Teppei Koike

Teppei Koike was born on January 5, 1986, in Osaka, Japan.

He grew up in a close-knit family, with a younger brother and parents who supported his ambitions.

The inspiration for his unique name "Teppei" came from his father’s favorite manga character in "Ore wa Teppei."

He originally attended Osaka Naganokou High School but transferred to Horikoshi High School in Tokyo after his entertainment career began to take off.

Koike's journey began after he won the Junon Super Boy Contest, a prestigious event for aspiring entertainers in Japan.

He made his acting debut in the drama "Tentai Kansoku" in 2002 and quickly became a rising star.

His breakthrough came with popular shows like "Water Boys 2," "Gokusen 2," "Dragon Zakura," and the "Iryu: Team Medical Dragon" series.

Koike also explored music, co-founding the pop duo WaT with Eiji Wentz in 2002 while busking around Tokyo.

Their major debut in 2005 was highly successful, and WaT became known for heartwarming ballads and captivating live performances, even appearing twice in NHK’s annual New Year's musical event, Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Koike also launched a solo music career, releasing singles and two albums: "pieces" and "Jack In The Box."

His stage work is praised—he starred in hit musicals such as "1789," "Kinky Boots," and "Death Note The Musical," securing his status as a leading man in Japanese musical theater.

Notably, Koike has continued to build a robust TV and film career, consistently taking on diverse, challenging roles in dramas, movies, and web series.

Teppei Koike has received critical acclaim for both his acting and musical performances.

He won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Newcomer Actor for his role in "Homeless Chugakusei" (2008).

His outstanding stage performances in "1789" and "Kinky Boots" earned him the prestigious Kikuta Kazuo Theatre Award in 2016.

Koike's work in domestic entertainment has cemented his reputation as a multi-talented star.

Koike married actress Natsuko Naga in 2018 after three years of dating.

They have two sons together.

His extended family includes famous faces—his father is a cousin to the mother of Daiga Kyomoto (from SixTONES), making them second cousins.

Charming and approachable, Koike is admired for his genuine, friendly nature.

He describes himself as serious at heart but easygoing, and his colleagues often praise his professionalism and warmth.

A sentimental soul, he’s known for being moved to tears during emotional or meaningful moments, from debut events to gifted performances by favorite artists.

Koike is ambidextrous: left-handed by nature, he uses his right hand for guitar, bowling, and calligraphy—a fun skill that makes him uniquely versatile, even in everyday life.

He enjoys cooking and fishing, a hobby influenced by his father—he even learned to fillet fish by watching YouTube videos.

After marriage, fishing became a shared pastime with his father-in-law.

Koike also holds a small boat license and is skilled at yo-yo tricks, even showing off his skills on national TV.

He admires Masaharu Fukuyama and aspires to emulate his balanced career in both music and acting.

Koike’s music journey started in junior high, inspired by the band Yuzu.

He learned the guitar to play their songs, and famously played Kobukuro’s “Wadachi” during his breakthrough contest performance—even continuing after a string broke mid-song.

His work ethic is legendary; during "Water Boys 2," he trained tirelessly for synchronized swimming and even filmed a scene after dislocating his shoulder.

He loves experimenting with homebrew, making plum wine when his son was born—he dreams of enjoying a drink with his kids when they turn twenty.

Teppei Koike is a regular figure in various media, including dramas, movies, and variety shows.

He also voices characters in animation, hosts radio programs, and actively participates in musical theater tours.

His social media shows his candid, humorous side and a strong enthusiasm for connecting directly with fans.