Japanese movie stars born in 1906
Here are 6 famous actors from Japan were born in 1906:
Jun Hamamura
Jun Hamamura (February 7, 1906 Umi-June 21, 1995 Setagaya) also known as Hamamura Jun, 浜村 純 or 武内 武 was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the mid-1920s and became known for his versatile acting skills and charming personality. He starred in numerous films throughout his career, including "The Masseurs and a Woman" (1938), "Army" (1944), and "The Family Game" (1983).
In addition to his film work, Hamamura was also involved in theater productions and television dramas. He received critical acclaim for his performances in stage productions of "The Cherry Orchard" and "Uncle Vanya."
Outside of acting, Hamamura was also a prolific writer and poet. He published several collections of poetry and essays throughout his life. He was considered a leading figure in the Japanese literary world and was awarded the Order of Culture by the Japanese government in 1980.
Hamamura passed away in 1995 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most beloved actors and writers.
One of Hamamura's most notable accomplishments was his role in establishing the Eirakukan theater in Tokyo. The theater was founded in 1953 with the goal of promoting the performing arts in Japan and providing a space for young actors and playwrights to showcase their talents. Hamamura served as the director of the theater for many years and was instrumental in its success. His contributions to the Japanese entertainment industry were recognized with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor in 1952, and the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1976. Despite facing criticism and censorship from the government during World War II, Hamamura continued to pursue his passion for acting, literature, and theater, becoming a symbol of resilience and creativity in Japan's post-war cultural landscape.
In addition to his work in literature and theater, Jun Hamamura was also an accomplished singer. He recorded several albums of traditional Japanese folk songs and became known for his soulful interpretations of the music. He often incorporated his singing into his stage performances, adding another layer of depth and emotion to his acting. Hamamura was a well-respected figure in the Japanese entertainment industry not only for his talent, but also for his kind and gentle nature. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help younger actors and writers, and many looked up to him as a mentor and friend. Even after his passing, Hamamura's legacy continues to inspire and influence performers and artists in Japan and around the world.
Takuzô Kumagai
Takuzô Kumagai (November 3, 1906 Nagano-) also known as Jirô Kumagai is a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in 1924 and, over the course of his long career, appeared in over 200 films. Kumagai was known for his versatility and ability to play both dramatic and comical roles. Some of his notable films include "The Ugly Duckling" (1933), "Koshiji Fubuki" (1954), and "The Mighty One" (1971). In addition to his work in film, Kumagai was also a popular stage actor and performed in numerous theatrical productions. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1982 for his contributions to Japanese cinema. Kumagai passed away in 1988 at the age of 81.
Kumagai was born in Nagano Prefecture on November 3, 1906, as the eldest son of a wealthy farmer. He graduated from the prestigious Waseda University in 1929 with a degree in psychology, but he decided to pursue a career in acting instead. Kumagai's breakthrough role came in the film "Tokyo March" (1929), which was directed by Yasujirô Ozu. He went on to work with many other prominent Japanese filmmakers, including Mikio Naruse, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Akira Kurosawa.
Kumagai was also a talented voice actor and dubbing director. He lent his voice to many Western films and TV shows that were dubbed in Japanese, including the Japanese version of the TV show "Bonanza" (1959-1973). He was also the dubbing director for the Japanese version of the Disney film "Cinderella" (1950).
Kumagai was married twice and had two sons. His eldest son, Koji Kumagai, is also an actor. In addition to his acting career, Kumagai was also a prolific writer and penned several books on acting and drama. He was an influential figure in the Japanese entertainment industry and is remembered as a versatile and talented actor.
Kumagai was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to take on challenging roles. In 1933, he starred in the film "The Ugly Duckling," a dark and controversial drama about a man who is ostracized from society due to his appearance. Kumagai's nuanced portrayal of the lead character received critical acclaim and helped establish him as a serious actor.
During World War II, Kumagai continued to work in the film industry, often appearing in propaganda films. After the war, he resumed his career and starred in a number of films that explored the aftermath of the war and the challenges facing Japanese society during reconstruction.
Kumagai was known for his close relationship with director Akira Kurosawa, and the two often collaborated on film projects. Kumagai appeared in several of Kurosawa's films, including "The Idiot" (1951) and "Dodes'ka-den" (1970).
In addition to his work in film and theater, Kumagai was also a noted art collector and philanthropist. He donated many pieces from his collection of traditional Japanese art to museums and galleries across Japan.
