Shinya Kote (小手 伸也, Kote Shin’ya), born on December 25, 1973, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a Japanese actor, voice actor, writer, and director. He is affiliated with Office PSC and is known for his distinctive style and wide-ranging talents across stage and screen. A graduate of Takehaya Senior High School and Waseda University’s School of Education, Kote began his performing arts journey through the prestigious Waseda University Theater Club.
While at university, Kote went on to found and lead the theater company Gekidan innerchild, where he developed a strong reputation for works inspired by mythology and psychology. He is particularly noted for his deep knowledge of Japanese mythology, especially the Kojiki, which often influences his creative direction. This scholarly foundation sets him apart in the entertainment industry, lending his performances both intellectual depth and symbolic nuance.
Kote is celebrated for the compelling contrast between his theatrical gravitas and his often comedic or eccentric roles on screen. Whether portraying larger-than-life characters in television dramas or lending his voice to animated works, he brings a memorable presence marked by emotional range and wit. His unique blend of academic background, dramatic flair, and versatility has made him a respected and recognizable figure in Japanese performing arts.
