On May 9, 2025, Yu Watanabe, a 40-year-old actor, made a guest appearance on TV Asahi's popular talk show "Tetsuko no Heya," where he opened up about his journey into acting and shared humorous anecdotes about his family. The actor, known for his roles in various Japanese dramas and films, discussed how his father, the acclaimed actor Ken Watanabe, influenced his career path.
During the show, Watanabe recalled a pivotal moment from his teenage years that sparked his interest in acting. He mentioned watching the movie "Space Travelers," which his father starred in, during his junior high school years. "I never thought about entering the entertainment industry, but after watching that film, I found filmmaking fascinating," he said. This newfound interest led him to pursue acting seriously.
At just 17 years old, Yu made his acting debut in the period drama "Kouki Gishi Den ~ Shinsengumi de Ichiban Tsuyokatta Otoko ~" (2002), portraying the young version of Kanichiro Yoshimura, a character originally played by his father. Reflecting on his debut, he humorously recounted how his father had suggested he take on the role. "My dad said, 'Why don't you give it a try?'" Watanabe shared with a laugh. However, he later revealed that his father had expressed some surprise at his career choice, stating, "I didn't think you would end up as an actor."
This unexpected comment from his father left Watanabe amused, as he had already decided to pursue acting after graduating from university, forgoing traditional employment. "I thought to myself, 'But you invited me to act when I was 17!'" he recalled, chuckling at the irony of the situation.
Throughout the interview, Watanabe also discussed his family dynamics, particularly the geographical distance that separates him from his father and sister, Anne Watanabe. Ken Watanabe, now 65, has relocated to Nagano Prefecture, while Anne has moved to France three years ago. These changes have made it challenging for the family to meet in person. "I think my dad is in Nagano, but because of his work, I don't really know where he is," Yu admitted with a smile, illustrating the often chaotic nature of their lives.
Watanabe humorously recounted a recent incident where he learned from a colleague that his father had been in Kyoto just days before. "I was told, 'Your dad was here a couple of days ago,' and I was shocked to find out he had already left by the time I heard about it!" he said, highlighting the frequent miscommunications that occur in their busy lives.
As for his sister, Watanabe expressed surprise at her move to France, stating that he was informed only a few months before she left. "There was no consultation; it was like, 'I'm leaving for France,' and I thought, 'When did this happen?'" he said, reflecting on the suddenness of her decision. He admitted that he often learns about his family's whereabouts through work colleagues, which adds a layer of humor to their family interactions.
Despite the physical distance, Watanabe emphasized the importance of family and expressed his hopes for their well-being. "As long as they're happy and healthy, that's what matters most to me," he said with a warm smile. At the end of the show, he took a moment to send a message to his father and sister, encouraging them to stay in touch and suggesting a family meal together in the future. "Please contact me sometimes! Let's all go out for dinner together again," he said, radiating warmth and familial love.
Yu Watanabe's candidness about his family life and career journey resonated with viewers, offering a glimpse into the life of a man balancing the demands of fame with the values of family. His humor and relatability made for an engaging segment that showcased not only his talent as an actor but also his heartfelt connection to his loved ones.
As Yu Watanabe continues to navigate his acting career, his reflections on family, inspiration, and the importance of staying connected serve as a reminder of the bonds that hold families together, even when separated by distance.
