Ken’ichi Matsuyama (松山 ケンイチ, Matsuyama Ken’ichi, born March 5, 1985 in Aomori, Japan) is a well known Japanese actor.

He is known for his affinity for strange character roles. He is best known for playing L in the 2006 film Death Note and Death Note: The Last Name as well as voicing Jealous in the Death Note anime adaptation.

Movies

Bright Future (2003)
Guuzen nimo saiaku na shounen (2003)
The Locker 2 (2004)
Kamachi (2004)
The Taste of Tea (2004)
Linda Linda Linda (2005)
Nana (2005)
Furyo shonen no yume (2005)
Kasutamu-meido 10.30 (2005)
Otoko-tachi no Yamato (2005)
Oyayubi sagashi (2006)
Death Note (2006)
Death Note: The Last Name (2006)
The Blue Wolf: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea (2007)
Ten Nights of Dream (2007)
Shindo (2007)
Dolphin Blue: Fuji, mou ichido sora e (2007)
L: Change the World (2008)

TV Series

Gokusen (2002)
Kids War 5 (2003)
1 Litre of Tears (2005)
Tsubasa No Oreta Tenshitachi (2006)
Sexy Voice and Robo (2007)

I
n L Change the World, Matsuyama, 22, reprises his role as the mysterious and taciturn L who has a sweet tooth and other quirks, such as having a slight stoop, and a tendency to go barefoot and to squat on chairs. This time, instead of fighting Kira, L has to battle time as his death approaches.

In an earlier interview, the actor answers some questions about his role in the Japanese movie:

If you can, what will you do to change the current world?

I like this world as it is now. I like now the best.

Is it tough being the only male lead for the new movie, especially since the burden of box office will be on your shoulders alone?

There was pressure on me, but because of that, I think we could make it great.

When you first learnt of the spin-off on the character L, what was your reaction?

I was simply glad for the fact that I got another job. (Laughs)

As the movie’s plot is not based on the manga series, do you worry that hardcore Death Note manga fans will not be able to accept changes that they feel do not fall in line with the character in the book?

No, I think I could introduce new aspects of L.

Do you hope to create a new L or just continue with the old L?

I enjoyed L riding bicycles and trains, running around and being outside. Everything was new to me as L.

What is your biggest challenge about acting in this movie?

It was difficult for me to express L’s feelings. L does not often show his feelings, and I still needed to show how he feels and what kind of person he is. I needed to think how he would express his feelings and how to show his personality.

Are you disappointed with the fact that the scriptwriter fails to write in any romantic scenes for you in this spin-off?

Not at all. I prefer not to touch on the romantic part.

Is venturing into Hollywood on your agenda for the near future? Do you hope to accept Hollywood acting roles like Ken Watanabe?

Yes, I am interested in working with foreign filmmakers outside Japan.

You are well-known for playing weird characters. Is it your personal obsession to accept strange, and not necessarily popular, roles?

I am always attracted to characters who are very different from me and who have something I do not have.

Do you always enjoy being the odd one out in school or in the entertainment industry in Japan? Are you always the popular student in school or the ignored nerdy student?

I am often told that I am assertive. (Laughs)

Your most recent characters, L and Robo (in the TV drama series Sexy Voice and Robo), are obsessed with analysing crime cases and robots. What’s your personal obsession?

I am now addicted to heavy metal music.

You have listed pole vault and wheelchair basketball as your favourite sports.

I’ve not had time to play those sports lately. Wheelchair basketball is recognised as a sport for people with disabilities, but it is actually a hard and wild sport and very exciting when the wheelchairs clash with one another.

If, like L, you knew that you have a limited time on Earth – exactly 23 days – how will you spend your last days?

I would sign up for a life insurance policy (laughs), and be with my parents and do something nice for them.

Source:http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/23/movies/20699252&sec=movies