Yu Shirota (城田優), born December 26, 1985, in Tokyo, Japan, is a Japanese-Spanish actor, singer, and stage performer. He made his professional acting debut in 2003 and has since worked across film, television, musical theater, and music. Shirota first gained recognition through his stage performances, including Tuxedo Mask in the Sailor Moon musical series and Kunimitsu Tezuka in The Prince of Tennis musical series. He has appeared in numerous Japanese films and television dramas, including The Prince of Tennis, Waruboro, Rookies: Graduation, The Negotiator: The Movie, Arakawa Under the Bridge, SPEC: Close, Black Butler, Ajin: Demi-Human, The Forest of Wool and Steel, The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Hero, and The Violence Action. His television credits include Hana-Kimi, Rookies, The Negotiator, Samurai High School, SPEC, Arakawa Under the Bridge, Jiu: Special Investigation Team, GTO, Jun & Ai, Come Come Everybody, TOKYO MER, and Sudden Marriage (いきなり婚), in which he played Hajime Ando. Shirota has also established a career in musical theater, performing roles such as Der Tod in Elisabeth, Romeo in Romeo & Juliet, the Phantom in Phantom, Cheech in Bullets Over Broadway, and Lola in Kinky Boots. He has additionally worked as a musical director and stage producer, alongside his career as a singer and songwriter. His performances in Elisabeth earned him the Newcomer Award in the Theater Division of the Agency for Cultural Affairs' 65th National Arts Festival in 2010.
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