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Mizuki Itagaki Profile: A Promising Talent Remembered (2025 Updated)

Published

4 weeks ago

18th April 2025

Biography

Mizuki Itagaki (板垣瑞生, Itagaki Mizuki) was a Japanese actor, singer, and fashion model, born in Tokyo. He began his entertainment career at the age of 10 after being scouted by Stardust Promotion and joined the talent group EBiDAN at 11. In 2014, he debuted in film with “Ushijima the Loan Shark Part 2” and gained recognition for his role as Kazuhiko Kanbara in “Solomon’s Perjury” (2015), earning the Best Newcomer Award at the Japan Movie Critics Awards. He was also a founding member of the idol group M!LK, active from 2014 until his graduation in 2020 to focus on acting.

Throughout his career, Itagaki appeared in various films and television dramas, including “Hibiki” (2018), “Hot Gimmick: Girl Meets Boy” (2019), and the NHK taiga drama “Hana Moyu” (2015). In March 2024, he left Stardust Promotion and closed his official fan club and social media accounts. Tragically, Itagaki passed away in April 2025 at the age of 24 due to an unforeseen accident.

Profile

Name: Mizuki Itagaki
Birth name: Mizuki Itagaki
Birthday: October 25, 2000
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Height: 179 cm
Instagram: N/A
Twitter: N/A

Career

Launching a Career: Debut and Breakthrough

Itagaki’s formal acting career commenced in 2014. He made his film debut with a role in Ushijima the Loan Shark Part 2. That same year, he also appeared in the live-action adaptation of the popular manga Blue Spring Ride (Ao Ha Ride), portraying the younger version of the character Kou Mabuchi. These early roles provided him with valuable screen experience.

However, his breakthrough came in 2015 with the two-part film adaptation of Miyuki Miyabe’s novel, Solomon’s Perjury (Part 1: Suspicion, Part 2: Judgement). Itagaki secured the pivotal role of Kazuhiko Kanbara, a mysterious and intelligent student central to the plot. This was not a minor casting; reports indicate he won the role after an extensive audition process involving approximately 10,000 participants, a testament to the competitiveness and the significance of his selection. His portrayal garnered significant attention and critical acclaim.

This performance led to tangible recognition: in 2016, Itagaki received the “Male Rookie of the Year” award (also referred to as Newcomer Award or 新人男優賞) at the 25th Japanese Movie Critics Awards. Winning a major role through such a rigorous process and subsequently earning an award firmly established him as a serious young actor with considerable promise, distinguishing him early on from purely idol-centric performers. This success likely played a crucial role in opening doors for more substantial acting opportunities that followed.

Alongside his burgeoning film career, Itagaki also ventured into television. In 2015, he appeared in the NHK Taiga drama Hana Moyu (Burning Flower), portraying the historical figure Mōri Motoakira. His early roles, often involving playing younger versions of characters or historical figures, suggest that casting directors initially saw him fitting youthful or period piece archetypes before he demonstrated broader range in later years.

The Idol Chapter: M!LK

Parallel to his acting pursuits, Itagaki embarked on a career in music. In November 2014, he became an official member of M!LK, a J-pop vocal dance unit formed under the EBiDAN umbrella. He remained an active member of the group, which released albums such as Osama no Gyunyu 13, from late 2014 until January 2020.

During his time with M!LK, Itagaki participated fully in the group’s activities. This included recording music, performing live concerts, such as their 3rd-anniversary show at Pacifico Yokohama, engaging with fans through events like his own birthday live show (“Itagaki Mizuki Hatsu Band LIVE daze. Warau”), appearing in promotional videos and group content, and being featured in merchandise. His involvement with M!LK undoubtedly contributed to building his public profile, cultivating a dedicated fanbase, and honing his performance skills, including singing, dancing, and stage presence – experiences that could complement his acting work.

On January 31, 2020, Itagaki, along with fellow member Ryubi Miyase, officially “graduated” (the term often used for departures in J-pop groups) from M!LK. The reason cited for their departure was their intention to focus more intently on their burgeoning acting careers. Balancing the demanding schedule of an active idol group with increasingly frequent and significant acting roles likely presented challenges. This decision marked a significant career pivot, signaling a clear prioritization of acting and indicating that he envisioned his long-term path primarily in that field.

A Flourishing Acting Portfolio: Notable Roles & Range

Following his breakthrough in Solomon’s Perjury and his departure from M!LK, Mizuki Itagaki’s acting career continued to flourish, showcasing impressive range across various genres in both film and television. He took on roles that moved beyond his initial castings, tackling contemporary romance, high school dramas, fantasy, and action, often in adaptations of popular source material.

His television presence remained strong. He played the significant role of Prince Chagum in the second and third seasons of the NHK fantasy drama Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (Seirei no Moribito) from 2017 to 2018. He continued his association with prestigious NHK productions, appearing in the 2020 Asadora (morning drama) Yell as Tadashi Shigemori and the 2021 Taiga drama Kirin ga Kuru (Awaiting Kirin) as the historical figure Mori Ranmaru.

Itagaki also took on leading roles in television series. In 2020, he starred opposite Airi Matsui in the romantic comedy In-House Marriage Honey (Shanai Marriage Honey), playing the character Miura Manatsu. Other notable series included Super Rich (2021) as Takeru Gotoku, Black Cinderella (2021) as Sora Shimamura, the action series Drop (2023) as Tatsuya Iguchi, and a role in the second season of The Honest Realtor (Shojiki Fudosan) in 2024 as Kento Tokage. One of his final roles was playing twin brothers Senri and Kazuto in the live-action adaptation of For the Kid I Saw In My Dreams.

