Acting in Japanese Dramas

I'm a half Japanese and can speak fluent Japanese and English. Currently I live in the U.S. but will be leaving here soon. I've wanted to star in Japanese Dramas since I was little and have been a fan of Japanese Dramas for a while. The thing is I'm not exactly sure on how I'm supposed to audition there. First of all I don't know where to go to and Second I don't know where to send a letter to. I have both citizenship and I can live with my family there so it will not be a problem. I just need to know what agencies I should apply for and how to apply for them. I heard most people get scouted in Japan around Harajuku, but that doesn't seem realistic to me. Please someone help!

Hi
I cant say I know the exact answer to your question, but I just wanted to say that I can relate as I have the same dream! I am also half Japanese half English, living in England but Im going to japan after college so was interested in doing acting over there. Walking around Harajuku waiting to be spotted may sound silly, but SO many actors/models have been scouted there so I think it would be worth a shot! Also when you get to Japan you could buy some magazines (preferably about celebrities, TV or fashion) as they often have contact numbers for agencies and stuff on the advert pages. Good luck!!

I'm not in the entertainment industry in any country but I know a few people who are in both America and Japan.

There are plenty of agencies to join. But you need to decide what kind of talent you will be.

Are you going to be just an actor, or are you willing to be an idol, model, etc. Also are you applying as a Japanese citizen or as a gaijin tarento?

The big difference is there are agencies specific to foreign and native talent.

You can pretty much google it for the most part. The most famous gaijin tarento agency is Inagawa Motoko's in Tokyo.

If its a foreign talent agency submit a resume in english (if you ad a Japanese one additionally even better). If it is a regular agency, Japanese is a must.

Foreign talent is growing increasingly popular with Movies like "My Darling is a Foreigner" and Dramas like "Nihonjin no shiranai nihongo".

Good Luck.

Yeah I heard walking around Harajuku is the easiest way. I haven't been to Harajuku yet but knowing Tokyo I think it is probably crowded and odds of a scout spotting someone is probably slim so maybe I have to go there a couple times day. I'll give it a shot though! And I never knew magazines had contacts either so I'll go check that out. Really I don't care if I become an idol/model or whatever because even idols can act in dramas basically anything is fine by me. I would be a gaijin actor but I'd rather be a Japanese actor. Anything is fine as long as I become an actor. Anything except the porn industry. So I'll go check out Inagawa Motoko's Industry and submit an English and Japanese resume.

This site might be of your interest..
http://www.mondaiji.com/en/blog/japan/show-biz

This webpage was very helpful, it even shows me how to create a profile. Thanks for your help!

I am on Japanese TV quite often, so I can probably offer advice.

First thing is to get good photos taken. Professional headshots and bodyshots used for the entertainment industry. Different clothes and expressions, so the agents can later send more specific photos for specific job types.

Agents don't care about resumes. They only want to know all of your measurements, height, weight and any special skills you might have.

You're half-Japanese, but not a Japanese citizen? You may find less work. Either you are a foreigner and look foreign or a Japanese citizen, represented by an agent who represents Japanese citizens. As one poster noted, the agencies are different.

Don't bother with IMO if you want to get paid. Google "inagawa motoko" and you can spend an hour reading about foreign actors who don't get paid. Save your time and patience.

Look for these agents, but don't both before you are actually in Japan. Lots of people want to be here on TV, but few make the move. The agents won't even talk to you until you are in Japan, with a valid (non-tourist) visa to be here.

www.avocado.co.jp
www.bay-side.biz
www.framein.net

These are three of Japan's best foreign talent agencies, and cover about 85% of foreigners you'll see on Japanese TV.

I am half Japanese and I have both American and Japanese citizenship. When I am older I need to pick one. I am going to pick the Japanese citizenship. So I do not think I can pass as a foreign actor. But thanks for letting me know that I have to be in Japan in order to talk to agencies. I was thinking there may be a way to apply in America. I will be moving to Japan in the near future so hopefully I am able to find agencies.