Kumagai's contributions to Japanese cinema were honored with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In addition to the Order of the Rising Sun, he was also awarded the Order of Culture in 1978. Today, he is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actors in Japanese cinema history.
Osamu Takizawa
Osamu Takizawa (November 13, 1906 Ushigome, Tokyo-June 22, 2000 Mitaka) also known as Shu Takizawa, Takizawa Osamu or 滝沢 修 was a Japanese actor.
He made his debut in acting in the 1920s and soon became a popular leading man in Japanese films. Takizawa is best known for his roles in films such as "The Masseurs and a Woman" (1938), "The 47 Ronin" (1941) and "Seisaku's Wife" (1965).
Aside from acting, Takizawa was also a scriptwriter and director. He wrote the script for the film "Fight, Zatoichi, Fight" (1964) and directed his own film, "The Bond of Love" (1969).
Takizawa was known in the industry for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. He continued to act in films and television dramas well into his later years, and was awarded the Order of Culture by the Japanese government in 1984 for his contributions to the arts.
Takizawa's career began at the Nikkatsu studio in the late 1920s, where he received his first leading role in the film "The Peony Lantern" (1928). His breakthrough performance came in the film "Taki no Shiraito" (1933), directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. He went on to work with other notable directors such as Mikio Naruse and Kozaburo Yoshimura.
During World War II, Takizawa served in the Imperial Japanese Army and was taken prisoner by Soviet forces at the end of the war. After his release, he returned to the film industry and continued to act in both film and television roles.
In addition to his contributions to the entertainment industry, Takizawa was also a scholar of traditional Japanese music and wrote several books on the subject. He was appointed president of the Japan Traditional Culture Preservation Society in 1970.
Takizawa passed away in 2000 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most respected actors and cultural figures.
During his career, Takizawa appeared in over 150 films and television dramas. He was particularly known for his roles in jidaigeki (period dramas), which showcased his talent for sword fighting and his commanding presence on screen. He also had a successful stage career, appearing in productions of Kabuki and other traditional Japanese theater forms.
Takizawa was a mentor to many younger actors and was known for his generosity and kindness to those he worked with. His influence on the Japanese film industry is still felt today.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Takizawa was an avid golfer and spent much of his free time on the golf course. He also served as a goodwill ambassador for the Japan Golf Association.
Takizawa's legacy lives on through the many films and television shows he appeared in, as well as his contributions to the preservation of traditional Japanese culture. He will always be remembered as a true titan of Japanese cinema.
Hikaru Kitchôji
Hikaru Kitchôji (April 7, 1906 Tokyo-) also known as Saburô Azuma or Mitsuhiko Okazaki is a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and quickly rose to fame for his roles in films such as "The Daughter of the Samurai" and "Humanity and Paper Balloons". Throughout his career, he appeared in over 300 films and became known for his versatility in portraying a wide range of characters.
Kitchôji also had a successful career as a stage actor, particularly in kabuki theater where he was known for his portrayal of both male and female roles. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors, in 1995 for his contributions to arts and culture.
In addition to his acting work, Kitchôji was also a talented calligrapher and regularly exhibited his works. He passed away on August 6, 1997 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most beloved and respected actors.
Throughout his career, Hikaru Kitchôji was known for his deep commitment to his craft and his dedication to preserving traditional forms of Japanese theater. He was an ardent supporter of kabuki theater and worked tirelessly to promote and preserve this art form, which has been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for centuries.
In addition to his stage and film work, Kitchôji was also a prolific writer, penning several books and essays on subjects ranging from calligraphy to the history of traditional Japanese theater. He was widely respected for his insights into the arts and culture of his country, and his contributions helped to shape the way that these forms are understood and appreciated today.
Despite his fame and success, Kitchôji remained humble and grounded throughout his life, never losing sight of the importance of his work or the legacy that he hoped to leave behind. He was a beloved figure in Japan and continues to be remembered and celebrated for his many achievements, both in the world of entertainment and beyond.
Kitchôji grew up in a family with a strong theatrical tradition, as his father was a kabuki actor, and his mother a geisha. However, initially, he was not interested in acting and pursued other careers such as teaching and journalism. It was only after his father's death that Kitchôji decided to follow in his footsteps and become an actor.
