7 Best Mackenyu Movies and TV Shows
Since the release of One Piece live action series, Mackenyu's popularity has been soaring. His portrayal of Zoro in One Piece gained a massive following, mostly from women who just couldn't resist his charm.
Mackenyu himself has etched his name in the entertainment industry a long time ago. First appearing in Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Drive, he was 17 years old when he debuted. Starting from small roles, his talent continued to spike interest from directors and producers.
Born as Mackenyu Maeda, his breakthrough role was the portrayal of Arata Wataya in the Chihayafuru trilogy. In fact, he loved the character so much that he decided to use Mackenyu Arata as his stage name.
As a son of the famous Japanese actor and martial artist, Sonny Chiba, it's no surprise that Mackenyu followed in his father's footsteps. Now, with over 40 credits in acting roles, Mackenyu continues to rise in his stardom.
Besides One Piece, there are a lot of Mackenyu movies and TV shows to get to know him better. Here are the recommendations!
1. Chihayafuru Trilogy
Mackenyu's breakthrough role in the Chihayafuru Trilogy was what catapulted him into stardom. The trilogy is based on the manga series "Chihayafuru" by Yuki Suetsugu and follows the story of Chihaya Ayase, a young girl who becomes deeply involved in the competitive world of competitive karuta, a traditional Japanese card game.
In the trilogy, Mackenyu Arata played the role of Arata Wataya, a childhood friend of Chihaya and a skilled karuta player. His return to the town after some years of absence rekindles Chihaya's passion for karuta, and he becomes a central figure in her journey to become a competitive karuta player.
Arata's presence and influence serve as a driving force in the story, motivating Chihaya and her friends to form a karuta club and pursue their dreams of becoming champions. Arata also represents one of the love interests in the series, creating a love triangle with Chihaya and another main character, Taichi Mashima.
If you want to explore Mackenyu's other role beside One Piece, Chihayafuru Trilogy is a great way to start!
2. Over Drive
Mackenyu portrayed the character Hiyama Naozumi in Over Drive. Naozumi, the wild and unpredictable Supika Racing Factory hotshot, is no stranger to chaos. Despite his troublesome nature, he possesses exceptional driving skills and aspires to advance to the World Rally Championship.
Towards the end of the film, Naozumi undergoes a remarkable transformation and becomes more focused on his goals in rally racing. This journey takes him from lone wolf to a team player, from troublemaker to disciplined driver. Mackenyuy's portrayal brings Naozumi's passionate evolution to life, promising an engaging and impactful character arc that's worth watching.
3. Pacific Rim: Uprising
In the epic "Pacific Rim: Uprising," Mackenyu Arata takes on the role of Ryoichi Hatayama. Although not the central character, Hatayama's role as a Pan Pacific Defense Corps cadet and co-pilot of the formidable Jaeger, Saber Athena, adds depth to the storyline.
Even as a supporting role, Hatayama stands alongside lead characters, like Jake Pentecost (played by John Boyega), and takes on a vital part in the thrilling battles against the Kaiju monsters.
While not in the spotlight, Mackenyu's appearance in this international blockbuster allows him to showcase his acting skills. His performance enriches the action and the overall dynamic of Pacific Rim: Uprising.
4. Our 30 Minute Sessions
Expanding his role, Mackenyu portrayed a musician in Our 30-Minute Sessions (サヨナラまでの30分). His character, Aki Miyata, a musician who passed away one year before the events of the film. Despite his untimely death, his bright and positive personality continues to influence the lives of those who knew him.
On the other hand, a character named Sota discovers a mysterious tape recorder which allows him to listen to Aki's voice from the past for 30 minutes. During this time, Aki takes over Sota's body, leading him to meet his former girlfriend.
As the plot unfolds, Sota not only learns more about Aki's life and struggles but also undergoes personal growth and self-discovery. The story delves into themes of friendship, grief, and the healing power of communication and connection, even beyond death.
5. Peach Girl
In the 2017 Japanese romantic comedy-drama "Peach Girl," inspired by Miwa Ueda's beloved manga series, Mackenyu Arata takes on the role of Kazuya Tojigamori. This story revolves around the intricate romantic and dramatic journey of the central character, Momo Adachi.
