If you’ve spent any time at all watching Japanese dramas, you’ve seen the face. That tall, slightly craggy, incredibly expressive face. Hiroshi Abe isn't just an actor; he’s basically a national institution in Japan. Standing at 189 cm—which, let’s be real, is huge for a Japanese leading man—he started as a model before pivoting to acting. Most people thought he'd just be another "pretty face" that faded away after the 80s.
They were wrong.
Instead, he became the guy who could play a Roman architect, a failing lawyer, and a stubborn rocket scientist, all while making you believe every second of it. Hiroshi Abe movies and shows have this weird, magnetic quality where even the most ridiculous premise feels grounded because he’s at the center of it.
The Roles That Defined an Era
You can’t talk about his career without mentioning Trick. It’s the 2000 mystery-comedy that basically saved his career. He played Jiro Ueda, a physics professor who is both incredibly arrogant and hilariously cowardly. Pairing him with Yukie Nakama was genius. They spent three seasons and several movies debunking "supernatural" frauds, and honestly, the chemistry was just lightning in a bottle.
Then came Dragon Zakura in 2005. He played Kenji Sakuragi, a washed-up lawyer turned teacher who decides to get a bunch of "losers" into Tokyo University. It was a massive hit. It even got a sequel in 2021, Dragon Zakura 2, because people just couldn’t get enough of his "tough love" speeches.
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- He Who Can't Marry (Kekkon Dekinai Otoko): This is probably his most relatable role for a lot of people. He plays an eccentric architect who loves his solitary life, his high-end speakers, and eating yakiniku alone. It’s funny, but also kind of a deep look at modern loneliness.
- Thermae Romae: This one is just wild. He plays an ancient Roman bath architect who time-travels to modern-day Japan through bathhouse drains. He won a Japan Academy Prize for this, which tells you everything you need to know about his ability to play "absurd" with a straight face.
Why Hiroshi Abe Movies and Shows Keep Ranking High
Why do people keep coming back to him? It’s the range. One year he's in a Kore-eda film like Still Walking (2008) or After the Storm (2016), delivering these quiet, devastatingly human performances about family regret. The next, he’s leading a high-stakes corporate drama like Downtown Rocket (Shitamachi Rocket), playing a small factory owner fighting against giant conglomerates.
He’s got this "everyman" quality, despite being a giant with movie-star looks.
The Recent Surge: Vivant and Beyond
In 2023, he starred in Vivant, which was one of the biggest, most expensive-looking dramas Japan has produced in years. He played Mamoru Nozaki, a public security officer. It was a massive ensemble cast, including legends like Koji Yakusho, but Abe still stood out. It felt like a shift toward more "prestige" TV for him.
And let's not forget DCU: Deep Crime Unit (2022). He played the head of a scuba-diving detective team. Yeah, you read that right. Only Hiroshi Abe could make "underwater crime scene investigation" look like a serious, gritty procedural.
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What to Watch First?
If you're new to the world of Hiroshi Abe movies and shows, don't just dive into the most recent stuff. You gotta see the evolution.
- Start with Trick. It’s the foundation of his comedic timing.
- Move to Still Walking. It’s slow, it’s a "slice of life," and it’s arguably one of the best Japanese films of the 21st century.
- Binge He Who Can't Marry. It’s the ultimate "mood" for anyone who values their personal space.
- Watch The Wings of the Kirin. This is part of the Shinzanmono series where he plays Detective Kyoichiro Kaga. It's a classic "whodunnit" but with a lot of heart.
Real Talk: The "Abe Factor"
There’s a common misconception that he only plays "the grumpy guy." Sure, he does that well. But look at Shiroi Haru (White Spring). He plays an ex-con trying to connect with his daughter. It’s a total tearjerker. He isn't afraid to look pathetic or weak on screen, which is rare for someone who started as a Men’s Non-no model.
Critics often point out that his voice is half the battle. It's deep, resonant, and carries a lot of authority. When he gives a speech in Dragon Zakura, you actually feel like you should go study for the Bar exam or something.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're trying to track down these titles, it's getting easier. Many of his recent projects like Vivant and Because We Forget Everything (2022) have hit international streaming platforms.
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- Check Netflix and Disney+: They’ve been snatching up Japanese licenses lately. Vivant and Dragon Zakura 2 are often available depending on your region.
- Look for Kore-eda Collections: If you want the "prestige" movies, look for director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s filmography.
- Follow the Screenwriters: If you liked the vibe of Downtown Rocket, look for other shows written by Hiroyuki Yatsu.
Basically, the guy doesn't miss. Whether he’s a detective, a teacher, or a time-traveling Roman, he brings a level of sincerity that’s hard to find. Hiroshi Abe movies and shows are essentially a masterclass in how to age gracefully in the entertainment industry while staying relevant to every new generation of viewers.
Keep an eye out for his upcoming thriller Showtime 7 (2025). He’s playing a news anchor caught in a live broadcast crisis. It looks intense, and honestly, if anyone can sell a high-pressure newsroom drama, it's him.
Go find a copy of Still Walking for a quiet Sunday night. Or, if you need a laugh, find the first season of Trick. You won't regret it.