Takuya Kimura, or as we commonly call him, Kimutaku. If you watched Japanese dramas in the late 90s, you couldn't miss this name. He was the person who best embodied the title of 'star' among Japanese male actors. I still vividly remember being in my early twenties, watching Japanese dramas and thinking, "Ah, this is what a real leading man should look like."

Kimutaku was more than just good-looking. He had a unique style that made you want to imitate everything from his cool demeanor to his walk and the way he tossed his hair. He was not just an actor; he was a 'culture.' Back then in Japan, even a change in hairstyle would lead to signs in hair salons saying, "Kimutaku cut available," which says it all.

The boom was largely thanks to the dramas. No matter what role he played, he was always the 'cool guy who is Kimutaku,' and that kind of character struck a chord with the public's fantasies. Whether as a youth, a lover, a businessman, a pilot, or a doctor... he was always natural, cool, and had a restrained charm that was kind to women without being overly enthusiastic. Then, with his activities in SMAP, he became a versatile icon who could sing, entertain, and act, leading to an explosive fanbase.

He was not just a handsome actor; he was someone who made men think, "I want to be like him." That is what a true star is. Not just someone you admire for their looks, but someone whose 'lifestyle' you want to emulate.

Perhaps that's why Kimutaku was a role model for men in their 20s and 30s. Office workers, college students, and even high school students would grow their hair long and sweep it back like Kimutaku, leave a button undone on their shirts, and wear metal band watches, feeling a bit cooler about themselves. Looking back now, the concept of coolness was quite simple back then, which might be why it was so popular.

Time is said to be fair to everyone, but honestly, I was a bit surprised when I saw recent photos or screenshots of Kimutaku online. It seems like he hasn't been maintaining himself as well as expected; I noticed some wrinkles and a bit of sagging... I understand it's the passage of time, but I can't help but think, "Is he not taking care of himself?"

Especially in screenshots, without good lighting and with clear quality, the comparison to the old 'Kimutaku image' is stark. Seeing a star who has shared a generation with us age is a reminder that I am aging too. It's a bit bittersweet and somewhat comforting, right? ㅎㅎ.

But thinking about it, I don't believe that coolness is maintained solely through appearance. The Kimutaku of today, over 50, may not have the 'youthful glow' he once did, but he possesses a certain solidity unique to middle age. His face is not one that has been maintained without effort, but I think there's a certain coolness in accepting the natural flow of aging.

As I age, I notice deeper wrinkles in the mirror, more white hairs on the sides, and honestly, I sometimes feel like my skin's elasticity is in worse shape than Kimutaku's. Yet, when I see Kimutaku's photos, I strangely find comfort. It shows that even perfect people age, and we all naturally change over time.

The Kimutaku boom started with his face, but ultimately what remained in people's hearts was the desire to live beautifully. That hasn't changed even now. While we used to imitate his hairstyle, I now think we should learn the attitude of middle age.