Masato Sakai

Masato Sakai (堺 雅人 ) is a Japanese actor. Since the success of Naoki Hanzawa (2013), he has become one of the most famous actors in Japan.

Sakai aspired to become a bureaucrat until high school, but when he entered university, he decided to pursue a career as an actor.

He won the award for best actor at the 31st Yokohama Film Festival for The Wonderful World of Captain Kuhio and The Chef of South Polar and the award for best supporting actor at the 2008 Nikkan Sports Film Award, at the 33rd Hochi Film Award and at the 51st Blue Ribbon Awards. He also received a nomination for best supporting actor at the 32nd Japan Academy Prize.

He is married to Japanese actress and J-pop singer Miho Kanno. On August 14, 2015, he announced the birth of his first son.