In the 1940s, Kitchôji's career was briefly disrupted when he was drafted into the Japanese army and sent to fight in China during World War II. After the war, he returned to the stage and screen and continued to work extensively for the rest of his career.
One of Kitchôji's most notable performances was in the film "The Ballad of Narayama" (1958), directed by Keisuke Kinoshita. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival, bringing international recognition to Kitchôji's work.
Throughout his life, Kitchôji was a committed pacifist, and his experiences during the war had a profound impact on his worldview. He often spoke out against war and advocated for peace and understanding between nations.
Kitchôji's legacy continues to be felt in Japanese theater and cinema to this day. He is remembered as a master of his craft and a true icon of Japanese culture, whose contributions to the arts will be celebrated for generations to come.
Masao Mishima
Masao Mishima (January 2, 1906 Niigata-July 18, 1973 Tokyo) a.k.a. Masao Nagaoka was a Japanese actor. His child is called Chie Mishima.
Masao Mishima was born in Niigata, Japan in 1906. He began his acting career in the 1930s, performing in both stage productions and films. Mishima quickly became known for his talent as an actor, and he went on to appear in more than 200 films over the course of his career.
In addition to his work as an actor, Mishima was also a writer, penning several novels over the years. He was also known for his work as a voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to many animated films and TV shows.
Despite his success, Mishima was not without controversy. He was known for his activism and his involvement in left-wing politics, and he was arrested several times over the years for his beliefs. Despite this, he continued to act and write throughout his life, and he remained a beloved and respected figure in the Japanese entertainment industry until his death in 1973.
Mishima was also a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. He was in the city on August 6, 1945, and was able to escape with his daughter. However, the experience stayed with him for the rest of his life and influenced his activism for peace. Mishima won several awards for his acting, including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1953 film "The Burmese Harp." He also received the Order of the Rising Sun, a prestigious Japanese decoration, in 1972. Today, Mishima is remembered as one of Japan's most important actors and cultural figures, and his contributions to Japanese cinema and literature continue to be celebrated.
In addition to his work as an actor and writer, Masao Mishima was also a founding member of the Japanese Actors' Union and was active in promoting actors' rights. He also served as the chairman of the Japan Proletarian Artists Federation and was involved in organizing cultural events and activities for the working class. Despite his leftist activism, Mishima was also known for his warm and approachable personality, and he was respected and loved by his colleagues in the entertainment industry.
In his later years, Mishima suffered from health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. He continued to work, however, and his last film, "Adventures of Kosuke Kindaichi," was released after his death in 1973. In recognition of his contributions to Japanese culture, a museum dedicated to Mishima's life and work was established in Tokyo in 1996. Today, he is remembered as a talented actor and writer, a dedicated activist, and a survivor of one of the most devastating events in human history.
Jiro Kumagai
Jiro Kumagai (November 3, 1906 Nagano Prefecture-) is a Japanese actor.
He made his acting debut in 1927 with the film "Tange Sazen Yowa: Hyakuman Ryo no Tsubo." Kumagai went on to work in over 300 films and TV dramas throughout his career, including memorable roles in classics such as "Tokyo Story" (1953) and "Ugetsu" (1953). He was known for his versatility, portraying both heroic and villainous characters with equal aplomb. Kumagai received numerous accolades for his work, including Best Supporting Actor at the Blue Ribbon Awards for "The Lower Depths" (1957), and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Japan Academy Awards in 1986.
Despite being active in the film industry for more than five decades, Kumagai took an extended hiatus from acting during World War II to serve in the Imperial Japanese Army. After the war, he resumed his acting career and became a prolific and respected performer in postwar Japanese cinema. He also dabbled in directing later in his career, helming a few films including "Nihon Retto" in 1966. Kumagai passed away on November 18, 1988, at the age of 82. He left behind a lasting legacy as one of Japan's most talented and versatile actors.
Kumagai began as a stage actor before transitioning to film, and he was known for his skillful use of body language and facial expressions in his performances. He frequently collaborated with legendary Japanese filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi, appearing in 16 of his films. Kumagai's versatility extended beyond acting; he was also a skilled calligrapher and served as the chairman of the Japan Calligraphy Education Foundation. In addition to his numerous awards, in 1983 Kumagai was designated a "Person of Cultural Merit" by the Japanese government. His influence is still felt in Japanese cinema today, and he is regarded as one of the country's most important actors.