Legendary Actor YAKUSHO Koji Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
The Second Japanese Actor to Win Cannes Best Actor for "Perfect Days", YAKUSHO Koji, Recognised with Lifetime Achievement Award for His Stellar Career!
With less than ten days to go, the 18th Asian Film Awards will take place on March 16 at the Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon. It was officially announced today that the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to YAKUSHO Koji, recognising his four decades of profound contributions to cinema. The most-nominated Best Actor in Japan Academy Film Prize history, he has won the award four times. His performance in Perfect Days earned him Best Actor Award at Cannes, solidifying his reputation as a world-class actor. Now, with the Lifetime Achievement Award, he marks another defining milestone in his extraordinary career.
Reflecting on the honour, YAKUSHO Koji shared his appreciation, saying, “I feel incredibly honoured to receive this award. It is given as an encouragement to strive even harder.” When asked about the meaning of “lifetime” in this recognition, he reflected, “I feel it urges me to summon all my remaining strength and, in the final steps of my journey, make even the smallest contribution.” He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans, saying, “I also have my own supporters! I never truly realised I had so many people behind me. Having this belief allows me to be encouraged.” It is this unwavering dedication that has kept him shining in the film industry.
A Lifetime of Stories: Finding Meaning in Every Role
“Play seriously hard”—this is how YAKUSHO Koji describes his approach to acting. The phrase may sound light-hearted, but it perfectly encapsulates his artistic philosophy: to approach every role with dedication while never losing the pure joy of performance. A true legend in the industry, he has often been hailed as a “textbook actor”, yet he remains humble, questioning, ” What is a textbook-level actor? Throughout my acting career, I have always doubted myself and continuously asked this question.”
Looking back on his four-decade career, when asked about his most unforgettable performance, he admitted, “Every role is unforgettable—that’s how I would like to respond. I wouldn’t say there haven’t been roles I regret taking, but I believe each of those experiences has shaped who I am today.” Despite a lifetime of accolades, his passion for acting remains undiminished. “In terms of film and acting, there are many dreams I have yet to fulfil. This is why I am still able to continue working as an actor today.” he said. His deep love for the craft fuels his journey, pushing him to embrace new challenges and possibilities in every performance.
A Word to Young Actors: Stay Curious, Stay Connected
When asked about the differences between young actors today and when he first started out, YAKUSHO remarked, “Nowadays, most young actors and actresses have been trained to face the camera from a young age, which is a significant difference compared to my generation. I think the first time I saw myself moving on screen was probably after I had already become an actor. That’s where I truly feel the difference between myself and younger actors.”
As a seasoned veteran, he shares a heartfelt piece of advice to aspiring actors: “Most of the time, we play human characters. I think it’s important to take a deep interest in people and build relationships with different kinds of them. I hope you can enjoy your work as an actor.” To him, a truly compelling performance comes from an actor’s genuine fascination with life and the human experience.
A Cinematic Legacy: From Japan to the World
Originally a civil servant, YAKUSHO Koji’s path to acting was sparked by a life-changing encounter with a stage performance by NAKADAI Tatsuya. Inspired to pursue acting, he quickly made a name for himself with standout performances in the NHK Taiga drama Tokugawa Ieyasu and the period drama Miyamoto Musashi. His breakthrough came with Shall We Dance?, which swept Japan’s top film awards, including the Japan Academy Prize, Blue Ribbon Awards, Kinema Junpo Awards, Hochi Film Awards, and Mainichi Film Awards. Over the years, he has collaborated with some of Japan’s most renowned directors, including IMAMURA Shōhei, KUROSAWA Kiyoshi, KORE-EDA Hirokazu, and NAKASHIMA Tetsuya, earning widespread acclaim for his ability to bring depth and nuance to every role.
Beyond Japan, YAKUSHO’s talent has also shone on the global stage. Lost Paradise introduced him to international audiences, while The Eel earned the Palme d’Or at Cannes. He also took part in the Golden Globe-winning Babel and the Oscar-winning Memoirs of a Geisha, demonstrating his remarkable versatility across cultures. In 2023, he once again proved his cinematic brilliance, winning Best Actor Award at Cannes for Perfect Days, making him only the second Japanese actor in history to receive this honour.
For more than four decades, YAKUSHO has shaped unforgettable characters, leaving an indelible mark on Asian cinema. But for him, the journey is far from over—acting is a continuous pursuit, with new challenges and aspirations still ahead. The Asian Film Awards Lifetime Achievement Award not only honours his exceptional career but also recognises his enduring passion for storytelling, a tribute to both his legacy and the paths he has yet to explore.
The 18th Asian Film Awards
Red Carpet and Awards Ceremony
Date: March 16, 2025 (Sunday)
Venue: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, WestK
Address: 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Screenings, In Conversations, and Other Promotional Activities
Dates: March 14 to 16, 2025
Broadcasting Partner: YouTube
The official YouTube channel of the Asian Film Awards Academy, @AsianFilmAwardsAcademy, will be streaming live from 17:00 onwards.
Official TV Broadcaster: TVB
Exclusive channel TVB Plus (Channel 82).
The 18th Asian Film Awards Official Page: https://www.afa-academy.com/ko/%ec%8b%9c%ec%83%81%ec%8b%9d/
