Who Is Akira? 10 Things You Didn't Know About Taiwanese Supermodel Lin Chi-Ling's Husband

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The ever-youthful Lin Chi-ling was one of the most eligible bachelorettes in showbiz, and it took everyone by surprise when she suddenly announced her marriage to Japanese actor and member of boy band Exile, Akira, whose real name is Ryohei Kurosawa.

 

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For those of you who are not familiar with the J-Pop superstar who managed to capture the heart of the gorgeous Taiwanese supermodel, here are 10 things to know about him:

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1. He is a member of one of Japan's biggest boybands

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Akira is a dancer and one of 19 members in Exile, one of the most popular boybands in Japan. The group has two vocalists, two vocalist-performers and the rest are performers. Since debuting in 2001, Exile has achieved great success and have sold more than an impressive 20 million records in Japan alone. Akira joined the group in 2006 as a performer and has been active ever since. Their best-selling single is "EXILE PRIDE ~Konna Sekai o Ai Suru Tame~", which sold more than a million copies in Japan.

2. He gave up playing football to be a dancer

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When he was a student, Akira was passionate about playing football. He even went to a high school that was known for its football team and had dreams of becoming a professional football player.

However, he gave up his football dream after realising that becoming a professional player was no easy feat. Instead, he decided to become a professional dancer upon graduating from high school. A few years later, he officially became a member of Exile.

3. He's an experienced actor

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Akira began his acting career in 2006 when he performed onstage for the first time. In fact, the theatre is where Akira and Chi-ling first met eight years ago in 2011. Art imitates life as the pair played lovers in the stage production of Red Cliff.

He subsequently started acting in dramas and films, and even won a Newcomer award at the 19th The Japan Movie Critics Awards for his performance in Be Sure To Share, which was written and directed by acclaimed Japanese director Sion Sono.

Akira went on to act in several productions and also had small roles in Donnie Yen movie Legend of the First: The Return of Chen Zhen as well as Martin Scorsese's Silence. He last starred in Japanese movie This Old Road: Konomichi, which was released in Japan at the beginning of 2019.

4. He also does some voice acting

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In 2015, Akira provided the Japanese voiceover for Tom Hardy's character, Mad Max, in Mad Max: Fury Road. It was his first voice-acting role.

5. He is the first Asian male global ambassador for Ralph Lauren

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Akira made history by being the first Asian male to represent the American brand. He shot his debut campaign for the brand's Purple Label Spring Campaign 2018 and walked the runway for Ralph Lauren's 50th Anniversary Show at New York Fashion Week last year.

6. He's held a photo and art exhibition

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Akira released his autobiography THE FOOL  in 2018 and held a photo and art exhibition simultaneously with the book launch. Both he and the photographer were in charge of all aspects of planning and producing the exhibition.

Fans were able to see numerous candid photos of Akira that were shot over the past two-and-a-half years of his life, as well as artistic photos that allowed him to express himself. Akira also created a huge painting just for the event.

7. He is the first Japanese person to grace the cover of The Rake Japan Edition magazine

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The Rake magazine is a leading menswear publication that focuses on classic men's elegance and all aspects of gentlemanly living. Akira became the first Japanese person to grace its cover after being appointed as the global ambassador for Ralph Lauren.

8. He's collaborated with big fashion brands

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In 2017, Akira produced a unique sneaker model in collaboration with VANS Japan. The VANS x 24karats shoe model features a retro-futuristic camo print and the words “TWO FOUR KARATS” embellished on the midsole. Akira chose the design and was involved in the entire production process of the unique sneaker model.

9. He regularly attends international events

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From fashion events in Milan and New York to the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in Los Angeles, Akira is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of international red carpet events. In 2019, he attended the Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood as an ambassador.

10. He's rubbed shoulder with international famous figures

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Scroll through Akira's Instagram feed and you will see many familiar faces popping up, such as David and Victoria Beckham, Tom Hiddleston, Anne Hathaway, and K-drama actress Kim Hye Soo.

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Text: Valerie Toh, Cleo

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