Simeji Ranking: Top 10 Celebrities Gen Z Thinks Look Good in a 'Genius Detective' Role

Simeji, a customizable emoji keyboard app provided by Baidu Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Feng Jiang), announces the 'Simeji Ranking,' which is based on data compiled from an in-app questionnaire survey conducted among Simeji users.

The theme this time, in honor of 'Detective's Day' on May 21st, is 'Top 10 Celebrities Who Look Good in a "Genius Detective" Role' as chosen by Gen Z.

*Survey period: May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026. Valid responses: 691 males and females aged 16-29.

May 21st is 'Detective's Day.'
Reasoning skills, observation skills, calmness, and a presence that suits a signature catchphrase. This time, we surveyed Simeji users about 'celebrities who look good in a "genius detective" role in mystery works.' The ranking featured a diverse range of names, from actors who actually have an image of playing detectives, to television personalities with an intellectual impression, and even 'great detectives' originating from variety shows.

This time, we analyzed responses not only from Gen Z but also from Generation Alpha, as well as those in their 30s, 40s, and older, introducing the differences in the 'ideal image of a detective' across generations.

1st Place: Atsuhiro Tsuda (Diane)

The impression of his popular segment 'Great Detective Tsuda' on the variety show 'Wednesday's Downtown' is extremely strong. Many comments were received, such as 'When you think of a great detective, it's Tsuda-san,' 'He really looked like a detective when I saw him on TV,' and 'Even though he's funny, he seems like he'd surprisingly sharply see through to the truth.'

While having a comical and approachable atmosphere, his unexpected sharpness in getting to the bottom of the truth seems to have established him as the 'Reiwa era detective character' for Gen Z. It shows that a new detective image originating from variety shows, which is slightly different from the traditional cool detective image, has garnered support.

2nd Place: Ryosuke Yamada (Hey! Say! JUMP)

His starring image in the drama 'The Files of Young Kindaichi' remains deeply rooted, drawing comments like 'The impression of "The Files of Young Kindaichi" is strong,' 'His mysterious atmosphere is perfect for a detective role,' and 'He feels like he would quietly uncover the truth.'

In addition to his cool atmosphere and intellectual image, he is supported as a highly convincing 'genius detective' due to his track record of playing the protagonist in mystery works in the past.

3rd Place: Masaki Suda

From his role as a character who solves cases with insight and vast knowledge in the drama 'Don't Call it Mystery' and his uniquely present acting in 'Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom,' voices gathered saying, 'He seems like he would play a quirky genius detective,' 'He seems quick-witted,' and 'An unconventional detective role would suit him.'

Many users associate him with an 'eccentric but genius' detective image due to his vibe of piercing the core while calmly observing the other party, and the mysteriousness of 'not knowing what he's thinking but seeming sharp.'

4th Place: Hiroshi Abe

In addition to the dramas 'TRICK' and 'The Newcomer' series, from the impression of his character who makes calm, composed, and sharp deductions with an overwhelming presence in 'VIVANT,' many comments were received such as 'He seems like he would solve cases calmly,' 'He has a profound feeling and is convincing,' and 'He looks like he would say "You're the culprit!" with a straight face.'

While possessing a wide range of acting skills from serious to comical, his convincing portrayal of an 'astute person' in any work leads many users to associate him with a 'veteran great detective.'

5th Place: Masaharu Fukuyama

The image of the drama 'Galileo' series is strong, eliciting comments like 'Fukuyama-san is synonymous with genius,' 'He seems like he would calmly solve mysteries,' and 'He seems like he would smoothly solve cases for us.'

The image of a 'theoretical detective' who solves cases scientifically and logically has become established, and he gathers support as an intellectual and smart detective.

6th Place: Ryogo Matsumaru

Known as a mystery-solving creator, Matsumaru received many comments such as 'He is genuinely smart,' 'He seems like he could realistically deduce and solve cases,' and 'He is convincing because he is good at solving mysteries.'

Rather than an expected role in a drama or movie, there are high expectations for his real-world intellect, thinking 'he could actually solve cases,' landing him in the ranking as a real-world genius detective.

7th Place: Hayato Sano (M!LK)

Comments were received such as 'He's cool and would suit a detective role,' 'He seems like he would make sharp deductions in a gap from his usual self,' and 'He seems like he could handle any role.'

His approachable atmosphere and the gap of looking like he can deliver when it counts are his charms. Users noted it is easy to imagine him active as a 'gap-type detective' who, despite a usually soft impression, sharply guesses the truth at the core of a case.

8th Place: Ryunosuke Kamiki

In addition to the impression of his brainy character in his first starring drama 'Detective School Q,' from the intellectual and mysterious presence he showed in mystery and suspense works like the 'SPEC' series, users commented 'He has an intellectual and calm atmosphere,' 'He seems like he would quietly see through to the truth,' and 'His quick-wittedness