Jun Matsumoto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jun Matsumoto 松本 潤
Matsumoto in November 2019
Born	(1983-08-30) August 30, 1983 (age 41) Toshima, Tokyo, Japan
Other names	MatsuJun
Occupation	Singer actor radio host dancer model
Years active	1996–present
Musical career
Genres	J-pop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Pony Canyon J Storm

Jun Matsumoto (松本 潤, Matsumoto Jun, born August 30, 1983), often called by the nickname MatsuJun (松潤), is a famous Japanese singer, actor, radio host, and model. He is a member of the popular boy band Arashi. Jun Matsumoto also helps produce Arashi's concerts and advises other music groups.

He is well-known for playing Dōmyōji Tsukasa in the TV series Hana Yori Dango. For this role, he won the GQ Japan's Man of the Year Award as a singer and actor.

Matsumoto started his career in entertainment in 1996 when he joined the talent agency Johnny & Associates. Before becoming a singer with Arashi in 1999, he began acting. His first role was Teddy Duchamp in the play Stand by Me. Since then, he has appeared in many TV shows and movies, winning several awards for his acting.

Early life and education

Jun Matsumoto was born in Toshima, Tokyo. He is the youngest child in his family. His older sister was a fan of the group KinKi Kids. This inspired him to join Johnny & Associates in 1996.

He sent his application on his elementary school graduation day. Weeks later, the company president, Johnny Kitagawa, called him. He was invited to a rehearsal instead of a regular audition. Because of this, Matsumoto is often called one of the "elite" members of the agency.

Matsumoto finished high school in March 2002. He went to Horikoshi Gakuen, a famous school for performing arts. Many well-known actors and singers have graduated from there.

Career highlights

In October 2023, Matsumoto announced a photo book to celebrate his 40th birthday. The book shared his experiences playing Ieyasu Tokugawa. It was released in December 2023 and became very popular. By May 2024, it was the second best-selling men's photo book.

On May 16, 2024, Matsumoto announced he would become independent from Starto for his solo work. However, he would still be part of Arashi. He officially left Starto on May 30. On June 1, he shared information about his new company, MJC Inc., on Instagram. He is the "Chief Entertainment Officer" and plans to create new entertainment value.

In December 2024, Matsumoto signed a contract with Eternal Moments Inc. for his individual activities. His original company, MJC Inc., will handle planning, producing, and directing.

Music and concert production

While most of Matsumoto's solo songs are written by Arashi's staff, he has written lyrics for some of his own. These include "La Familia" (2004), "Naked" (2008), and "Stay Gold" (2014). He also helped supervise the song "DRIVE" (2016). He worked with other Arashi members to write lyrics for group songs like "Fight Song" and "5×20".

Matsumoto started helping with concert production in 2000. He mainly works on Arashi concerts. He also advises younger groups from Johnny & Associates, like Hey! Say! JUMP and King & Prince. In 2021, he directed a big concert called Johnny's Festival, featuring many groups.

He is officially recognized as the director for concerts like Arashi Anniversary Tour 5×20 and Arafes 2020. He also co-directed the "We Are!! Let's get the party STARTO!!" concert series in April 2024. This was his last project before becoming independent.

As a concert producer, Matsumoto has come up with new ideas. In 2005, he helped introduce the "moving stage" used by many Asian music acts. In 2014, he worked to use Bluetooth to change the colors of audience penlights during concerts. This idea was a big success.

Acting career: Stage plays

In 1997, Matsumoto acted in his first stage play, Stand by Me. He was joined by future bandmates Masaki Aiba and Kazunari Ninomiya. After this, he focused on TV shows and movies for about seven years.

In 2004, Matsumoto returned to the stage in West Side Story with bandmates Satoshi Ohno and Sho Sakurai. He got his first main roles in plays like Eden no Higashi (2005) and Byakuya no Onna Kishi (2006).

In 2011, Matsumoto starred in Aa, Kōya, his first play in five years. In April 2024, it was announced that he would appear in Hideki Noda's new play, Sei sankaku kankei (Trilateral connection). This play was based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. Matsumoto played the oldest of the Karamatsu brothers. The play was performed in Japan and London, England.

Acting career: TV dramas

Matsumoto started his TV acting career in April 1997 in the drama special Hoken Chousain. A few months later, he co-starred with members of KinKi Kids and Masaki Aiba in Bokura no Yūki: Miman Toshi. In 1999, all Arashi members acted together for the first time in V no Arashi.

His big break came in 2001 when he played Hajime Kinda'ichi in Kinda'ichi Shōnen no Jikenbo. In 2002, he gained more fame starring in Gokusen as Shin Sawada. His role earned him the Best Supporting Actor award. He returned for a special episode in 2003.

