You’ve probably seen his face popping up on your social media feed or in the credits of a buzzy J-drama lately. Reo Matsumoto (often credited as Leo Matsumoto) is basically everywhere right now. At just 25 years old, this Ehime Prefecture native has managed to leap from a "regular guy" on a reality show to one of the most sought-after young actors in Japan. It’s a classic "overnight success" story that actually took a few years of hard grafting in the background.
If you’re trying to keep track of tv shows with reo matsumoto, you’re in for a ride. He doesn't just stick to one genre. One minute he’s the "cute junior" in a workplace drama, and the next, he’s a brooding student in a Boys' Love (BL) series. Honestly, his range is what’s keeping him booked and busy.
The Breakout: From Reality TV to Scripted Dramas
Most fans first clocked him on Wolf Messenger, a popular reality dating show. Usually, reality stars struggle to be taken seriously as "real" actors, but Reo flipped the script. He moved into the acting world with a level of intentionality that most people didn't expect.
His early roles were small—think "Supporting Cast Member #3" vibes—but he made them count. He showed up in Ishiko and Haneo: You're Suing Me? and The Black Swindler (Kurosagi). Even if he only had a few minutes of screen time, he had this way of holding the camera’s attention. It wasn't long before the industry realized he could carry a heavier load.
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The BL Wave and Global Recognition
If you’re looking for the specific tv shows with reo matsumoto that put him on the international map, you have to talk about the BL genre. Japan’s BL dramas have a massive global following, and Reo hit the jackpot with I Can't Reach You (Kimi ni wa Todokanai).
Playing the role of Amamiya, he brought a specific kind of grounded energy to a genre that sometimes leans too hard into tropes. He also appeared in Jack o' Frost, further cementing his status as a "flower boy" actor with actual depth. These shows aren't just about romance; they’re about that awkward, painful transition from friendship to something more. Reo is exceptionally good at looking conflicted. It's kinda his thing.
Notable Roles You Shouldn't Skip:
- I Can't Reach You: A sweet, high-school-centered story where he plays a key supporting role that fans absolutely adored.
- Jack o' Frost: A slightly more mature, melancholic take on memory and love.
- Tokyo Camouflage Hour: A more experimental, stylized project where he played Ryo.
- Papa to Musume no 7-kakan: A remake of the classic body-swap comedy where he showed off his lighter, more comedic timing.
2025 and 2026: The "Prestige" Era
Right now, Reo is moving into what I’d call his "prestige" era. He’s graduated from the "heartthrob of the week" phase and is landing roles in major NHK productions. This is a big deal in Japan. If you're in an Asadora or a Taiga drama, you’ve officially made it.
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In early 2025, he appeared in the NHK Asadora Omusubi as "Kazami Senpai." He played a member of the calligraphy club, and let’s be real, he looked exactly like the kind of upperclassman everyone has a crush on in high school. But the real kicker? He just landed a role in the 2026 NHK Taiga drama Toyotomi Brothers!.
He beat out over 1,600 other actors in a massive audition to play Ishida Mitsunari. For those who don't follow Japanese history, Mitsunari is a legendary figure—a brilliant, loyal, and somewhat tragic samurai leader. Taking on this role is a massive weight. Reo himself mentioned in an interview that he "thought it was a dream" when he got the call. It marks his shift from "cute guy in a drama" to "serious actor in a historical epic."
Why Everyone is Obsessed (The Reo Factor)
Why does he stand out? Japan has no shortage of handsome actors.
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Basically, Reo feels accessible. He has this "boy next door" vibe but with a sharp, professional edge. In Taigan no Kaji, he plays Imai Naoki, a modern office worker who keeps his work and private life strictly separate. It’s a very "Gen Z" role, and he plays it with a realism that hits home for a lot of younger viewers. He isn't playing a caricature; he’s playing someone you probably know.
Future Watch: What’s Next for Reo?
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on Toyotomi Brothers! coming in 2026. It’s going to be the definitive tv shows with reo matsumoto moment. Taiga dramas run for a full year, so he’ll be on Japanese television screens every single week for twelve months. That kind of exposure is career-altering.
He’s also rumored to be looking at more film roles, moving away from the quick-turnaround TV schedule to focus on more cinematic projects. Whether he stays in the drama world or makes a permanent leap to the big screen, the trajectory is clearly pointed up.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the early stuff first: To really appreciate his growth, start with Jack o' Frost or I Can't Reach You. The jump from those to his 2025 work in Omusubi is impressive.
- Follow the NHK schedule: If you’re outside Japan, look for Toyotomi Brothers! on international streaming platforms that carry NHK content in 2026.
- Check Viki and Netflix: These are the most reliable places to find his previous work with high-quality English subtitles.
Reo Matsumoto isn't just another face in the crowd. He’s proving that with the right roles and a lot of hustle, you can bridge the gap between "reality star" and "prestige actor" faster than anyone thought possible. Keep your eyes on his 2026 projects—it's going to be a massive year for him.