Travis Japan’s Genta Matsuda has captivated audiences with his dynamic presence and versatile performances. From taking on heartfelt roles in dramas to making his voice acting debut, Genta’s 2024 was a year of remarkable growth. Now stepping into the spotlight as the lead in ‘Jinji no Hitomi,‘ Genta continues to shine, proving he’s a rising star with limitless potential.
Genta is stepping into the spotlight with his first solo lead role in a primetime terrestrial drama! It was revealed during the January 25th broadcast of Dokkiri GP that he will star in Fuji TV’s new Tuesday 9 PM drama, Jinji no Hitomi, premiering this April, perfectly timed to his birthday month!
This marks a significant milestone for Genta, as he takes on his first solo lead role in a ground-breaking project that promises humor, heart, and a fresh take on the challenges of modern workplace life.
In this original story, Genta plays Ren Hitomi, a pure-hearted but hilariously clueless new hire in the HR department of a traditional, old-school corporation.
Rumored to be a highly skilled recruit headhunted from overseas, Ren turns out to be anything but—he lacks basic social and business etiquette, struggles with even the simplest calculations, and is prone to forgetfulness. Yet, his genuine sincerity and warmth shine through, endearing him to his colleagues even as his unconventional problem-solving methods create chaos.
Together with Naoki Mano, a heroine determined to reform the company, and their colorful HR team, Ren tackles employees’ issues while uncovering the heart of “modern struggles” in an unpredictable and heartfelt journey.
The announcement was cleverly disguised during a segment on Dokkiri GP, where Genta participated in a fabricated audition for the role of a childhood ninja companion in a fictional Indian blockbuster. With the global success of films like RRR, Genta approached the opportunity with unmatched enthusiasm, eager to break new ground in his acting career.
After impressing the “Indian production staff” in several intense audition rounds, Genta seemed poised for victory—only to learn the entire setup was a prank. Despite his initial shock and disappointment, he was blindsided with the real surprise: the lead role in Jinji no Hitomi. His stunned reaction quickly turned into joy, a moment of genuine emotion that captivated viewers.
Adding to the excitement, it was also revealed that Genta will join Dokkiri GP as a regular cast member moving forward. This dual announcement showcased the boundless charm and versatility that make Genta a fan favorite, not only among fans of Travis Japan but also the general public. From his comedic timing to his heartfelt performances, this new chapter solidifies his place as a rising star in the entertainment world.
In 2024, Genta showcased his versatility and growth as an actor through several notable projects. He took on a key supporting role in the television drama Tokyo Tower, portraying Ohara Koji, a character that allowed him to explore more mature themes and demonstrate his depth as an actor.
Additionally, Genta appeared in Billion x School, where he played Konno Naoto, further expanding his repertoire and showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse roles.
In a new venture, he made his voice acting debut in Disney’s The Lion King: Mufasa, lending his voice to Taka, the younger version of Scar, in the Japanese premium live-action dubbing version. This role marked his first collaboration with Disney and highlighted his expanding presence in the entertainment industry.
Q& A with Genta Matsuda
— On learning about his lead role through a surprise announcement:
“Honestly, there’s still a part of me that wonders, ‘Is this really not a prank?’… But I truly love acting and performing, and I had been hoping for more opportunities to challenge myself in those areas. So, when this offer came my way, I was genuinely happy. Being given the major responsibility of a lead role feels huge, and I’m determined to give it my all.“
— On his impression of the script:
“When I read the script, I thought, ‘This character, Ren Hitomi, feels a lot like me!’ It’s a role I can connect with, but it also has unexpected layers of depth. Hitomi has this strong desire to help others, and at the core, it’s about enjoying life and approaching things with sincerity. There are so many aspects of Hitomi that make him such an interesting person, and I think his straightforward words will resonate with a lot of people. This show has the potential to lift people up, give them courage, and brighten their daily lives and work. I hope it becomes a piece that leaves viewers feeling positive and inspired.”
— On taking on his first solo lead role in a primetime Fuji TV drama:
“I’m just so excited! A while back, I played a student in Billion x School, where Ryosuke Yamada was the lead. But this time, I’m the lead—and in a 9 PM primetime drama, no less! Being the lead at 9 PM feels surreal. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful because this is a timeslot where so many people can watch. All I can think is, ‘9 PM is wild!’”
— On what he’s focusing on in his performance:
“I want to avoid overthinking and focus on the temperature of the conversations and the emotions that arise in each moment. I want to approach every scene with everything I’ve got, staying present in the moment. I also want to make sure my delivery feels natural and human. Even though this is a drama—fiction—it should feel a little like nonfiction, you know? Like, ‘I’m really throwing myself into this!’ My goal is to tackle every challenge head-on as Ren Hitomi. If someone in front of him is struggling, I want to portray him as someone who gives his all to solve the problem and stay by their side, all in his own unique way.”
— On his aspirations for 2025:
“2024 was a year where I gained so much courage and energy from my fans and viewers. Since 2025 is starting off with this drama, I hope I can give back even just a little of that positivity and energy to the fans who always support me and to the people watching the show. My first priority is to put everything into this drama and share happiness with all of you!”
— A message to viewers:
“I’m Genta Matsuda, playing Ren Hitomi. Through this drama, I hope to deliver positivity, happiness, warmth, gratitude, and many heartwarming moments to all of you. I’ll approach this project with as much joy and brightness as I can, so I’d be thrilled if you enjoy watching it!”
For fans of Genta, this news is a dream come true. His vibrant energy and unique charisma promise to bring Ren Hitomi’s quirky yet heartwarming journey to life. With Jinji no Hitomi, Genta embarks on an exciting new adventure, proving once again why he’s a talent to watch. Don’t miss his leap into the spotlight this April—Genta Matsuda is ready to shine brighter than ever!
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