Yutaka Hirose

Yutaka Hirose (広瀬 裕) is a Japanese actor and voice actor, widely known to international audiences for his work in the tokusatsu genre of television series, usually portraying villanious characters. His real name is Kazuhisa Hirose (広瀬 和久), which was the name he was credited during his debut. He has also been credited as Takumi Hirose (広瀬 匠), changing his stagename to "Yutaka" in 1999.

Biography
Hirose was born in Tokyo. A gymnast in high-school, Hirose wanted to be an actor while putting his physical talents to use. Upon graduation, he joined the Toei Action Club, finding himself in various guest roles. In 1986, he auditioned for the role of Jin (Red Flash) in Choushinsei Flashman, instead being cast as the villain Wanda and proved to be highly popular. In 1987, he auditioned for the role of Kotaro Minami in Kamen Rider Black. Wanting a younger unknown, they instead gave Hirose a guest role earlier in the series. By the time he was cast as the villain Dr. Kempu in 1988's Choujuu Sentai Liveman, his popularity for playing villainous roles increased.

Hirose became a favorite of writer Toshiki Inoue, who wrote him specifically his roles in Choujin Sentai Jetman, Gosei Sentai Dairanger, Choukou Senshi Changéríon and Kamen Rider Agito. Hirose also had guest appearances in tokusatsu shows on Tokkyuu Shirei Solbrain, while working, on the other hand, in films, stage plays and other television guest roles. Always admiring his Flashman and Liveman costar Jouji Nakata, who later found immense popularity in voice acting, he made his voice performance debut as Ryan in Brave Command Dagwon.

Still proving to be very popular with tokusatsu fans to this day, Hirose stated in a 2003 message on his site that he didn't care for the turn that tokusatsu had taken on lately. He has currently put acting on hold to focus on representing and managing a talent division agency.

Tokusatsu Credits

 * Choudenshi Bioman (episode 5, in the role of a thug)
 * Dengeki Sentai Changeman (episodes 4, in the role of dog-human; episode 45, in the role of an army officer)
 * Kyojuu Tokusou Juspion (episode 14; role of groom)
 * Choushinsei Flashman (regular; villain Ley Wanda)
 * Kamen Rider Black (episode 4; role of Hayami)
 * Choujuu Sentai Liveman (regular; role of Kenji Tsukigata/Dr. Kempu)
 * Tokkei Winspecotr (episode 30; role of Masao Murano)
 * Choujin Sentai Jetman (episodes 37 to 47; role of Toranza)
 * Tokkyuu Shirei Solbrain (episode 33; role of Kousuke Doi)
 * Gosei Sentai Dairanger (role of Jin Matoba)
 * Choukou Senshi Changéríon (role of Kazuki Katayama/General Zander)
 * Kamen Rider Agito (episodes 49 & 50; role of Shirakawa)

Voice Acting

 * Brave Command Dagwon (Universal Swordsman Ryan role)

Movies

 * Shin Gokudou no Tsumatachi
 * Choushinsei Flashman (film version)
 * Bakusou Trucker Gundan series
 * Doreijuu