[All] [Latest] Why did Koji Mizukami change his name? A summary of the court drama and agency troubles behind the name change!

Actor Mizukami Koji, formerly known as "Okada Kenshi," gained popularity. Behind his name change was trouble with his agency and a strong determination to make a fresh start. In this article, we will fully explain the reason for the name change, the truth about the lawsuit, and his current activities!

 

 

table of contents 1. Profile of Koji Mizukami 2. Reason for name change 1: Was his stage name "Okada Kenshi" the president's surname? 3. Reason for name change ②: Legal issues and decision to become independent 4. Reason for name change 3: Wanting to value individuality 5. Activities after name change and the path to return 6. Highlights from his latest film "Blue Moment" 7. Her relationship with Yamashita Tomohisa is a hot topic 8. Summary: Keep an eye on Mizukami Koji's future!

 

 

 

1. Profile of Koji Mizukami

 

 

item	Content
Real name	Mizukami Koushi
Former stage name	Kenji Okada
date of birth	May 12, 1999
Birthplace	Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
height	178cm
blood type	O type
Start of activities	2018 - Present
Affiliated Agency	HAKU LLC (business partnership)
Social Media	@koshi_mizukami_official (523,000 followers)

 

He made his acting debut in 2018 in the popular drama "Chugakusei Nikki," leaving a strong impression and quickly becoming a young actor to watch. Since then, he has appeared in numerous dramas and movies, and has built up a solid track record, including winning the Japan Academy Award for Best New Actor.

 

 

 

 

2. Reason for name change 1: Was his stage name "Okada Kenshi" the president's surname?

 

It is known that Koji Mizukami's former stage name, "Kenji Okada," was taken from the surname "Okada" of Naoyuki Okada, the president of his former agency, "Sweet Power." The president had been scouting Mizukami for five years, and it is said that he had a special attachment to him and believed in his talent, so he gave him the name.

 

As the name was given to her by the agency, it may not have fully reflected her will or personality. The reason behind the name change is thought to be a way to break away from the name given to her by someone else.

 

 

 

 

3. Reason for name change ②: Legal issues and decision to become independent

 

Around 2021, Mizukami filed a lawsuit against her former agency, seeking to terminate her contract. According to reports, the reasons are as follows:

 

▪️No salary for a year and a half since debut

▪️Monthly salary is about 150,000 yen, which is very low in the industry.

▪️Suspicions of sexual harassment and moral harassment were circulating internally

 

Unhappy with this environment, he made the risky decision to take legal action himself. As a result, a settlement was reached in August 2022, with the contract being terminated. His relationship with the agency ended, and he could no longer use his stage name, "Okada Kenshi."

 

 

 

 

4. Reason for name change 3: Wanting to value individuality

 

Mizukami described the name change as "starting from a negative point, not from zero." These words express her determination to overcome the painful experiences she has had up until now and to take a new step under her real name.

 

He has said, "I want to express myself honestly," and "I want to live naturally, like a normal person," and by working under his real name, it is clear that he wants to face his true self and be true to himself.

 

 

 

 

5. Activities after name change and the path to return

 

After changing his name, he did not immediately return to the media, but instead took a break of about a year before making a full comeback in 2023. Even after his return, he has continued to show his skills and has appeared in many popular productions.

 

In particular, he played the role of the heroine's lover in the NHK morning drama "Boogie Woogie" broadcast in 2023. In 2024, he starred in the movie "Anohana ga Saku Oka de, Kimi to Mata Deaietara" and won the Best Actor Award at the 47th Japan Academy Awards, solidifying his position as a talented actor.

 

Mizukami said, "The support of my friends has made me who I am today," and it appears that since the name change, he now places more importance on working as a team rather than just as an individual.

 

 

 

 

6. Highlights from his latest film "Blue Moment"

 

In spring 2024, he will appear in the Fuji TV Wednesday drama "Blue Moment."

 

The role he plays is Yugo Sonobe, a rescue team member of the Tokyo Fire Department. After getting lost in the mountains and being rescued in the past, he aspires to join the rescue team and becomes a member of the elite unit.

 

He holds an important position within the team where he builds a strong relationship of trust with the main character, Haruhara, played by Yamashita Tomohisa, and the scenes where the two appear together have been highly praised by many viewers.

 

 

 

 

7. Her relationship with Yamashita Tomohisa is a hot topic

 

On the April 23, 2024 broadcast of "Suddenly, May I Tell You Your Fortune?", there was a scene where he spoke about his deep respect for his co-star, Yamashita Tomohisa.

 

Mizukami commented, "I strongly sympathize with Yamashita's way of thinking. He is a very important figure and a senior whom I respect," and it appears that they have built a good relationship on the job as well.

 

On social media, there were many voices praising the relationship between the two, such as, "This is the best duo" and "I'm moved by Mizukami-kun's honesty."

 

 

 

 

8. Summary: Keep an eye on Mizukami Koji's future!

 

Mizukami Koji has chosen to pursue his own individuality by shedding his stage name, "Okada Kenshi," and starting afresh under his real name. After going through trouble and a lawsuit with his previous agency, his independence with his own convictions and determination has inspired and inspired many. Even after changing his name, he established himself as an actor through his work in dramas and movies, and his performance in "Blue Moment" in particular garnered much support. With his relationship with Yamashita Tomohisa also attracting attention, expectations are high for his further growth and success in the future.

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