Japanese movie stars born in 1932
Here are 14 famous actors from Japan were born in 1932:
Kenji Sahara
Kenji Sahara (May 14, 1932 Kawasaki-) also known as Tadashi Ishihara, Kenji Sawara, Katō Masayoshi, Masayoshi Kato, Sahara Kenji or Ken-bo is a Japanese actor.
He is primarily known for his work in Japanese monster movies, specifically kaiju films produced by Toho Studios in the 1950s and 1960s. Sahara began his career in film as a bit player during the mid-1950s, eventually landing larger roles in such films as "Godzilla Raids Again" (1955) and "Mothra" (1961). He continued to act in numerous Toho monster movies throughout the 1960s, with notable roles in "King Kong vs. Godzilla" (1962), "Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster" (1964), and "Son of Godzilla" (1967). In addition to his work in monster movies, Sahara has also appeared in numerous other films and television shows throughout his career. Outside of acting, he has also worked as a television announcer and narrator.
Read more about Kenji Sahara on Wikipedia »
Shintaro Ishihara
Shintaro Ishihara (September 30, 1932 Suma-ku, Kobe-) also known as Ishihara Shintarō, Shintarō Ishihara or 石原 慎太郎 is a Japanese writer, politician, actor and screenwriter. His children are called Yoshizumi Ishihara, Nobuteru Ishihara, Hirotaka Ishihara and Nobuhiro Ishihara.
Throughout his lengthy career, Shintaro Ishihara has held various political positions including Governor of Tokyo, House of Representatives member, and Minister of Transport. He is known for his conservative views and nationalist positions on issues such as territorial issues with neighboring countries and Japan's pacifist Constitution. Besides his political career, Ishihara is a prolific writer with dozens of books published in various genres such as fiction, essays, and autobiographies. His most famous novel, "Season of the Sun," was adapted into a movie in 1956 and launched his career as a screenwriter. Ishihara has also acted in several films and TV dramas. Despite controversies surrounding some of his remarks, he remains a prominent figure in Japanese society.
Read more about Shintaro Ishihara on Wikipedia »
Tatsuya Nakadai
Tatsuya Nakadai (December 13, 1932 Meguro-) a.k.a. Motohisa Nakadai, The Snake, Moya, Nakadai Motohisa, Nakadai Tatsuya or Tatsuya Nakayo is a Japanese actor, entrepreneur and voice actor. He has one child, Nao Nakadai.
Nakadai started his acting career in the 1950s with theater and television roles before moving on to become a prominent figure in the jidaigeki (samurai drama) genre of Japanese cinema in the 1960s. He worked with legendary directors Akira Kurosawa and Masaki Kobayashi on multiple occasions, with memorable roles in films such as "Yojimbo" (1961), "Sanjuro" (1962), and "Harakiri" (1962).
Nakadai's career continued to thrive in the 1970s and 1980s with roles in films such as "Kagemusha" (1980) and "Ran" (1985), both directed by Kurosawa. He also worked with international directors, including Bernardo Bertolucci on "The Last Emperor" (1987) for which he received critical acclaim.
In addition to his acting career, Nakadai has had success as an entrepreneur with his own production company, Gakuryu Film Company, and as a voice actor, lending his voice to animated films such as "Akira" (1988) and "Princess Mononoke" (1997).
Nakadai has been honored with numerous awards for his contribution to the film industry, including the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan's highest honors in 2013.
Read more about Tatsuya Nakadai on Wikipedia »
Yasuo Yamada
Yasuo Yamada (September 10, 1932 Ōta, Tokyo-March 19, 1995 Ōta, Tokyo) a.k.a. Yamada Yasuo was a Japanese voice actor, actor and presenter. He had one child, Hiroyasu Yamada.
Yamada began his career as a radio actor and later transitioned into voicing animated characters. He portrayed many iconic characters such as Lupin III in Lupin III: Part I, II, and III, and Jigen Daisuke in Lupin III. He also voiced James Bond in the Japanese dub of several films. Yamada's voice acting work spanned over three decades, and he was highly regarded in the industry for his talent and professionalism.
Aside from voice acting, Yamada also appeared in live-action films and television dramas. He received critical acclaim for his role in the 1965 film "Red Beard" directed by Akira Kurosawa. He also hosted a popular variety show called "Yasuo Yamada's Music Salon" from 1965 to 1985, showcasing his skills as a presenter.
Yamada passed away in 1995 due to a cerebral hemorrhage. He was posthumously awarded the "Merit Award" by the Japan Academy Prize Association for his lifetime contribution to the animation industry.
