Tadanobu Asano, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Tokyo
  • Last updated on

Tadanobu Asano among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-informed source, Tadanobu Asano is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actor's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 02/02/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Asano for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 52-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Asano so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the actor have already been named ‘Japanese Of The Year’ by some major Japanese newspapers and even ‘Yokohama Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Yokohama (Tadanobu Asano's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the actor was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Tadanobu Asano Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 1 Feb 2026
“Congrats! Tadanobu has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 1 Feb 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Tadanobu Asano?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 1 Feb 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Tadanobu Asano?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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