**Takayuki Yamada** (born in 1983) is a Japanese actor widely recognized for his versatility and the intensity of his performances. His film career is studded with eclectic roles.

He gained popularity with Takashi Miike's *Crows Zero* (2007) and *13 Assassins* (2010), showcasing his ability in various genres. He played the iconic role of the formidable Ushijima in the successful *Ushijima the Loan Shark* series and films (from 2010 onwards), solidifying his image as an actor capable of dark and complex roles.

More recently, he gained international recognition for his performance in Netflix's *The Naked Director* (from 2019), where he displayed a more comedic, yet still profound, side. He is known for his ability to shift from dramatic and tormented characters (e.g., *Himeanole*, 2016) to eccentric or comedic figures, avoiding stereotypes. His style is characterized by a charismatic presence and by his choice of roles that often challenge conventions, making him one of the most intriguing faces in contemporary Japanese cinema.