Japanese movie stars born in 1914
Here are 6 famous actors from Japan were born in 1914:
Jūshirō Konoe
Jūshirō Konoe (April 10, 1914 Nagaoka-May 24, 1977 Nantan) a.k.a. Torahiko Meguro, Meguro Torahiko, Konoe Jushiro, Toraichi Megro, Jûshirô Konoe or Toraichi Meguro was a Japanese actor. He had two children, Hiroki Matsukata and Yuki Meguro.
Jūshirō Konoe began his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in over 200 films throughout his career. He gained popularity for his roles in jidaigeki (period dramas), especially those produced by Daiei Film studio. Some of his notable films include "Yagyu Clan Conspiracy" (aka "Yagyu Ichizoku no Inbo"), "Sword of Doom" (aka "Dai-bosatsu Toge"), and "Shinsengumi" (aka "New Shinsengumi"). Konoe was also a voice actor and lent his voice to various animated films and television series. In addition to his acting career, Konoe was also a talented calligrapher and had his own calligraphy school. He passed away in 1977 at the age of 63.
Jūshirō Konoe was born as Torahiko Meguro in Nagaoka, Japan. He began his acting career in the 1940s and quickly became a recognized face in the Japanese film industry. He was especially known for his role in jidaigeki, which is a genre of historical dramas set in the Edo period of Japan. Konoe was admired for his acting skills and his ability to portray complicated characters with depth and sensitivity. His exceptional performances in films like "Yagyu Clan Conspiracy" and "Sword of Doom" were critically acclaimed and widely appreciated by audiences.
Konoe was not just an actor, but also a voice-over artist who lent his voice to several animated films and television series. He was a versatile artist and explored different mediums to showcase his talents. Konoe also had a keen interest in calligraphy and was a respected calligrapher who had his own school. He was deeply connected to Japanese traditions and culture, and it reflected in the way he pursued his art and acted in his films.
Jūshirō Konoe was married and had two children: a son named Hiroki Matsukata, who also became an actor, and a daughter named Yuki Meguro. Konoe passed away in 1977 at the age of 63 in Nantan, Kyoto, leaving behind a rich legacy of exceptional acting and arts.
Despite his success, Jūshirō Konoe was known for his humility and generosity towards his colleagues in the film industry. He was respected for his professionalism and work ethic on set, and served as a role model for younger actors. Konoe's contributions to the film industry in Japan were widely recognized, and he received many awards for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Japan Academy and the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese government. Even today, he is remembered as one of the greatest actors of his generation, and his films continue to be celebrated for their artistry and storytelling.
In addition to his acting career and calligraphy school, Jūshirō Konoe was also involved in politics. He was a member of the House of Councillors, which is the upper house of the National Diet of Japan, from 1971 until his death in 1977. Konoe was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, a center-right political party in Japan. He used his platform in politics to advocate for increased support for the arts and cultural preservation in Japan.
Konoe's legacy continues to inspire many actors and artists in Japan today. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to preserving Japanese traditions and culture have left a lasting impact on the film industry and beyond. His films are still widely watched and celebrated, and his calligraphy works continue to be admired by many. Jūshirō Konoe will always be remembered as one of Japan's greatest actors and cultural icons.
In addition to his contributions to the arts and politics, Jūshirō Konoe was also known for his athleticism. He was trained in kendo (Japanese fencing) and was a skilled practitioner of judo. Konoe even played a character who was a master of the latter martial art in the 1963 film "The Judo Saga." His physical prowess and training in martial arts added to the realism and authenticity of his performances in action films. Konoe's commitment to perfecting his skills in multiple areas, including the arts and sports, set him apart as a well-rounded and accomplished individual. It is no wonder that his performances continue to captivate audiences and inspire actors even today.
Kenjiro Uemura
Kenjiro Uemura (January 3, 1914 Shinjuku-April 3, 1979 Kunitachi) a.k.a. Kenjirô Uemura or 植村謙二郎 was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in numerous films throughout the decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, he gained prominence for his roles in several samurai films, including "Samurai Trilogy" and "Sword of Doom." Uemura was known for his ability to convey complex emotions through his acting and was highly respected in the industry. He also worked as a voice actor and lent his voice to popular anime series, such as "Giant Robo" and "Astro Boy." In addition to his work in film and television, Uemura was also a trained stage actor and performed in many theatrical productions. He died in 1979 at the age of 65.
Uemura was born in Shinjuku, Tokyo in 1914, and at the age of 17, he started his acting career with the Shochiku Kamata Studio. He initially appeared in small roles in films but later landed significant roles in the company's productions, eventually becoming a respected veteran actor in the Japanese film industry. Uemura was known for his intense acting style and his ability to bring depth to his characters.
Uemura appeared in various films throughout his career, including works by acclaimed directors Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu. He also acted in several television dramas, including the popular series "Abarenbo Shogun." In the 1970s, Uemura shifted his focus to voice acting and lent his talents to various anime series and films.
Uemura's legacy in Japanese cinema continues to be celebrated, and his contributions to the samurai film genre are still recognized today. Despite passing away over four decades ago, he remains a respected figure in the industry, and his performances continue to inspire younger generations of actors.
