Though he rarely acknowledges the fact in public, Dai Watanabe is the son of Ken Watanabe: arguably Japan's most internationally known actor since Toshiro Mifune. Among Japanese media, the fact is common knowledge, though in interviews with Watanabe junior, the subject is often off-limits.
Dai Watanabe, 34, has intentionally carved out an acting career different to his father's and has worked hard to establish his own identity ever since his 2002 debut: a period drama in which he appeared alongside his father.
He says that, in many ways, maturing as a performer has been liberating.
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