Abstract

This book is filled with the charm of Matsuken, who makes viewers cheerful and energetic. This book is a guidebook to actor Matsudaira Ken, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary in the entertainment industry. Some people learned about Matsudaira Ken through "Matsuken Samba II", some have followed him since his debut or "Abarenbo Shogun", and some became his fans after collaboration projects such as pop-up shops and cafes. Ken, who has been running for over 50 years, has many fans of all ages and genders. Matsudaira Ken is always cheerful and positive, and has made many dreams come true. Ken's motto is to entertain the audience. He wants the viewers to feel cheerful. This book is full of positive and dazzling power. This book starts with some episodes about Matsudaira Ken that you may know, but don't know, then goes on to his 50-year career in showbiz from the Showa to the Reiwa eras, Matsuken song history including the behind-the-scenes story of the birth of "Matsuken Samba II", positive words that brighten up those around him, sparkling life advice, a mini corner on Tokai TV, a YouTube channel, various collaboration projects that were born from Matsuken Samba, pilgrimages to sacred places, a Matsuken dictionary, highlights of his stage plays, his representative work "Abarenbo Shogun", introductions to masterpieces known only to those in the know, and even a long interview. It's like a sparkling treasure box, packed with all of Matsudaira Ken's activities. Please open it from any page you like and enjoy the world of Matsudaira Ken and Matsuken.

Author’s Information

Ken Matsudaira: Born November 28, 1953 in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture. Belongs to Sanki Promotion. Debuted in 1975 in "Zatoichi Monogatari: Shinju Aiyabushi" (Fuji TV). In 1978, he was selected to play the lead role of Tokugawa Yoshimune in "Abarenbo Shogun" (TV Asahi), establishing his position as a period drama actor. The role of Yoshimune became a hit role that continued for 25 years. On stage, he appeared in "Harima and Okiku" (1975), "Yoshimune Hyoban-ki Abarenbo Shogun" (1980), "Gone with the Wind" (1987), "The King and I" (1988), etc. He is active in a variety of genres, including musicals and contemporary dramas. In recent years, he has appeared in many productions, including "Makai Tensho" (2018 and 2021), the stage play "Sazae-san" (2019 and 2022), and "Journey to the West" (2024). As a singer, he had a big hit with "Matsuken Samba II" and appeared twice on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. He has received many awards, including the Kikuta Kazuo Drama Award, the Japan Movie Critics Award for Best Actor, and the Matsuo Entertainment Award Grand Prize. He is a famous actor who is loved by people of all ages and genders, and has even opened an official YouTube channel, "Matsuken Tube."