In 2003, Matsumoto took on another important role in Kimi wa Pet as Takeshi "Momo" Goda. In 2005, he played Domyōuji Tsukasa in Hana Yori Dango. This series was very successful. Matsumoto won Best Supporting Actor again for his role. A second season in 2007 was even more popular. The series ended with a movie in 2008. He even made a guest appearance as Domyōuji in the 2018 sequel, Hana Nochi Hare.

In 2007, Matsumoto starred in Bambino!, winning his first Best Actor award. In 2008, he acted in the TV special Myū no Anyo Papa ni Ageru, playing a man with a serious illness. This drama was watched by many people.

In 2009, Matsumoto starred in Smile as Vito Hayakawa, a cheerful young man. He won Best Actor for this role. In 2010, he co-starred with Arashi members in Saigo no Yakusoku. He also had a main role in Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku.

In 2012, Matsumoto played Shuntaro Tokita in Lucky Seven, a detective series. In 2014, he starred as Koyurugi Sota in Shitsuren Chocolatier.

From 2016 to 2021, Matsumoto played Hiroto Miyama in the popular 99.9 Criminal Lawyer series. He returned for a second season and a movie. In 2019, he played Matsuura Takeshirō in Eien no Nispa, a special drama about Hokkaido.

In 2022, Matsumoto co-starred with Aya Ueto in Tonari no Chikara, playing a stay-at-home dad. In 2023, he took on the lead role of Tokugawa Ieyasu in the historical drama What Will You Do, Ieyasu?. He even appeared in a parade for the drama's promotion.

Acting career: Films

In 1998, Matsumoto appeared in the film Shinjuku Tanteidan Shōnen. In 2002, Arashi starred in their first movie together, Pikanchi Life is Hard Dakedo Happy. They made sequels in 2004 and 2014. In 2005, he also starred in Tokyo Tower.

In 2007, Matsumoto had a lead role in the independent film Boku wa Imōto ni Koi o Suru. In 2008, he starred in Hidden Fortress: The Last Princess. The Hana Yori Dango series also ended with a successful movie, Hana Yori Dango Final, in 2008.

In 2013, Matsumoto played Okuda Kosuke in Girl in the Sunny Place. In 2017, he starred as Takashi Hayama in Narratage. His most recent film role was in 2021, when he reprised his role as Hiroto Miyama in 99.9 Criminal Lawyer: The Movie.

Other ventures

TV host and radio

From 2005 to 2007, Matsumoto co-hosted TV shows like Minna no Terebi and Utawara Hot Hit 10. He also had his own radio show, Jun Style, on Nack5 from 2002 to 2011.

Exhibitions

In November 2023, Matsumoto announced an art exhibition called "Jun Matsumoto Exhibition `Perspective ~ Toki o tsunagu manazashi ~". This exhibition was a collaboration with six artists. It allowed visitors to experience Matsumoto's views and ideas. It ran from December 2023 to January 2024.

Commercials

Jun Matsumoto has appeared in many commercials for various products and companies:

• Asahi Soft Drinks "Mitsuya Cider" (2020) with Arashi
• Au by KDDI (2008, 2011)
• Bandai "Tamagotchi Osutchi Mesutchi" (1999)
• Daiichi Sankyo Lulu Attack cold medicine (2018-2019, 2022)
• Daio Paper Elleair + Water (2010-2017)
• Hitachi Home appliances (2010-2019)
• House Foods "Sawayaka toiki sūpākatekin" (2004)
• Japan Airlines (2021-2023) with Sho Sakurai
• Japan Post New Year's postcard campaign (2015-2020)
• KFC Japan Pot Pie and Chicken Box (2009-2011)
• Kikkoman "Uchi no gohan" (2017-2020)
• Kirin Brewery Tanrei Green Label (2010-2013)
• Kirin Beverages Afternoon Tea Delicious Sugar-free (2016)
• Kosé Cosmetics Fasio (2010-2013)
• Kosé Cosmeport Je l'aime (2013-2020)
• Meiji Seika Meiji Milk Chocolate (2011-2020)
• Misawa Home (1998)
• NHK New satellite channels CM personality (2023)
• Nintendo Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart Wii, Donkey Kong Returns, Wii Party, 3Ds (2010)
• Recruit Hot Pepper Beauty (2011), Suumo (2022)
• Sagawa Express Transport and Logistics (2022-2023)
• Suntory Pepsi Nex (2008)

Filmography

TV drama

Movies

Stage plays

Musical contributions

• "Drive" (from Are You Happy? album, Matsumoto supervised the recording)

Awards and nominations

See also

In Spanish: Jun Matsumoto para niños