On March 27, 2025, a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo by the Chinese branch of Muji sparked significant excitement among fans, marking the unexpected return of actor Takeshi Kaneshiro, who is now 51 years old. The post featured two fresh photos of Kaneshiro, who has largely been out of the public eye since 2017, following his role in the film 'Sons of the Neon Night.' In one image, Kaneshiro is seen wearing a light blue shirt and holding a plant, while in the other, he dons a white shirt and chinos as he pushes a bicycle. Both photos capture a refreshing spring vibe, resonating with the theme of natural living that Muji promotes.
The announcement of Kaneshiro as Muji's brand ambassador was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from Chinese fans, who took to social media to express their joy. Comments flooded in, with fans exclaiming, "Finally, we can see you again!" and "It’s been eight years since you disappeared, so this is a happy surprise!" Some even humorously questioned whether the images were AI-generated, reflecting the shock of his sudden reappearance.
Kaneshiro, who was born to a Japanese father and Taiwanese mother, rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a beloved figure across Asia. He gained significant recognition in Japan after starring in the drama 'Kamisama, Mou Sukoshi Dake' alongside Kyoko Fukada in 1998. His career flourished in various Asian countries, and he became known for his ability to speak multiple languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and English.
Since finishing his last film project in 2017, Kaneshiro has kept a low profile, reportedly living quietly in Japan and Taiwan. There have been various rumors surrounding his personal life, including speculation about a marriage and the sale of his family home in Okinawa, which his agency has denied. In 2004, he constructed a three-story mansion in Okinawa, which has gained recognition among locals as "Kaneshiro’s family home." However, reports surfaced in late 2024 that the property was being offered for sale for approximately 200 million yen.
Despite his absence from the screen, Kaneshiro's recent endorsement for Muji has reignited interest in his career. The promotional photos, which showcase him in stylish outfits from Muji's hemp series, depict him engaging in activities that emphasize a harmonious relationship with nature. One image features him casually dressed in a dark blue shirt and white T-shirt, paired with dark pants, while another shows him in a white shirt and khaki pants, pushing a bicycle along a scenic rural path.
The official Weibo post accompanying the photos includes a poetic message: "In nature, there is the wisdom of comfortable living; in nature, there is the answer to comfortable living. At the peak of life, turn towards the wild and find happiness in everyday life, wearing natural materials and engaging with the earth through sowing, turning soil, and riding in the countryside... listening to the music of grass and wind, and obtaining gentle answers from nature about life." This message aligns perfectly with Muji's brand ethos, which emphasizes simplicity and a connection to nature.
Local journalists have noted that Kaneshiro's appearance in these advertisements is a significant event, as he has been largely absent from the public eye for nearly eight years. His return has not only generated buzz in China but has also drawn attention from media outlets in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The making-of video released alongside the photos showcases Kaneshiro checking the monitor with a serious expression, further endearing him to fans who have long awaited his return.
Fans have reacted positively to Kaneshiro's unchanged appearance, with many expressing their admiration on social media. Comments such as "He hasn’t aged at all!" and "He still looks like the same heartthrob!" reflect the affection and loyalty his fans have maintained over the years. One enthusiastic fan remarked, "Kaneshiro can even look good in a sack!" prompting calls for him to return to acting.
Interestingly, Kaneshiro's former mentor, Chen Sheng, mentioned in an interview that he had heard Kaneshiro was involved in farming, which adds a layer of intrigue to his recent activities. Director Peter Chan has also commented on the challenges of getting Kaneshiro back into acting, suggesting that he often finds numerous reasons to decline offers. This has only heightened the anticipation surrounding any potential future projects he might undertake.
As fans eagerly await more updates from Muji and Kaneshiro, the brand has hinted at the release of additional photographs in the coming days. Their comment to Taiwanese media indicated, "More cool photos of Kaneshiro will be released soon," ensuring that the excitement surrounding his return remains high.
With his unexpected resurgence as a brand ambassador, Takeshi Kaneshiro's future endeavors are now a topic of keen interest. Will he return to the silver screen? Only time will tell, but for now, his fans can relish in the joy of his reemergence in the public eye, celebrating the enduring charm of a true icon.
