Yamada Ryosuke of the popular idol group Hey! Say! JUMP has once again proven his dazzling appeal by clinching the number one spot in the Adult category of ViVi's "Ikemen Ranking" for the second half of 2024. This announcement was made on December 18, 2024, and is set to feature prominently in the February issue of ViVi magazine, published by Kodansha on December 23. With this victory, Yamada not only achieved first place for the second consecutive time but also secured his position as part of ViVi's prestigious Hall of Fame.
Having recently garnered attention for his stunning blonde hair transformation, Yamada's popularity has soared on social media. The Adult category recognizes men aged 30 and above, and the ranking reflects fans' votes based on various criteria, including his impactful performances, media presence, and trends on social media.
Expressing his gratitude to fans, Yamada took to Instagram to state, "Thanks to everyone, I have made it to the Hall of Fame! I will continue to work on my self-improvement"—a heartfelt acknowledgment of the support he's received and his commitment to growth. This level of recognition is particularly thrilling for Yamada, who, earlier this year during the first half ranking, expressed shyly, "It's embarrassing (laughs)." It's clear his confidence has grown along with his acclaim.
The votes from fans also highlighted Yamada’s remarkable performances from the show "Billion x School," which stirred significant engagement and comments from audiences, particularly praising his acting. Yamada reflected on this aspect during interviews, stating, "I’m sincerely happy to have been evaluated for my performance," indicating his appreciation for the acknowledgment of his efforts beyond his looks.
Interestingly, during the photoshoot for the ranking, Yamada’s radiant presence left staff members somewhat astonished. There was even humor about whether lighting was necessary, with staff jokingly questioning, "Do we really need lighting?" as Yamada's glow seemed to overshadow everything around him. This anecdote paints not just his charm but also the light-hearted atmosphere surrounding his work and popularity.
Besides Yamada’s achievements, ViVi's ranking also introduced other notable winners. The NOW category recognized the rising star Sato Shori from timelesz, marking his first time at the top. Meanwhile, the NEXT category, featuring younger talents under 22, awarded Mamehara Kazuya from JO1, who has been lauded for his performance in the Sunday drama "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea." These competitive rankings highlight the vibrant talent pool within the Japanese entertainment industry, showcasing both established names and fresh faces.
Yamada's hall of fame entry not only fortifies his status as one of the top ikemen but also indicates his steady growth and exploration as both an entertainer and as someone continually pushing to refine himself. Looking forward, fans eagerly anticipate more evolved aspects of Yamada's persona as he embraces challenges within his career. The future certainly looks bright—and radiant—for this beloved star.
This win, alongside his recent artistic endeavors, including preparations for his first digital single "SWITCH," signifies Yamada's commitment to his evolution as both a performer and individual, intriguing fans about what’s next.
Clearly, Yamada's victory is just one chapter of many as he continues to shine both on and off the screen, proving his worth not just as a face, but as a multifaceted artist. Fans are counting down to his future projects, eager to witness the next phase of Yamada Ryosuke's artistic growth.
