【2025 Updated】Top 7 Talent Agencies in Japan for Foreign Actors

Foreign actors are increasingly visible in Japanese film, TV, theater, and commercials. In recent years, casting international talent has become essential to bring authenticity and global appeal to productions in Japan.

However, many production teams face the same questions: Which agency should we contact? Can they handle visas and contracts? Will there be bilingual support on set?

To address these concerns, we’ve compiled a list of seven trusted Japanese talent agencies specializing in foreign and bilingual actors. Ranked at the top is Free Wave, with over 3,000 registered talents and three decades of industry expertise.

If you are planning to hire foreign actors in Japan, this guide will help you choose the right partner for your project.

1. Free Wave Co., Ltd.

Notable Credits: Treasure Island (cast of 19 foreign actors including Derrick Dover), NHK’s Ranman, film Last Man, and more.

Categories: Actors, narrators, models, dancers, musicians, influencers.

Founded in 1992, Free Wave is Japan’s largest and most established agency for foreign and bilingual actors, with more than 3,000 registered talents. Based in Tokyo, Free Wave casts not only for films and TV commercials, but also for narration, events, and stage productions.

Highlights include providing 19 foreign actors simultaneously for the film Treasure Island, demonstrating its ability to handle large-scale casting quickly. The agency also has extensive expertise in visas, contracts, and on-site interpretation, making it the first stop for any production seeking reliable foreign actors in Japan.

Key Strengths

・Over 3,000 registered talents from 100+ countries, backed by 30+ years of experience.
・A wide range of categories: actors, narrators, models, dancers, and multilingual professionals.
・Online search functions allow clients to filter by language skills (English, Chinese, etc.), ensuring quick talent selection.
・Since 2018, Free Wave has expanded to actively recruit overseas-based talent, enabling support for international productions.

▶ Contact Free Wave for casting inquiries

2. YMN Co., Ltd.

Notable Actor: Tatsumasa Murasame
Credits: NHK’s Come Come Everybody, Ōoku Season 2, How Do You Live?, Everyone’s Muscle Exercises, Hobby Gardening.

Founded in 2009, YMN is a talent production company managing models, actors, and athletes. Known for hands-on management, the agency helps each performer develop their individuality. Their roster includes not only actors and entertainers but also Olympic athletes, offering diverse casting options.

▶ Visit YMN Official Site

3. Watanabe Entertainment

Notable Actor: Jason Atsugiri
Credits: Nippon TV’s Yutori desu ga Nani ka International, film Osomatsu-san, TV Asahi’s Dr. Ashura, NHK’s Japan’s Top Inventions.

As one of Japan’s largest entertainment conglomerates, Watanabe Entertainment is renowned for discovering, producing, and managing a wide range of talents. With a legacy dating back to the 1950s, the company operates a fully integrated system covering talent schools, production, and management. Its resources make it a powerhouse for large-scale projects, from drama to stage production.

▶ Visit Watanabe Entertainment

4. Camino Real

Notable Actor: Charlotte Kate Fox
Credits: NHK’s Massan (lead role), TV Asahi’s Detective Catherine, film Kōdai-ke no Hitobito, Broadway musical Chicago (Japan tour).

Founded in 2018, Camino Real is a boutique agency specializing in foreign talent. With a focus on international strategy and bilingual promotion, the agency is best known for managing Charlotte Kate Fox. Its talents combine cultural understanding with global recognition, making it a strong choice for cross-border productions.

▶ Visit Camino Real

5. EXCELLING Inc.

Notable Actors: Sahel Rosa, Nicholas Pettas
Credits: My Small Land, Sisam, Candlestick, Pendulum.

EXCELLING was founded in 1997 through the merger of a TV production company and a talent agency, creating a rare hybrid that excels in both talent management and content creation. With expertise in staffing productions and nurturing young talent, EXCELLING offers flexible support across film, TV, and live events.

▶ Visit EXCELLING

6. Hav Mercy

Notable Talent: Patrick Harlan (“Pakkun” of comedy duo Pakkun Makkun)
Credits: NHK’s Ryōma-den, Detective Conan: Dimensional Sniper, TV Tokyo’s Morning Satellite.

Hav Mercy is a versatile production company offering end-to-end solutions from casting to event management. Their roster includes musicians, comedians, and bilingual media personalities. With its flexible, creative approach, the agency can design casting plans tailored to unique project needs.

▶ Visit Hav Mercy

7. YM2 Agency

Notable Actor: Dante Carver
Credits: SoftBank’s Shirato Family commercials, Pandemic, TBS’s Flame Sports Show, Sportsman No.1.

Founded in 2018, YM2 represents Dante Carver and other multicultural talents including actors, DJs, and comedians. Partnered with BIJIN&Co., the agency has global networks and provides casting solutions for diverse, international projects in Japan.

▶ Visit YM2 Agency

FAQ: Hiring Foreign Actors in Japan

Q1. Can I hire foreign actors already living in Japan to save on costs?
A1. Yes. Free Wave has over 3,000 registered foreign talents based in Japan, available for quick and cost-effective casting.

Q2. Do you have foreign actors fluent in Japanese?
A2. Yes. Free Wave represents bilingual talents and foreign-born actors fluent in Japanese, suitable for TV and film roles.

Q3. Can you handle large-scale casting on short notice?
A3. Yes. Free Wave has experience coordinating dozens of foreign actors at once, such as 19 actors cast in the film Treasure Island.

Conclusion: Choose Agencies with Experience and Flexibility

When hiring foreign actors in Japan, consider an agency’s talent pool, responsiveness, language support, and industry expertise. The seven agencies listed above are trusted names, but Free Wave stands out with unmatched numbers, proven track record, and bilingual support.

▶ Contact Free Wave for casting inquiries
▶ Browse past projects and case studies