Actor Hiroshi Tamaki, known for hits like "Nodame Cantabile," "The Way of the Househusband," and the live-action "Golden Kamuy," continues to be a fan favorite.
At 46, Tamaki showcased some serious skills at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF)'s "European Championship 2026" in Lisbon, Portugal – Europe's biggest jiu-jitsu event. Competing in the advanced "purple belt" Master 4 (46-50 years old) featherweight division (under 70 kg), he snagged a bronze medal, making it to the podium!
Tamaki's purple belt is a high-level rank, sitting just below black and brown belts, signifying some serious mastery.
This year's purple belt Master 4 featherweight division saw 6 competitors. Tamaki faced a tough challenge right out of the gate against fellow Japanese competitor Nobuhisa Hirota. In a slick move, Tamaki used a closed guard to control his opponent's core, then grabbed Hirota's left hand from the bottom position, smoothly transitioning into a wrist lock for a decisive submission victory!
Though Tamaki's run ended in the semi-finals, he still secured a commendable 3rd place, proudly stepping onto the podium. Turns out, Tamaki has been a huge BJJ enthusiast for years, even mentioning his passion in past interviews. After competing in the Las Vegas World Championship in 2023, he's been relentlessly training his physique and tactics, aiming for continued success in competitions. All that hard work has clearly paid off!
Fans are absolutely buzzing about Tamaki's "hardcore" skills off-screen, amazed that he's not only crushing it in his acting career but also training intensely enough to compete internationally. Talk about dedication!
And get this – he recently welcomed his second child with wife Haruka Kinami! Even as a dad of two, Tamaki isn't slowing down his training. Seriously, mad respect!