Read more about Yasuo Yamada on Wikipedia »
Toshiya Fujita
Toshiya Fujita (January 16, 1932 Pyongyang-August 29, 1997 Shinjuku) also known as Fujita Toshiya, Shigeya Fujita, Shigaya Fujita or Shigeo Fujita was a Japanese screenwriter, film director, actor and pornographic film actor.
Fujita began his career in the film industry as a screenwriter, and eventually moved on to become a director. He is best known for his contributions to the yakuza film genre, directing notable films such as "Massacre Gun" and "Street Mobster". These films were known for their depictions of violence and gritty realism, and helped popularize the genre.
In addition to his work as a director and screenwriter, Fujita also occasionally acted in films, including some of his own productions. He even dabbled in pornography, appearing in a handful of adult films under various pseudonyms.
Despite his controversial filmography, Fujita was highly regarded by many in the film industry for his creativity and boldness as a filmmaker. His influence can still be seen in the work of modern directors who continue to push the boundaries of Japanese cinema.
Read more about Toshiya Fujita on Wikipedia »
Rokurō Naya
Rokurō Naya (October 20, 1932 Tokyo-November 17, 2014) also known as Naya Rokurō or Rokurou Naya was a Japanese voice actor, actor and theatre director. He had one child, Ryosuke Naya.
Rokurō Naya was known for his deep voice, which lent itself well to villainous roles in anime and video games. He voiced a number of well-known characters in Japanese media, including Doctor Eggman from the Sonic the Hedgehog series, Captain Hook from the Kingdom Hearts series, and Kuzuki Souichirou from Fate/stay night. He was also known for his work in dubbing foreign films, including voicing James Bond in several films.
In addition to his voice acting work, Naya was also a prominent stage actor and director. He was a member of the Seinenza Theater Company and appeared in a number of their productions. He also directed several plays, including a production of Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard."
Naya passed away in 2014 from pneumonia, at the age of 82. His contributions to the world of Japanese voice acting and theater continue to be celebrated by his fans and colleagues.
Read more about Rokurō Naya on Wikipedia »
Genzō Wakayama
Genzō Wakayama (September 27, 1932 Japan-) otherwise known as Genzo Wakayama is a Japanese actor and disc jockey.
He is best known for his leading role as Ogami Ittō in the Lone Wolf and Cub film series in the 1970s. Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Wakayama started his career in the entertainment industry as a disc jockey before transitioning to acting. He made his film debut in 1956 and appeared in over 200 films throughout his career. Besides Lone Wolf and Cub, Wakayama also starred in several other samurai movies, such as "Shogun's Samurai" and "Samurai Assassin". In addition to his acting career, he later became a successful businessman, owning and managing several nightclubs in Japan. Despite his success, Wakayama maintained a humble and down-to-earth personality, endearing himself to his fans and colleagues.
Read more about Genzō Wakayama on Wikipedia »
Hiroshi Ōtake
Hiroshi Ōtake (March 14, 1932 Kanagawa Prefecture-) otherwise known as Hiroshi Otake, Hiroshi Ôtake, Hiroshi Ōtake, Ōtake Hiroshi, 大竹 宏 or Hiroshi Ohtake is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He began his acting career in 1951 and has since then appeared in numerous films, television dramas, and stage productions. Some of his notable film credits include "Tora-san's Sunrise and Sunset" (1976), "Maborosi" (1995), and "Departures" (2008), which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
In addition to his live-action work, Ōtake has also provided voice acting for numerous anime series and films. His notable voice acting credits include the character of Professor Ochanomizu in the iconic anime series "Astro Boy" (1963), as well as roles in "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" (1984), "Ghost in the Shell" (1995), and "Ponyo" (2008).
Ōtake has received several awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 51st Japan Record Awards in 2009.
Read more about Hiroshi Ōtake on Wikipedia »
Kunie Tanaka
Kunie Tanaka (November 23, 1932 Toki-) also known as Tanaka Kunie, Hoei Tanaka or Kuni'e Tanaka is a Japanese actor. His child is called Junko Tanaka.
Kunie Tanaka started his acting career in 1950 in the film "Mori no Ishimatsu." He is known for his roles in Japanese television dramas and films like "Tokugawa Ieyasu," "Shogun's Samurai," and "The Human Condition." Tanaka received critical acclaim for his performance in "The Inugami Family," which won several awards, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Picture. He has also worked as a voice actor for over 50 years and has lent his voice to various anime characters in popular shows like "Naruto" and "Doraemon." Despite his long career, Tanaka has no plans to retire and continues to work in the entertainment industry.
