Comedian Atsuhiro Tsuda is making his debut as a lead actor in the TV Asahi drama series "Time Travel Daddy" [1].
The move marks a significant career shift for Tsuda, who is pivoting from a prominent role in variety television to professional acting. This transition represents a broader trend of established entertainers seeking new creative identities in their 50s.
Tsuda, 50 [1], announced his decision during a press conference held Saturday in Minato Ward, Tokyo [1, 2]. The drama premiered the same day, Aug. 1, airing from 12:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. [2, 3]. He is joined in the production by Manami Hashimoto, 41 [1].
During the event, Tsuda expressed a level of disbelief regarding the opportunity. "I suspected it might be a prank. I am still suspicious. I can finally feel at ease once it is broadcast," Tsuda said [1].
The plot of the series involves a character who lost his wife two years prior [4]. This dramatic role serves as the catalyst for Tsuda's professional pivot.
Tsuda used the press conference to declare a definitive break from his previous career path. "Today is the start of my life as an actor. I will work as an actor in my 50s. I will no longer appear on variety shows. I swear here that I will live as an actor," Tsuda said [1].
While the announcement was made on Aug. 1, some reports surfaced later in the month regarding the news of his first leading role [3]. However, the official premiere and the actor's public vow occurred during the Saturday event at the TV Asahi headquarters [1, 2].
“"I will no longer appear on variety shows."”
Tsuda's decision to completely abandon variety television—a staple of Japanese entertainment—to pursue acting at age 50 is a high-risk professional gamble. By publicly swearing off his primary source of income and visibility, he is attempting to reshape his public image from a comedian to a serious dramatic actor, testing whether a strong variety brand can be successfully converted into acting credibility.
