Takaya Honda
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Takaya Honda is an accomplished Australian actor, television presenter, and filmmaker, best known for his roles as Dr. David Tanaka on Neighbours, Josh in A gURLs wURLd, and Klaus Thomson in The Family Law. Born in Canberra and raised in Sydney, Takaya discovered his love for performance early, attending Barker College and later pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Media Arts and Production) at the University of Technology Sydney. Though initially interested in pursuing baseball at a college level in the United States, Takaya shifted his focus to the arts after discovering his passion for drama.
Takaya's acting journey began on stage, performing in numerous Shakespeare productions with the Sport For Jove Theatre Company, where he played notable roles such as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Paris in Romeo and Juliet, and Dennis in As You Like It. His work on stage led to representation in the acting industry and paved the way for his television career. Takaya made his on-screen debut in A gURLs wURLd, followed by appearances in The Code, Skin Deep, and as a presenter on ABC3's My Great Big Adventure. He later joined the beloved children's program Play School, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Takaya's role as Dr. David Tanaka on Neighbours became a defining part of his career. His portrayal of a complex and relatable character earned him widespread acclaim over his eight-year tenure, during which he participated in the show's groundbreaking same-sex marriage storyline-marking a historic moment for Australian television. His character's eventual on-screen death was one of the most impactful moments in the series' history, cementing Takaya as a respected figure in the industry. Following the show's initial cancellation, Takaya returned to Neighbours in 2023 to provide a fitting conclusion to David's storyline.
Off-screen, Takaya is a dedicated advocate, having served as an Ambassador for Dementia Australia since 2017, a cause close to his heart following his mother's diagnosis with Alzheimer's in 2009. His work with Dementia Australia includes hosting their Memory Walk & Jog events, where he combines empathy with his presenting skills to create engaging and meaningful experiences.
In his personal life, Takaya married his partner Amy Schwab in 2020, and the couple announced in 2024 that they are expecting their first child. With a dynamic career that spans acting, presenting, and filmmaking, Takaya Honda continues to captivate audiences with his versatility, passion, and dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the screen.
Takaya's acting journey began on stage, performing in numerous Shakespeare productions with the Sport For Jove Theatre Company, where he played notable roles such as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Paris in Romeo and Juliet, and Dennis in As You Like It. His work on stage led to representation in the acting industry and paved the way for his television career. Takaya made his on-screen debut in A gURLs wURLd, followed by appearances in The Code, Skin Deep, and as a presenter on ABC3's My Great Big Adventure. He later joined the beloved children's program Play School, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Takaya's role as Dr. David Tanaka on Neighbours became a defining part of his career. His portrayal of a complex and relatable character earned him widespread acclaim over his eight-year tenure, during which he participated in the show's groundbreaking same-sex marriage storyline-marking a historic moment for Australian television. His character's eventual on-screen death was one of the most impactful moments in the series' history, cementing Takaya as a respected figure in the industry. Following the show's initial cancellation, Takaya returned to Neighbours in 2023 to provide a fitting conclusion to David's storyline.
Off-screen, Takaya is a dedicated advocate, having served as an Ambassador for Dementia Australia since 2017, a cause close to his heart following his mother's diagnosis with Alzheimer's in 2009. His work with Dementia Australia includes hosting their Memory Walk & Jog events, where he combines empathy with his presenting skills to create engaging and meaningful experiences.
In his personal life, Takaya married his partner Amy Schwab in 2020, and the couple announced in 2024 that they are expecting their first child. With a dynamic career that spans acting, presenting, and filmmaking, Takaya Honda continues to captivate audiences with his versatility, passion, and dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the screen.
