Please note: Always refer to this ranking as '#ViViNationalTreasureHandsomeRanking' or 'ViVi National Treasure Handsome Ranking.' It is not acceptable to omit the media name and refer to it simply as 'National Treasure Handsome Ranking.'

Receiving hundreds of thousands of votes from around the world, the biannual celebration of handsomeness known as the #ViViNationalTreasureHandsomeRanking has become a nationwide phenomenon. To mark the 10th anniversary of this ranking, a special commemorative flyer featuring exclusive interviews with the winners of the NOW and NEXT categories will be distributed! Starting today, July 15 (Wed) at 5 PM, the flyer will be available at three locations in Tokyo (Shibuya, Harajuku, Akasaka). Distribution will end once supplies run out, so please check ViVi's official social media for details. Who claimed the top spot in this historic edition? Who has set a record that may never be broken? And which rising newcomer made a splash? Ahead of the July 23 (Thu) release of ViVi's September 2026 issue, which features an in-depth special on the 'ViVi National Treasure Handsome Ranking H1 2026,' we are proud to unveil the full rankings!

NOW Category – 1st Place: Yutaro Yamanaka (M!LK)

This time, the top honor in the NOW category goes to Yutaro Yamanaka of the popular dance-vocal group M!LK, who has been rising rapidly in popularity over the past year. As a group, M!LK has steadily progressed toward becoming a 'national group,' with appearances at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, achieving the MAJ 5-crown, and securing their first prime-time variety special. Individually, Yamanaka has starred in numerous commercials, films, and dramas, contributed to World Cup-related projects using his deep soccer knowledge, and launched his own YouTube channel, 'Gekijōban Jūtarō,' in June, which has become immensely popular. With unstoppable momentum, he surged from 9th place last time to claim the top spot. For the photoshoot, we prepared a denim shirt with a ribbon to balance Yamanaka's elegant, prince-like charm with his natural sensuality. Despite being a challenging fashion item, his innate sense of style made it look effortless. Behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot will be shared on ViVi's official social media—stay tuned! When asked about his feelings on winning first place, Yamanaka said, 'I was hoping to rank higher than last time, but I'm really surprised...' He seemed almost in disbelief throughout the interview. He also revealed, 'I intentionally didn't mention this ranking to my fans because I wanted to compete based on my own abilities. I'm truly happy with the result, and I can only express my deepest gratitude to my fans.' In the magazine, he shares his joy at winning first place, as well as his personal and group goals. This special feature includes an unprecedented 4-page exclusive photoshoot and interview—don't miss this must-keep edition!

NEXT Category – 1st Place: Kazuto Momoyachi (Gen'in wa Jibun ni Aru.)

©Kodansha ViVi September 2026 Issue

Growing in prominence with each edition, the NEXT category has become a launchpad for under-22 rising stars, so much so that industry insiders say, 'Anyone who enters this category is guaranteed to succeed.' This time, the top spot goes to Kazuto Momoyachi, a sought-after actor in hit dramas and a member of 'Gen'in wa Jibun ni Aru.' Since middle school, winning first place in the ViVi National Treasure Handsome Ranking has been one of his goals, and he even coined and promoted the catchy term 'Rebechi Ikemen' (Extraordinary Handsome). Since his first ranking in the NEXT category in the second half of 2022, he has steadily climbed the ranks. This time, his widespread activities and overwhelming number of votes led to an undisputed victory. Despite a busy schedule, he approached the photoshoot with full determination, saying, 'In the name of Rebechi Ikemen, I made sure my condition was perfect for this shoot!' For his outfit, he chose a leather jacket as a tribute to his first appearance in ViVi. The result was a powerful, king-like image that exuded charisma and satisfied everyone. In his award interview, Momoyachi's passion for the ViVi National Treasure Handsome Ranking exploded—he openly shared his journey from his first ranking to now, reflecting on the struggles during periods when his ranking stagnated, and his feelings about finally achieving first place after narrowly missing it with second place in the previous ranking (H2 2025), which he called his most regretful moment. He repeatedly expressed heartfelt gratitude: 'I'm so thankful to my fans—'Kansokusha'—and to everyone who has ever voted for me.' This marks the most passionate graduation from the NEXT category in ViVi National Treasure Handsome Ranking history. He also shared his ambitions for the NOW category, his hopes for future NEXT contenders, and an inspiring message for the next generation. Don't miss his powerful, full-bodied interview in the magazine.

ADULT Category – 1st Place: Hokuto Matsumura (SixTONES)

©Kodansha ViVi September 2026 Issue

The ADULT category is for artists aged 30 and above, a division where past inductees include renowned actors like Keita Machida, Yuki Yamada, and Kentaro Sakaguchi, who have supported Japan's iconic works. This time, Hokuto Matsumura of SixTONES claimed his second first-place title. By winning all three major categories (NOW, NEXT, ADULT), he has achieved the unprecedented 'National Treasure Grand Slam,' a feat never before accomplished in the ranking's 10-year history. When asked about this historic achievement, Matsumura gave a characteristically humble response: 'Maybe people think you just write your favorite person's name. But I really hope people write the name of someone they think is truly handsome. Of course, tastes differ, but I'm simply happy that many people have accepted me.' During the photoshoot, squeezed into a busy schedule, ViVi staff deliberately gave no specific direction. So naturally plain was Matsumura that he even asked midway, 'Should I look cooler?' The final selected image captures his authentic, unpretentious strength as a person. In the interview, when asked if being called a 'National Treasure Handsome' for 10 years has benefited him, he revealed, 'Just one thing—secretly, my heart has become calmer. Knowing that there are people who think well of me, even a little, gives me confidence. In this job, having confidence helps me work healthily. Looking back, it might have been like a stabilizer for me.' Be sure to check out this commemorative, in-depth interview in the 10th-anniversary special feature, a culmination of Matsumura's journey with the ViVi National Treasure Handsome Ranking.

In addition to Yamanaka, Momoyachi, and Matsumura, the September 2026 issue of ViVi will also feature exclusive interviews and photoshoots with other artists ranked in the NOW and NEXT categories. Be sure to pick up the magazine when it releases on July 23!

*Note: Once a participant wins first place in the NEXT category, they are inducted into the hall of fame and are no longer eligible for future NEXT rankings.

ViVi September Issue Regular Edition

The rankings from 2nd place onward for the NOW, NEXT, and ADULT categories of the 'ViVi National Treasure Handsome Ranking H1 2026' are continued in the magazine.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event