Let's make this birthday one to remember.

46 years old (Born on January 18, 1979)

Happy Birthday, Arai Hirofumi! From your unforgettable performance in Toshiaki Toyoda's "Blue Spring"—where rebellious coolness earned you a Takasaki Film Festival Award—we knew we'd found someone special. Twenty-plus years later, you're still the samurai stealing hearts and scenes alike.

Whether battling swords or navigating intense drama as Masaaki Akahori in "The Samurai That Night," your brilliance transcends roles and generations. May this birthday bring plenty of cake (hopefully easier to slice than any samurai sword) and laughter—and here's to many more award-winning performances ahead! The spotlight suits you—keep shining brighter by the year.