Kazuya, one of Momo's dearest friends and a fellow classmate, embodies kindness, care, and unwavering support. He's a character marked by unrequited love for Momo, a sentiment that sparks emotional conflicts and intense drama. As Kazuya grapples with these feelings, the movie explores the complexities of friendship and love.
6. Knights of the Zodiac
Enter the fantastical world of "Knights of the Zodiac," where Mackenyu steps into the role of Seiya. In this cinematic take on the beloved "Saint Seiya" franchise, created by Masami Kurumada, adventure and destiny collide.
Seiya, a street-smart orphan, embarks on a perilous odyssey to rescue his kidnapped sister, Patricia. His journey tests his mettle as he confronts formidable challenges. His fate becomes intertwined with the legendary Knights of the Zodiac, warriors chosen to safeguard the goddess Athena's reincarnation.
Mackenyu's portrayal is more than a mere performance. It's a journey through Seiya's determination, a tour of his emotional evolution from ordinary to hero. He weaves his essence into the action and drama, crafting a Seiya that captivates and immerses us in the "Saint Seiya" universe.
7. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable - Chapter 1
Perhaps Mackenyu's most peculiar acting role, "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable - Chapter 1" saw Mackenyu Arata taking on the character of Okuyasu Nijimura. This film is based on the Diamond Is Unbreakable story arc of the popular manga and anime series "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" by Hirohiko Araki.
Okuyasu Nijimura possesses a Stand, a supernatural ability that grants him unique powers. His Stand is known as "The Hand," and it wields the extraordinary power to erase or scrape away anything it touches with his right hand. Initially introduced as a member of a group with antagonistic motives, Okuyasu's character undergoes a transformation as the narrative unfolds.
Looking into his diverse acting role, it seems like Mackenyu doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. His career will continue to evolve, and with his legendary portrayal of Zoro, more directors and producers may see the potential he has.
Finally, some of Mackeyu's movies are available to stream online on Apple TV, such as "Knights of the Zodiac" and "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable - Chapter 1". To watch them, you'll need a paid subscription available through Apple TV.
And here's a tip to make it even more convenient: purchase your subscription using iTunes gift cards from OffGamers.com. With over 200 payment methods, secure transactions, and global accessibility, OffGamers.com makes getting your hands on those iTunes gift cards a breeze.
So, prepare to journey into the mesmerizing world of Seiya and Jojo, right from your screen!
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something something katsuki can't keep his hands off you when he's had a little too much to drink (see: denks the worst at-home bartender in the world, believes a shot of vodka really means four).
it starts off innocently enough, gathered in eijiro's living room, when he cracks a foul-mouthed joke and you double over into side with laughter. the heat starts to creep up his neck, but it's easy to blame it on the alcohol. he nudges you back playfully, a grin quirking at the corner of his lips.
two more shots of whatever vile concoction denki mixed up and he's melting into the couch. he's sitting on one end, a little squished with how mina, eijiro, hanta, and denki are piled on top of each other - chatting away, drinking, and desperately trying not to make eye contact with the wasted blond. katsuki's got you perched all pretty in his lap because "there isn't any room left to sit." a convenient excuse.
you're flushed and trying to keep up with mina's story and you're having a great time with your friends but katsuki's hands are looping casually around your waist and pulling you closer to him and he's leaning a little on you for support and you feel a zing speed down your spine as his lips brush against your arm. an accident.
his head's a little fuzzy, but katsuki's practically melting with the alcohol swimming through his veins. and you're so soft it's making everything even fuzzier. before he even finishes that thought he's testing out the plush of your waist, your thighs, pinching a little at the small of your back, and back down to your thighs. you squirm in his hold, and he retaliates with a soft grunt and by biting what he could reach.
the spit on your arm is more uncomfortable than the rather tame bite he gives you. you can see his eyes wobble, flitting to different parts of your face. "hol' s'till," he garbles and your heart leaps into your throat. you can feel four sets of eyes boring into you both, but you can't break away from katsuki's heavy, lidded, lovesick gaze.
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