he said, "I’m growing out my beard just for the role preparation. People are saying it looks messy, but it's just for the character." This transformation is not just cosmetic; it ties directly to his dedication to acting, as Kuroda has been actively working on his role for the theater production he’s set to perform at Sun Mall Studio this month.
Reflecting on his culinary endeavors, Kuroda added, "I thought it’d be good to cook for myself to manage my health since I have rehearsals non-stop before the performance." Acknowledging his previous fame as a beautiful young star, he humorously noted, "I’ve been trying to become more of an older man over the last ten years, but I didn’t want to become someone who couldn’t get roles at all. It’s important to maintain versatility as I age." His dedication isn’t merely to craft but stems from his desire to contribute to Japanese entertainment once more, stating, "I want to contribute to Japanese entertainment again after receiving awards overseas, and I see acting as the workout for achieving this goal."
Kuroda's acting career began impressively at just five years old with his role in NHK's historical drama "Takeda Shingen." He then starred as the lead at the Imperial Theatre's adaptation of "Oliver!" at the age of eight and continued onto significant films, establishing himself as one of the prominent child stars of his time. Throughout the years, Kuroda has collected various accolades, including winning the Newcomer Actor award at the Japan Academy Prize.
Despite his professional success, Kuroda's personal life has seen its share of turmoil. His marriage to singer Nakamura Rui ended shortly after it began, and he later revealed his marriage to actress Tamai Chizuru on social media, sharing moments with their son. Yet, he candidly announced on Instagram last July, "I have divorced again," signaling the end of his second marriage. This duality showcases the complex reality of life as both public persona and private individual, balancing aspirations with personal challenges.
His recent Instagram posts, including one where he cheekily referred to himself as "bento ojisan," have reignited discussions about his appearance and career choices. Fans reacted to photos of him with golden facial hair and entirely shaved head, expressing surprise and support for his drastic changes. Comments ranged from disbelief about the transformation to sympathy for his struggles, showcasing the closeness of Kuroda’s connection to his followers.
With his upcoming performances at Sun Mall Studio, Kuroda hopes to share the stories born from his culinary creations with audiences. His hopes to inspire come through his frequent updates and personal revelations, bridging the gap between his on-stage talents and his off-stage life. Kuroda concludes, "That’s what life is about—creating stories worth sharing through acting and even cooking." This approach not only connects him with his craft but also to his audience, ensuring they follow his every post with intrigue and support.
Indeed, more than just a transformation story, Kuroda Yûki embodies the realities of growth, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of one’s passions, proving once again why he remains such a cherished figure within Japan’s entertainment industry.