
Oh, Keanu, it’s so obvious by now that you’re a big ol’ Japanophile. In fact, Hollywood mega-star Mr. Reeves seems to be spending most of his time in Japan these days. There was the time he tried to be a regular tourist in Akihabara, despite being followed by crowds of adoring fans. And there was that time he flew all the way here just to meet his idol, Kumamon. We think Keanu should just move to Tokyo permanently!
Yep, everyone here loves Keanu, so much so that when he appeared on Japanese TV this week to promote his action movie John Wick (which is finally coming out in Japan this month) they surprised him with a special gift – a surprise appearance by Sonny Chiba, Japanese martial arts movie star and one of Keanu’s biggest influences!
Keanu appeared on the TV show Zip on October 6 here in Japan to promote John Wick, which is due for release in Japan on October 16. In the interview, Keanu describes how he admires the talents of Sonny Chiba, praising the passion in his performances. At that exact moment, Chiba, who is perhaps best-known in the west for roles in Kill Bill and The Street Fighter, appears behind him.
Keanu is clearly delighted to meet the martial arts veteran, and even brings out his Japanese skills with an enthusiastic “Hajimemashite (“It’s a pleasure to meet you”).” In fact, he gets so excited, he even breaks out a few karate moves right there on the sofa.
Check out a short YouTube clip of the interview here!
Keanu clearly enjoyed his surprise – just look at that adorable smile!
We’ve still got our fingers crossed that we’ll bump into Keanu some time soon at our favourite ramen shop! After all, he practically lives here now, so we reckon our chances are pretty good!
Source: NariNari
Images: YouTube/KR Popular HD




Keanu Reeves gets a ninja lesson with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu at John Wick 3 premiere in Japan
Keanu Reeves visits Hideo Kojima and a rural art island in Japan before John Wick premiere
We sit down and make a fool of ourselves with Keanu Reeves in Japan
Keanu Reeves speaks Japanese to Cyberpunk 2077 fans at Tokyo Game Show【Video】
First look at Keanu Reeves’ Japanese dub in Cyberpunk 2077 trailer【Video】
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
Six towering historical warrior floats will grace Fukui’s Mikuni Festival for three days
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Keanu Reeves teams up with Suntory for new series exploring Japanese whisky and monozukuri【Video】