He's big in Japan then! Benedict Cumberbatch seems overwhelmed as he's greeted by sea of excited fans at airport

He's one of England's fastest rising stars, but it seems that he already has A-list status over in Japan.
Benedict Cumberbatch seemed a little overwhelmed as he touched down in Tokyo's Narita airport on Monday to find a sea of screaming fans waiting for him.
In scenes that were reminiscent of a One Direction visit, the 36-year-old actor chatted to the waiting crowd, some of whom had camped out overnight to get a glimpse of him.
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A-list Welcome! Benedict Cumberbatch proved just how popular he is in Japan as he touched down in Tokyo to be greeted by a sea of fans on Monday

The usually shy star, who is notoriously private, seemed to take the staggering welcome in his stride despite looking a little shocked.
Not wanting to let his dedicated fans down, he stopped to talk to them en mass as he emerged through the arrivals gate.
The humble actor thanked the fans and put his hands together and bowed before having a little fun by controlling their screams with his hands.

Lapping it up! The actor seemed overwhelmed by the response, but decided to have some fun with the crowd

Addressing the crowd: The humble star took time out to talk to the patient crowd en mass, thanking them for coming

He then said: 'I just want to say to all of you - I'm sorry I can't come round and meet you all individually, I know how long some of you have waited here and I'm very, very touched.
'When I get home, my mum and dad don't even come and see me at the airport, so to have all of you here is so amazing.
'Now please all go and see the film that I'm here to promote - Star Trek Into Darkness, thank you,' he added. 

'Thank you all' Benedict Cumberbatch addresses waiting fans in...

Phenomenon: While he is popular in the UK, Benedict has an A-lost status over in Japan

Adoring fans: Some of the crowd had camped out overnight at the airport to catch a glimpse of their idol

Hot property: Thanks to BBC show Sherlock, which is huge in Japan, Benedict has obtained a huge fanbase

While the BBC's Sherlock might be something of a hit in the UK, but it has become a phenomenon over in Japan, turning Benedict into an instant superstar.
The actor spoke out about his enormous fanbase, who call themselves Cumberbitches, earlier in the year after another mind-blowing trip to Japan.
'I was mobbed at the airport in Japan, which was not my usual sort of thing,' he told Now Magazine.
'It's not what I expect when I arrive at the airport. It was amazing. Lots of fans turned out when we were recording in Tokyo,' he added.

Global success: The BBC show, which will return for its third series this year, seems to have created a winning formula

And Benedict might have to get used to this kind of reception, as his profile is set to rise yet again as he stars in the next two Hobbit films.
His portrayal of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in forthcoming film The Fifth Estate has already set tongues wagging thanks to the critical response from the man himself, and is set for release this October.
The new series of Sherlock is also rumoured to be making its return in October, although no official date has been announced.

Promo tour: Benedict was in Japan to promote the new Star Trek film Into Darkness