| Kousuke Kujirai | |
| Native Name: | 鯨井 康介 |
| Birth Date: | 20 July 1987 |
| Birth Place: | Saitama Prefecture, Japan |
| Occupation: | Actor, voice actor |
| Height Cm: | 178 |
| Agent: | Production Ogi |
| Years Active: | 2004–present |
is a Japanese actor, voice actor and singer. He is known for his role as Jenath Dira in the Get Ride! Amdriver anime series and Kaoru Kaidoh and The Prince of Tennis musical series, Tenimyu, and the live film adaptation, and as Panther in Eyeshield 21. He is currently employed by Production Ogi. His blood type is B.
He works primarily in stage productions, but has appeared in a few movies and television series and has lent his voice to a few anime series.
In 2004, Kujirai earned his first acting role, voicing the main character, Jenath Dira, in the anime television series Get Ride! Amdriver.[1]
He then later released a CD single for the series when he performed the second opening theme song to the show called READY?.
Kujirai won the role of Kaoru Kaidoh, the viper-like 2nd year regular of Seigaku Middle School's tennis club, in the Prince of Tennis musical series, Tenimyu. From 2005 to 2006, he became the second actor to play Kaidoh as a member of the second generation Seigaku cast. He made his debut as Kaidoh on January 8, 2005 in the Side Yamabuki performance in Osaka. That same year, his role as Kaidoh was carried into the live adaptation film of the manga. On March 29, 2006, in the Dream Live 3rd live concert, he, along with the majority of the Seigaku cast, graduated from their roles.
However, Kujirai returned to play Kaidoh for the slated August 2006 Advancement Match Rokkaku musical, because actor Takahiro Tasaki, who was originally slated to play Kaidoh in the Rokkaku musical, left the production to pursue other opportunities; Kujirai was brought back as Tasaki's substitute. Afterwards, the role of Kaidoh was played by Tomo Yanagishita, Yuuichirou Hirata, and by Akihiro Hayashi. Kujirai and Tomo have played Kaidoh the longest.
Kujirai was able to carry on his role from the musicals to the live-adaptation film of the manga series of The Prince of Tennis. He, along with most of the principal cast members for the Seigaku Regulars, were able to reprise their roles in the movie. The only major casting change was the casting of Kanata Hongo as Ryoma Echizen, the main protagonist.
The Prince of Tennis was released on May 13, 2006 and opened on the tenth spot in the Japanese Box Office.
Kujirai appeared in the TV Asahi movie drama, Byakkotai, starring Yamashita Tomohisa and Tanaka Koki which was broadcast on January 6 and 7, 2007.
In 2007, Kujirai appeared in the film, ,[2] the live-action movie adaptation of the 1982 to 1988 manga series, Aratanaru Shobaku by Satosi Yoshida. The film was released in April 2007.
Kujirai once again appeared alongside former Tenimyu castmates, Yuu Shirota, Masaki Kaji, Yoshikazu Kotani, and Kenta Kamakari.
Kujirai keeps a personal blog, which he updates regularly.
| Year | Title | Role | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2005 | Get Ride! Amdriver | Jenath Dira | Anime Series |
| 2004 | The Place Promised in Our Early Days | Male Student | Anime film |
| 2005 | Eyeshield 21 | Panther | Anime Series |
| 2005 | Onegai My Melody | Shinichi Uchida | Anime Series |
| 2006 | The Prince of Tennis | Film | |
| 2007 | Byakkotai | Touzaburou Adachi | Television movie |
| 2007 | Arakure KNIGHT | N/A | Film |
| 2007 | Jikuu Keisatsu Wecker Signa | Akira Makoto | Television series |
| 2008 | Tomica Hero Rescue Force | Ryuji | Television series (guest appearance – episode 4 & 46) |
| 2008 | Gokusen 3 | Kousuke Oohira | Television series |
| 2008 | Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! Fate of Heat | Albito | Game |
| 2009 | Gokusen | Kousuke Oohira | Gokusen Theatrical Film |
| 2009 | Samurai Sentai Shinkenger | Shintaro | Television series (guest appearance – episode 35) |
| 2010 | Q10 | Television series | |
| 2011 | Jun Nagoshi | Film | |
| 2016 | Yowamushi Pedal Live Action | Junta Teshima | Television series |
| 2019 | Tokyo Wine Party People | Film | |
Kujirai released a mini-album on October 6, 2004, called Ready? for the anime television show, Get Ride! Amdriver. The song, Ready?, was recorded for the show's second opening theme song.
Album Stats
Album was released for the Get Ride! Amdriver anime television show in Japan (JPN), only.
Track Listings Track Listings for the Ready? Album:
TENIMYU: THE PRINCE OF TENNIS MUSICAL SERIES (as Kaoru Kaido)
MUSICAL DEAR BOYS (as Osamu Igarashi)
Rock Musical BLEACH (as Renji Abarai)