Kengo Kora
A Japanese actor who transitioned from a model's poise to a compelling screen presence, earning critical praise for his nuanced and transformative roles.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Japanese actor·Birthday: November 12·Millennials
Biography
Kengo Kora entered the entertainment world through the portal of modeling, his striking looks providing an initial foothold. He didn't remain just a face for long, however, quickly demonstrating a capacity for depth and subtlety that made him a standout in Japanese cinema. He gained significant attention for his role in the 2007 film 'Sad Vacation,' where he held his own alongside veteran actor Tadanobu Asano. This performance signaled a serious actor at work, one willing to tackle complex, often troubled characters. Kora built a respected filmography by choosing diverse projects, from intimate dramas to larger-scale genre films, consistently avoiding easy typecasting. His career is not defined by blockbuster fame but by a steady accumulation of respected performances that have made him a director's favorite and a reliable source of quiet intensity on screen.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kengo was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kengo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kengo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received critical acclaim for his leading role in the 2007 drama film 'Sad Vacation'.
- Won the Best New Actor award at the 2008 Yokohama Film Festival for his performance in 'Sad Vacation'.
- Starred in the popular Japanese television drama series 'Rookies' in 2008.
Did You Know?
He was a fashion model before becoming an actor.
His younger brother, Ryo Kora, is also an actor.
He is a graduate of Horikoshi High School, known for its many celebrity alumni.
“A role is a life you borrow; you must live it truly.”
