Of Japanese male celebrities, actors Ken Watanabe of "The Last Samurai" and Masi Oka of "Heroes" are among the better-known overseas. But domestically, no one beats Takuya Kimura.
Foreigners living in Japan who follow the entertainment scene undoubtedly recognize the singer-actor who goes by the nickname Kimutaku.
Kimutaku has become an absolute super idol. Debuting in 1988 as a member of SMAP, the male pop group managed by Johnny's Office Co., the handsome heartthrob ever-present on television rose to stardom quickly. In 1993, at age 20, women chose him as the most popular man among celebrities in Japan.