Japanese movie stars born in 1922

Here are 8 famous actors from Japan were born in 1922:

Tetsurō Tamba

Tetsurō Tamba (July 17, 1922 Tokyo-September 24, 2006 Tokyo) a.k.a. Tetsuro Tanba, Tetsurô Tamba, Tetzuro Tamba, Tanba Tetsuro, Seizaburo Tanba, Tanba Seizaburo, Shozaburo Tanba, Tetsurô Tanba or Tetsuro Tamba was a Japanese actor. His children are called Yoshitaka Tamba and Masaki Mori.

Tetsurō Tamba was a prolific actor whose career spanned over five decades. He made his acting debut in 1946 and went on to appear in over 250 films and television shows, both in Japan and internationally. Some of his notable film roles include the character Tiger Tanaka in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice" (1967), and the role of Captain Okumura in the war film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970).

Tetsurō Tamba was also a versatile actor, known for his ability to play both serious and comedic roles. He was a popular figure in Japanese television, appearing in many dramas and variety shows. In addition to his acting career, Tamba worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to numerous Japanese dubs of foreign films and TV shows.

Tetsurō Tamba was recognized for his contributions to Japanese cinema, receiving numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1980 and the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2006.

In addition to his work in film and television, Tetsurō Tamba was also a stage actor, performing in various theatre productions throughout his career. He was known for his powerful and commanding stage presence. Tamba was also a talented singer, and he released several albums of popular music in Japan. He was passionate about art and culture, and was an avid collector of Japanese traditional crafts and antiques. Tamba was a philanthropist who supported various charitable organizations throughout his life. He passed away in September 2006 in Tokyo, Japan, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most beloved and respected actors.

Isao Tamagawa

Isao Tamagawa (January 11, 1922 Shinjuku-January 1, 2004) also known as 玉川 伊佐男 was a Japanese actor.

He began his acting career in the 1940s with the renowned theatre group Bungakuza before transitioning into film in the 1950s. In his career spanning over five decades, Tamagawa appeared in over 270 films including "Rustic Ceremony" (1956), "The Human Condition" (1959), and "Tokyo Twilight" (1957), directed by Yasujiro Ozu. He was particularly known for his roles in period dramas and war films. Tamagawa also ventured into television, appearing in several popular historical dramas including the NHK Taiga drama "Hana no Ran" in 1994. In addition to his acting career, Tamagawa was also a respected theater director and translator, specializing in bringing Western plays to Japanese audiences.

Tamagawa was born in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and showed an early interest in drama and theater. He studied at the renowned Bungakuza Acting School, where he honed his craft and developed a love for the stage. Tamagawa's early theater work earned him critical acclaim and led to his transition into film in the 1950s.

Tamagawa was known for his striking presence on screen, often portraying characters with a quiet intensity and steely resolve. He worked with many of Japan's most esteemed filmmakers, including Yasujirō Ozu, Masaki Kobayashi, and Akira Kurosawa, and became known for his precise, nuanced performances.

Throughout his career, Tamagawa remained passionate about the theater and worked as a director and translator. He translated several plays by Tennessee Williams, including "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," for Japanese audiences. Tamagawa's translation work helped to introduce Western theater to Japanese audiences and further cement his legacy as a leading figure in Japanese culture.

Tamagawa passed away on January 1, 2004, at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich legacy both on screen and on stage. He is remembered as one of Japan's most celebrated actors and innovative theater figures.

Yasuhisa Tsutsumi

Yasuhisa Tsutsumi (March 30, 1922 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.

He was born in Tokyo and graduated from Keio University. Tsutsumi rose to prominence in the entertainment industry during the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in numerous films and television shows. He is known for his work in the samurai film genre, having appeared in classics such as "Seven Samurai" (1954) and "Yojimbo" (1961). In addition to his work in film and television, Tsutsumi was also a successful stage actor and director. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon for his contribution to the arts in 1994 and the Order of the Rising Sun in 2000. Tsutsumi passed away in 2013 at the age of 91.

Throughout his career, Tsutsumi appeared in over 100 films and countless television dramas. Some of his other notable films include "The Human Condition" (1959-1961), "Kagemusha" (1980), and "Ran" (1985), all directed by Akira Kurosawa. Tsutsumi was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to various anime series and films including "Lupin III" and "Grave of the Fireflies."

Aside from his on-screen work, Tsutsumi was also a respected theater director and founded his own theater company, Engeki Shudan Tenryu-gumi, in 1962. He directed over 40 plays, including adaptations of western classics such as "Hamlet" and "Crime and Punishment."

Tsutsumi was married to fellow actress Michiyo Aratama, whom he frequently co-starred with in films and television dramas. The couple had two children together, both of whom also pursued careers in the entertainment industry.

Masanobu Okubo

Masanobu Okubo (February 6, 1922 Yamagata-) is a Japanese actor and voice actor.

He began his acting career in 1947 and has since appeared in over 150 films and television dramas. Okubo is known for his roles in several classic Japanese films, including "Seven Samurai" (1954) and "Yojimbo" (1961). He is also a highly regarded voice actor, having provided the voices for many anime characters, including Inspector Zenigata in "Lupin III" and Dr. Hell in "Mazinger Z". Despite his advancing age, Okubo continues to work in the industry and remains a beloved figure in Japanese cinema and television.

