Kenichi Matsuyama
In 2006, Hongō was cast as the popular anime character Ryoma Echizen in the live-action adaptation film of "The Prince of Tennis". He joined the majority of the Seigaku Regulars of the "Prince of Tennis" musicals as he was replacing Kotaro Yanagi, who could not play the role due to a car accident he was involved in. Hongō also portrayed the young bassist Shinichi Okazaki in the movie "Nana 2", which was released in Japan on December 9, 2006. He had replaced Kenichi Matsuyama, who had previously played Shin in the first "Nana" film. He also appeared in three episodes of the 2006 TBS series "Memories of Matsuko".