7 shows you need to watch that star Alice in Borderland’s Kento Yamazaki
If Alice in Borderland hooked you, these projects by Kento Yamazaki will keep you bingeing.
If you binge-watched Alice in Borderland and found yourself lowkey obsessed with Arisu, then you’re in luck! Kento Yamazaki, the actor behind the role, has an entire filmography packed with everything from fantasy epics to heartfelt dramas.
I’ve been a fan of Kento Yamazaki since 2014 and watched him improve his craft over the years. Here are seven dramas and films I recommend, which show off his versatility as one of Japan’s top actors. I’ve also included a link to where you can watch them – you’re welcome.
Dramas starring Kento Yamazaki
1. Death Note (2015)
In this TV adaptation of the iconic manga, Yamazaki plays L, the eccentric detective determined to outwit Kira.
Why watch: Seeing Yamazaki embody one of anime’s most legendary characters is a treat, and no cap, he looks good in this drama. His take on L is quirky, sharp, and totally different from Arisu’s vulnerable gamer vibe. It’s usually difficult to overtake a predecessor – the Death Note film series starring Tatsuya Fujiwara and Kenichi Matsuyama – but this version definitely did not disappoint!
Where to watch: Prime Video
2. Rikuoh (2017)
A heartfelt workplace drama about a struggling company trying to reinvent itself by making world-class running shoes.
Why watch: Ever wondered how sneakers are made? This drama takes you behind the scenes to see all the effort that goes into crafting the perfect sole. Although not the lead actor, Yamazaki plays a passionate young engineer whose determination feels inspiring in the same way Arisu’s resilience kept us hooked.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. Atom’s Last Shot (2022)
This drama dives into the gaming industry, focusing on a genius game creator (Yamazaki) who gave up after a scandal, only to be pulled back in.
Why watch: If you loved the game-like survival of Alice in Borderland, this series gives you a peek into how the gaming world works, minus the deadly stakes. It’s particularly uplifting to watch Yamazaki overcome the hurdles and protect their intellectual property rights.
Where to watch: Disney+
4. Golden Kamuy (2024)
Adapted from the hit manga, this action-packed historical drama follows a war veteran (Yamazaki) and an Ainu girl as they search for hidden gold in Hokkaido.
Why watch: Yamazaki’s gritty performance takes him far from Arisu’s digital dystopia, plunging him into snowy landscapes, bloody battles, and a story rich with survival stakes. If you’re a culture buff, you’ll also enjoy how the drama weaves in the Ainu lifestyle and even language.
Where to watch: Netflix
Movies starring Kento Yamazaki
5. Kingdom (2019)
Based on the mega-hit manga, this blockbuster period epic casts Yamazaki as Xin, a war orphan who dreams of becoming the greatest general under the heavens.
Why watch: Epic battle sequences, sweeping cinematography, and Yamazaki in full warrior mode! This is him at his most heroic. Plus, he trained and practised a lot to ensure his fighting scenes looked fit for the big screen.
Where to watch: Netflix
6. The Yin Yang Master Zero (2024)
A fantasy adventure where Yamazaki plays a young Abe no Seimei, training to become Japan’s most powerful onmyoji (spiritual sorcerer).
Why watch: Think Doctor Strange but set in Heian-era Japan. Magic, monsters, and Yamazaki in mystical robes? Yes, please!
Where to watch: Prime Video
Bonus: Starring Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya
7. Orange (2015)
A bittersweet youth drama about a girl (Tsuchiya) who receives letters from her future self, urging her to save a classmate (Yamazaki) from a tragic fate.
Why watch: If Alice in Borderland made you cry at Arisu’s emotional arcs, this will wreck you in the best way. It’s tender, hopeful, and filled with very coming-of-age vibes. Besides, this is the first time Yamazaki and Tsuchiya, who played Usagi in Alice in Borderland, worked together!
Where to watch: It’s not available for streaming in Singapore, but you can KIV this until then.
More than just Arisu, Kento Yamazaki is a chameleon who’s jumped from dark fantasy to epic blockbusters to heartfelt youth dramas. Whether you’re in the mood for action, romance, or a thought-provoking story, his projects are the perfect post-Alice in Borderland binge. As for his future works, I’m looking forward to another instalment of Golden Kamuy, which should greet us sometime next year!
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