Read more about Kunie Tanaka on Wikipedia »
Yorozuya Kinnosuke
Yorozuya Kinnosuke (November 20, 1932 Tokyo-March 10, 1997 Kashiwa) also known as Yorozuya Kinnosuke, Kin'nosuke Nakamura, Kinnosuke Yorozuya Nakamura, よろずや きんのすけ, なかむら きんのすけ, 小川 錦一, 萬屋 錦之介, おがわ きんいち, 中村 錦之助, Nakamura Kin'nosuke, Ogawa Kin'ichi, 初代 中村錦之助, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Nakamura Yorozuya, Kinnosuke Nakamura or Kinnosuke Yorozuya was a Japanese actor. He had two children, Kichinosuke Yorozuya and Akihiro Ogawa.
Yorozuya Kinnosuke was born as Kin'ichi Ogawa in Tokyo, Japan. He began his career as a kabuki actor, taking the stage name Nakamura Kinnosuke, and was considered a rising star in the art. However, he decided to transition to film acting and changed his name to Yorozuya Kinnosuke, as there was already another actor with a similar name.
He quickly became a popular leading man in samurai movies, with his good looks, charisma, and swordsmanship skills. He starred in over 160 films, including the popular "Nemuri Kyoshiro" series. He was also known for his work in television dramas, including the long-running "Mito Komon" series.
Yorozuya Kinnosuke was a passionate golfer and often played with fellow actors and celebrities. He also had an interest in traditional Japanese culture, and was a collector of antique swords and armor. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 64 from lung cancer.
Read more about Yorozuya Kinnosuke on Wikipedia »
Shingo Kanemoto
Shingo Kanemoto (October 12, 1932 Fukuoka Prefecture-February 24, 1991 Japan) also known as Seiki Kanemoto or Kanemoto Shingo was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1950s and appeared in various television dramas, movies, and stage productions. Kanemoto gained recognition for his voice acting work in the anime series "Star of the Giants" where he voiced the main character, Shimizu. He also lent his voice to several other popular anime series such as "Captain Harlock" and "Gatchaman." Kanemoto's exceptional voice acting skills made him one of the most sought-after voice actors in Japan during his time. He has won several awards for his voice acting work and his contributions to the Japanese entertainment industry are still remembered and celebrated to this day.
Read more about Shingo Kanemoto on Wikipedia »
Takkō Ishimori
Takkō Ishimori (January 11, 1932 Hashima Island-June 5, 2013 Japan) also known as Takkou Ishimori, Takko Ishimori, Takkô Ishimori or Tatsuyuki Ishimori was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He began his acting career in the 1950s performing in stage plays, but transitioned to voice acting in the 1960s. He is best known for his roles as Raoh in the anime series Fist of the North Star and as Professor Ochanomizu in the Astro Boy series. In addition to his voice work, Ishimori also appeared in various Japanese films and television dramas. He was known for his deep and powerful voice, often playing strong and authoritative characters. Ishimori passed away at the age of 81 due to pneumonia.
Read more about Takkō Ishimori on Wikipedia »
Kei Tani
Kei Tani (February 22, 1932 Ōta, Tokyo-September 11, 2010 Mitaka) also known as Yasuo Watabe, Tani Kei, 谷 啓, 渡部 泰雄, Watabe Yasuo, わたべ やすお, たに けい or Tanikei was a Japanese comedian, actor and musician.
He first gained popularity in the 1950s as a member of the comedy duo, "The Crazy Cats," alongside his partner Hajime Hana. Besides his successful career in comedy, Kei Tani also starred in a number of films, including "Drifters," "The Insect Woman," and "Tokyo Drifter." He was also known for his skills as a musician and played the saxophone and clarinet in his own jazz band. Later in life, he became a professor at the Nihon University College of Art and opened his own acting school, where he trained a new generation of actors and performers.
Read more about Kei Tani on Wikipedia »
San'yūtei Enraku V
San'yūtei Enraku V (December 29, 1932 Tokyo City-October 29, 2009 Nakano, Tokyo) a.k.a. Hiromi Yoshikawa, Enraku San-yūtei V, Godaime San-yūtei Enraku or Enraku Sanyûtei was a Japanese comedian and actor.
He was the fifth generation of the San'yūtei Enraku rakugo storytelling tradition. Enraku V began his career as a rakugo performer, but also performed in films, television dramas, and variety shows. He was known for his mastery of the art of rakugo, which involves the telling of comic and sometimes bawdy stories in a traditional Japanese style. Enraku V was also an accomplished actor, appearing in a number of films and television dramas during his career. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1993 for his contributions to Japanese culture. Enraku V continued to perform rakugo until his death in 2009 at the age of 76.
Read more about San'yūtei Enraku V on Wikipedia »