Itagaki Mizuki Confirmed Dead After 4-Month Disappearance 2

His filmography similarly expanded. He appeared in Hibiki (2018) and Hot Gimmick: Girl Meets Boy (2019). In 2019, he landed his first leading film role in Love Stoppage Time (Hatsukoi Loss Time), playing Takashi Aiba. Subsequent film appearances included Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020), Heart Beats (Mune ga Naru no wa Kimi no Sei) (2021), Our Secret Diary (Kokan Uso Nikki) (2023) as Hiroto Yano, and Migawari Mission (also known as Don’t Lose Your Head! or Migawari Chushingura) in 2024 as Taemon Kato. He also participated in stage productions, such as Evangelion Beyond.

The frequent casting of Itagaki in adaptations of popular manga, novels, and other established works (Solomon’s Perjury, Blue Spring Ride, Moribito, Eizouken, In-House Marriage Honey, Our Secret Diary, etc.) suggests that producers trusted his ability to embody characters already familiar and beloved by large audiences. This recurring selection implies he was successful in meeting the expectations associated with such roles and possessed an appeal that resonated with fans of the original works.

Personal Life

Early Life and Serendipitous Discovery

Mizuki Itagaki was born in Tokyo, Japan, on October 25, 2000.3 Standing at a height of 1.79 meters (approximately 5 feet 10½ inches) and noted to have blood type A, his path into the entertainment world began unexpectedly. According to multiple accounts, at the age of 10, while returning home from shopping with his mother, Itagaki was scouted by a representative from Stardust Promotion, a leading Japanese talent agency, near the iconic Hachiko statue in Shibuya. It’s reported that he had previously declined approaches from scouts, but his mother’s encouragement persuaded him to join the agency this time. This chance encounter set the stage for his future career.

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Being identified by a major agency like Stardust Promotion at such a young age suggests he possessed a noticeable presence or potential that caught the eye of industry professionals. Shortly after, at age 11, he joined EBiDAN (Ebisu Gakuen Danshi-bu), Stardust Promotion’s division dedicated to nurturing male talent. This affiliation provided a structured environment for developing his skills within the Japanese entertainment system. His very first professional engagement was an appearance in a music video for the band Fujifabric, marking his initial step into the industry.

Public Image and Recognition

Mizuki Itagaki cultivated a multifaceted public image. He was recognized not only as an actor and singer but also as a fashion model, appearing at high-profile events like the Tokyo Girls Collection. Fan commentary often highlighted his handsome appearance and charming smile, noting he possessed “massive charm” even in still photographs.

While sometimes perceived as having a “cool” demeanor, particularly alongside certain M!LK bandmates, other accounts and group content suggested a more playful and humorous side, referring to him as a “gap prince” known for unexpected jokes and actions. He was considered a promising “breakout” young actor by industry watchers. He also engaged in commercial work, appearing in advertisements for brands like Shiseido’s “uno”.

Beyond his public appearances, Itagaki expressed personal aspirations, such as wanting to host his own radio show. He also spoke about actors he admired, citing Masaki Suda and Kengo Kora as inspirations. He specifically mentioned that meeting Suda during the filming of his debut movie, Ushijima the Loan Shark Part 2, was a significant motivating factor in his decision to seriously pursue acting, highlighting Suda’s talent and kindness. This admiration for established actors suggests a dedication to his craft and a desire for artistic development that went beyond achieving mere popularity. His image blended the appeal of a model and idol with the credibility of a serious, award-recognized actor.

Relationship Status

Mizuki Itagaki had not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships. Throughout his career, he maintained a private personal life, and there were no confirmed reports of him dating anyone. Itagaki appeared to focus on his professional endeavors in acting and music, keeping his personal relationships out of the public eye.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Mizuki Itagaki’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, considering his multifaceted career as an actor, singer, and model, it’s reasonable to infer that he accumulated substantial earnings. His involvement in various films, television dramas, and as a founding member of the idol group M!LK likely contributed significantly to his financial success.

Additionally, endorsements and modeling assignments would have further enhanced his income. While specific figures are unavailable, his diverse engagements in the entertainment industry suggest a commendable net worth.

Departure, Struggles, and Legacy

On March 9, 2024, Stardust Promotion announced the closure of his official fan club and associated social media accounts. As of that date, he was no longer affiliated with the agency where he had spent his entire career since being scouted at age 10. His profile was subsequently removed from the agency’s website. Later accounts suggest this departure was linked to a decline in his mental well-being.

Tragically, Itagaki went missing in late January 2025. His family, friends, and law enforcement conducted a search. Several weeks later, in April 2025, the Tokyo police informed his family that his body had been discovered within the Tokyo metropolitan area. On April 17, 2025, his family shared the devastating news of his passing via his Instagram account, attributing his death to an “unexpected incident” or “unfortunate incident”.

The family’s message expressed deep sorrow and gratitude towards his fans and collaborators for their support throughout his life. They apologized for the delay in sharing the news and acknowledged the heartbreak of his life ending just as he was reportedly taking steps towards returning to work—an outcome they felt he likely never expected. They emphasized his dedication to bringing joy through his acting despite his struggles and expressed hope that he and his work would be remembered warmly. The family’s decision to mention his mental health struggles provided context to his final months, shared with sensitivity while underscoring his commitment to his profession.