After graduating from Kobe University and resigning from an advertising agency, he played an active part in a Japanese theatrical group called "Planet Pistachio," as a stage actor, from 1990 to 1998.

[citation needed] He later extended the range of activities to TV dramas and movies, and has played important roles in many works in Japan.

[citation needed] When Sasaki was a freshman and received a phone call from his college company to decide on a stage name, his father suggested the name Kuranosuke, with a double meaning; for Kura, a sake cellar/brewery for their sake brewery, and for Ōuchi Kuranosuke, a famous historical drama role.

[1] Sasaki's initial plan was to join the family business of sake brewing as the eldest son when he graduated from college.

[1] His family was not supportive when he aspired to be an actor, until he played a part in Audrey (NHK, 2000).