In addition to his acting career, Masanobu Okubo is also well-known for his work as a narrator. He has lent his voice to numerous documentaries and television programs, and has been recognized for his contributions to the field with several awards. Okubo is also a keen musician, and has released several albums of traditional Japanese music. Throughout his long career, he has been praised for his versatility as an actor and his dedication to his craft. In recognition of his contributions to Japanese cinema and culture, Okubo was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun in 2014.

Yûji Hori

Yûji Hori (September 26, 1922 Tokyo-June 19, 1979) also known as yûji Hori was a Japanese actor. He had three children, Hideyuki Hori, Yukitoshi Hori and Mitsuaki Hori.

Throughout his career, Yûji Hori appeared in over 170 films and was widely recognized for his exceptional acting skill. He began his acting career in theater during the 1940s and made his film debut in the 1950s. Some of his most notable film roles include "Miyamoto Musashi" (1954), "Gate of Hell" (1953), and "An Actor's Revenge" (1963).

Apart from his film career, Yûji Hori also worked in television and starred in several popular dramas. He was also known for his voice acting work and lent his voice to many animated films and series.

Despite his success, Yûji Hori's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 56 due to stomach cancer. He is remembered as an influential figure in Japanese cinema and is celebrated for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

In addition to his acting work, Yûji Hori was also a skilled calligrapher and sumi-e artist (Japanese ink painting). He often incorporated his artwork into his performances and was known for his expressive, dynamic style. Hori also had a talent for martial arts and frequently performed his own stunts in films.

Hori's legacy extends beyond his impressive body of work. His sons, Hideyuki and Yukitoshi, followed his footsteps and became successful actors in their own right. Hideyuki is known for his work in the popular anime series "Saint Seiya" and "Mobile Suit Gundam", while Yukitoshi has appeared in films like "The Cat Returns" and "Spirited Away".

Yûji Hori's impact on Japanese cinema has been recognized through several posthumous awards. In 1982, he was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, and in 1990, he was inducted into the Japanese Academy Awards Hall of Fame. His contributions to the entertainment industry will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Senkichi Omura

Senkichi Omura (April 27, 1922 Koto, Tokyo-November 24, 1991 Urawa) was a Japanese actor. His child is called .

Senkichi Omura started his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in over 100 films during his career. He was often cast as a villain due to his sharp features and imposing presence. Some of his notable films include "Seven Samurai" (1954), "Throne of Blood" (1957), and "Yojimbo" (1961), all directed by Akira Kurosawa. Apart from films, Omura also acted in TV dramas and stage plays.

Omura was married and had a daughter named Michiko Omura, who followed in his footsteps and became an actress. In his later years, Omura suffered from health problems and eventually passed away at the age of 69. Despite his intimidating on-screen persona, Omura was known to be a kind and humble person off-screen, and was respected by his colleagues in the industry.

Omura was also a skilled martial artist and his expertise in swordsmanship often made him a popular choice for samurai roles in films. In addition to his talents in acting, Omura was also a trained architect and practiced it as a profession. He graduated from the prestigious Waseda University in Tokyo and worked as an architect for several years before pursuing a career in acting. Omura was known for his dedication to his craft, often taking on physically demanding roles and performing his own stunts. He was awarded the Best Supporting Actor award at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony in 1987 for his performance in the film "Kasane". Today, Senkichi Omura is remembered as a talented and versatile actor who made significant contributions to Japanese cinema.

Kaoru Itô

Kaoru Itô (July 29, 1922 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.

Kaoru Itô began his career in the entertainment industry in 1936 as a child actor, and he appeared in over 450 films throughout his career. He rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, starring in films such as "The Human Condition" and "War and Peace." In addition to his work in film, he also performed in theater productions, and on television. Itô was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2006 for his contributions to Japanese cinema. He retired from acting in 2010, but he is still regarded as one of the greatest actors in Japanese cinema history.

Itô's career as a child actor began when he was scouted by a film director at the age of 13. He quickly made a name for himself as a young talent, and his career continued to flourish as he matured. Itô worked with many prominent directors throughout his career, including Akira Kurosawa and Yasujirô Ozu.

Aside from acting, Itô was also a teacher, and he taught at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music from 1981 to 1992. He was known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters on screen. Itô passed away on September 4, 2019, at the age of 97.

Masakazu Kuwayama

Masakazu Kuwayama (August 16, 1922 Tokyo-September 4, 1983) was a Japanese actor.

He had a prolific career spanning over three decades, appearing in over 100 films and television shows. Kuwayama began his acting career in the late 1940s and made a name for himself in samurai films during the 1950s and 1960s, often playing villains or supporting characters. He was also known for his work in yakuza films, a genre of Japanese crime films. In addition to his dramatic roles, Kuwayama appeared in a number of comedies and musicals. He was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award at the Japan Academy Prize in 1979 for his performance in the film "The Demon." Kuwayama passed away in 1983 at the age of 61.

Kuwayama's acting career began in the theatrical world, where he performed in a number of plays before transitioning to film. He frequently collaborated with director Akira Kurosawa, appearing in several of his films including "The Hidden Fortress" and "Yojimbo". Kuwayama also worked with other notable directors such as Yasujirō Ozu and Kon Ichikawa. In addition to acting, Kuwayama also worked as a voice actor, lending his talents to numerous anime films and television shows. He was posthumously awarded the Best Supporting Actor award at the 1983 Mainichi Film Awards for his role in the film "House on Fire". Kuwayama's legacy as one of Japan's most prolific actors lives on through his extensive body of work in both film and television.

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