Taikō Katōno

is a Japanese actor and model who was affiliated with Evergreen Entertainment. He left the agency in March 2019 after 8 years and is now a freelancer. He is best known for his role as the character, Chase/Mashin Chaser/Kamen Rider Chaser from the Kamen Rider series Kamen Rider Drive.

Early life Katono was born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. While in high school Katono entered the 23rd Junon Super Boy Contest. At the final selection meeting, he was awarded the Grand Prix from among the 5,132 applicants.

Career In March 2011, Katono's debut in the compilation album Tokyo Ragga Lovers2 as a jacket model. In the same year in May, his acting debut in raising army performance came alongside the Junon Super Boy Contest. In 2012, Katono was selected in the magazine The Television Zoom!! Vol. 7 The Year the Expectation of the U-22 Actor as number one.

In 2014, he starred in the Japan tour of New York City's transvestite ballet Grand Diva. He had no ballet experience and received training in New York for the role.

Personal life On July 20, 2024, Katono announced his marriage to actress and former Kamen Joshi member Misa Kubota. On December 18, 2024, he announced his son's birth.

Filmography

TV series Year Title Role Network Other notes 2011 Hanazakari no Kimitachi e Nao Kawachimori Fuji TV 2012 Shiawase no Jikan Ryosuke Asakura Tōkai TV 2013 35-sai no Koukousei Ryota Otake NTV 2014 Kamen Rider Drive Chase (Koichi Kano)/Mashin Chaser/Proto Zero/Kamen Rider Chaser TV Asahi The File Of Young Kindaichi Neo Uosumi NTV Episode 7 2019 Kamen Rider Zi-O Chase/Mashin Chaser TV Asahi Episode 47–48 2020 Akudama Drive Execution Division Junior AT-X Episode 8–12

Films Year Title Role Other notes 2012 Kyō, Koi o Hajimemasu 2013 Little Maestra Masaya Ono 2014 Gaki Rock Gen Shimura Main RoleKamen Rider × Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim: Movie War Full Throttle Chase/Mashin Chaser 2015 Super Hero Taisen GP: Kamen Rider 3 Mashin Chaser (Voice) Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Future Chase/Kamen Rider Chaser Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Ghost & Drive: Super Movie War Genesis Chase/Kamen Rider Chaser