"Karma 1st Photobook Launch" Release Commemoration Event

2026.04.25

KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takeshi Natsuno) released actor Karma's first photobook, "Karma 1st Photobook: Starting Now," on Friday, April 3, 2026.
At the young age of 16, Karma moved to Tokyo with the goal of becoming an actor. After numerous years of working his way up from the bottom, and building a YouTube channel with over a million subscribers, he finally made his acting debut. Karma has appeared in dramas such as TV Asahi's "Legendary Head Sho" and TBS's "Cinderella Closet," as well as the movie "Baby Valkyrie Nice Days." He also gained popularity for his role as Kuon in TV Asahi's "Number One Sentai Gojuuger," and his rapid rise as an actor shows no signs of slowing down.
Karma, who has always been taking on challenges, is releasing his first photobook as an actor. As the first chapter of his struggle to become his ideal actor, he bares all, and this book is a compilation of his diverse charms, from stylish looks to expressions that exude mature allure.
I recently had the opportunity to cover the release event held at HMV Esola Ikebukuro.

■My feelings when I decided to release a photobook

When KADOKAWA first approached me about releasing a photobook, I was surprised. I never thought that I, who had always played villainous roles, would be given the opportunity to release a photobook, so I was very surprised. I thought that perhaps "the person I am now," with my unique background, could release a photobook, so I decided to take on this challenge.

■ About "Karma 1st Photobook: Launch."

The filming took place in Taiwan around November of last year. It was a tight schedule between other projects, but I tackled the shoot with all my might. Taiwan is a place I've visited several times before and have fond memories of, so I felt a sense of nostalgia, but at the same time, I was struck by the feeling that "the scenery looks a little different from where I am now." The shots of me running through the streets of Ximending are particularly memorable.
For this photoshoot, I felt that I would regret it if I didn't give it my all, so I expressed my emotions as they were, shouting and moving around. My favorite photo was actually taken spontaneously. Neither the outfit nor the location was planned, but the shot where I exposed my shoulders felt like "this is it," and it was used for the cover of the limited edition.
Up until now, photobooks have had the image of being "something that looks cool," but when I saw the first shots taken on location, I felt that "this won't do." The photographer told me, "It's okay to be so open about yourself that you might be disliked," and that became the trigger for me to break out of my shell. It's a feeling that's similar to acting, but showing my true self presented a challenge I'd never experienced before. All of that trial and error is captured in this photobook.

■The future of actor Karma

I would like to continue acting in the future. I have always worked hard and wholeheartedly, but from now on I would like to appear in even more works and become someone who can catch the eye of more people. As for villain roles, I feel like I have played all kinds of evil characters in the last few years (laughs), but there are still many roles I would like to challenge myself with. I look forward to encountering new works regardless of genre, such as quiet works, serious works, and romances.
I recently held my first solo fan event, and it was a truly wonderful time. I was excited to see what kind of feelings the fans would have when they came, but the energy I was surrounded by exceeded my expectations, and it was a truly uplifting experience for me. I hope to continue holding these kinds of events regularly in the future.

■A message to the fans

My photobook is now on sale. I don't know if I'll release a second one. This might be my first and last photobook, but I've put everything I have into it. Please take a look.

■Message to students

The beach scene was the one that made me feel like I was back in my student days, giving me a real sense of youthfulness. Just before it got completely dark, there were people gathered around a bonfire enjoying music, and I decided I could still take pictures using their light. I was reminded of the allure of photography, realizing that there are moments that are difficult to capture on video but can be captured in photographs.
Students starting a new life are probably facing many challenges. I myself am in the midst of a new challenge, having changed industries, and rather than being a success story, I'm currently showing you my struggles. That's why I would be happy if this photobook could give you even a little bit of encouragement. Let's work hard together.

Interview with Student Newspaper Online on November 5, 2026, Haruna Shoji, a second-year student at Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

"Karma's 1st Photobook Launch."

Book Title: Karma 1st Photobook Launch.
Price: 3520 yen (including 10% tax)
Release date: Friday, Feb 2026, 4
Specifications: A4 size / 96 pages
Released and published by: KADOKAWA Corporation
Official hashtag: #Karma1stPhotobook