Former “Pretty Boy” Actor’s Dramatic Transformation Becomes A Hot Topic

For some actors, one breakout image can stay frozen in the public’s memory for years. That seems to be the case for Japanese actor Yudai Chiba, whose youthful “flower boy” image has now become the center of renewed attention after recent photos of him spread online.

A tweet pointing out how much Chiba’s appearance has changed compared to his younger days has gone viral and sparked some discussion online.

Yudai Chiba, born in 1989, is a Japanese actor who became known for his cute and boyish visuals, especially during his earlier career. He also drew attention for appearing in Tensou Sentai Goseiger, where many fans remember him for his youthful charm.

According to the tweet, Chiba gradually began gaining weight after turning 30, and his current appearance is noticeably different from his “prime.” The tweet claimed that his changed physique has even become a topic of conversation in Japan.

The tweet also speculated that aging and his reported love of drinking may have contributed to the change, adding, “I guess there really is nothing you can do about age-related weight gain.”

살이 너무 쪄서 일본에서도 말 나온 다는 남자 연예인

치바 유다이(1989년생,배우)

나이가 들면서 전성기에 비해 살이 굉장히 많이 찌기 시작했는데 30살이 지나면서 조금씩 체중이 불기 시작하더니 현재는 깜짝 놀랄정도로 체형이 바뀌어서 일본 내에서도 말이 나온다고..
술 좋아한다는데… pic.twitter.com/OYPga3JBC0

— 혜민 (@heemiiiin000) June 8, 2026

The topic quickly drew hundreds of comments, with many Korean netizens expressing surprise at how different he looks now—bringing up names of other celebrities, like Lee Jang Woo and Super Junior‘s Shindong, who have also been called out for their weight.

Others, however, were more nostalgic than critical, remembering Chiba’s earlier days fondly. Several netizens also pointed out that his appearance should not matter as much as his acting. The post also sparked pushback from netizens who felt the discussion crossed the line into body-shaming.

• Yudai Chiba had a look that wasn’t typical Japanese, with a really small face and delicate cuteness, so when he was at the peak of his career, he had all the spotlight on him. But I never imagined he’d gain this much weight.
• He even looks like Lee Jang Woo LOLLLLL.
• Yudai Chiba doesn’t seem to be sick or anything. He’s always said he likes drinking, so I think he just gained weight. As long as he’s satisfied, that’s fine. I don’t necessarily think this was for acting… It’s not like weight gain or loss contributes to how good of an actor he is.
• Is he maybe sick? His eyes look kind of unwell.
• Still, he managed himself well and was handsome when he was at the age to be handsome, so that’s good enough. Now he’s doing roles that suit his age, regardless of looks, and he’s not playing lead roles anymore anyway.
• We have Lee Jang Woo in Korea too.
• I think his brows changed too, but he doesn’t feel like the same person.
• He must be the type to gain weight really easily/quickly.
• Oh my.
• He looks just like that dude from I Live Alone.

While Chiba’s transformation surprised many who still remembered him from his early career, the actor does not appear to have slowed down professionally. In recent years, he has continued appearing in J-Dramas, with credits in 2025 and upcoming projects listed for 2026.

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