Additionally, Uemura was a member of the Japan Actors Union and was actively involved in promoting better working conditions for actors in the industry. He also mentored younger actors and actresses, including Tatsuya Nakadai and Ayako Wakao, who would go on to become major stars in their own right. Uemura's dedication to his craft and his influence on Japanese cinema earned him numerous accolades, including the Award of Merit at the 1979 Japan Academy Awards. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest actors in Japanese cinema history, and his performances continue to captivate audiences around the world.
In addition to his successful acting career, Kenjiro Uemura was also a talented artist and calligrapher. He studied under renowned calligrapher Kisaku Suzuki and often incorporated his own calligraphy into his film and stage performances. Uemura was also a skilled martial artist, having studied kendo, judo, and karate. He incorporated his martial arts training into his roles in samurai films, and his physical and emotional performances were often praised by audiences and critics alike. Uemura's dedication to his craft and multifaceted talents made him a beloved figure in Japan's entertainment industry, and his influence is still felt today.
Throughout his career, Kenjiro Uemura received numerous awards and nominations for his acting. In 1960, he won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Blue Ribbon Awards for his performance in "The Bad Sleep Well." He also received the Best Actor award at the Mainichi Film Awards in 1964 for his role in "Samurai from Nowhere." Uemura's talent and skill as an actor were widely recognized both in Japan and internationally, and he paved the way for future generations of actors in the industry.
Uemura's personal life was not widely known, as he preferred to keep his private life out of the public eye. However, it is known that he was married and had two children. Despite his success and fame, Uemura remained humble and dedicated to his craft until his passing in 1979. His impact on Japanese cinema is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world today.
Jukichi Uno
Jukichi Uno (September 27, 1914 Asuwa District, Fukui-January 9, 1988) also known as Nobuo Terao was a Japanese actor, theatre director and film director. His child is called Akira Terao.
Uno made his acting debut in 1937 in a play called "Ninjo Banashi Bunshichi Mottoi" and went on to become a prominent figure in the Japanese theatre and film industry. He appeared in over 180 films throughout his career and directed more than 20 stage plays. Uno was known for his versatility in acting, playing roles ranging from gentle and kind characters to intense and villainous roles.
Uno's notable performances include his roles in the films "Pigs and Battleships" (1961), "High and Low" (1963), and "Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970). He also directed several films, including "Blue Mountains" (1970). Uno was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1980 for his contributions to the arts.
As a theatre director, Uno founded the theatre group Haiyuza in 1950, which is still active today. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Japanese theatre and film, and his legacy continues through his son Akira Terao, who is also an actor.
Uno's contribution to Japanese theatre and film industry cannot be overemphasized. During his lifetime, he played a crucial role in promoting Japanese culture and arts both locally and internationally. Uno's work focused on the themes of human struggle, social justice, and the beauty of Japanese traditions. He was a true advocate of the arts, and his impact was felt in different parts of the world. In addition to his extensive film and theatre work, Uno was also a prolific writer, publishing several books on acting and directing.
Despite his success, Uno was known for his humility, and he always maintained his close ties with his fans. He was deeply committed to his craft and was always willing to share his knowledge with his colleagues and aspiring actors. Uno's contributions to the entertainment industry earned him numerous awards and recognition, including the prestigious Best Supporting Actor Award at the Blue Ribbon Awards.
Uno's influence continues to be felt in Japanese theatre and film today. His son, Akira Terao, is also a renowned actor who has continued to build on his father's legacy. Together, Uno and his son represent a significant part of Japanese theatre and film history that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
Uno's dedication to his craft was evident in his extensive body of work. He appeared in many famous Japanese films, including "Sword of Doom" (1966) and "Ugetsu" (1953). Uno was also a respected theatre director, and his productions were known for their emphasis on realism and social commentary. His work with Haiyuza helped to popularize modern Japanese theatre and attract audiences to the art form.
Uno was more than just an actor and director, however. He was deeply passionate about promoting Japanese culture and traditions, and he often used his work to explore the beauty and complexity of Japanese society. Uno believed that art had the power to transform society and bring about positive change, and he dedicated his life to making this a reality.
Despite his accomplishments, Uno remained humble and dedicated to his craft until the end of his life. He continued to act and direct well into his later years, and he never lost his love for the arts. Uno passed away in 1988, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire actors and directors around the world.
Uno's contributions have earned him a special place in Japanese theatre and film history, and his work continues to captivate and inspire audiences today. His legacy has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, which he received posthumously in 1988. Additionally, a museum dedicated to Uno's life and work was established in Fukui, Japan in 2004.
Uno's impact on the theatre and film industry in Japan cannot be overstated. He established himself as a versatile actor, a skilled director, and a respected writer, continuing to inspire new generations of artists. His films and plays continue to be screened and performed both in Japan and internationally, and his work remains a source of inspiration for actors, directors, and theatre-goers around the world.
Uno's influence on Japanese theatre and film was so extensive that he received numerous posthumous honors. In 2014, the 100th anniversary of his birth was commemorated with several events, including a retrospective of his work at the Cinemateque Francaise in Paris. Additionally, the Japanese government announced that it would hold a series of commemorative events throughout the year to honor Uno's life and work.
Uno's legacy as an actor, director, and writer lives on through his extensive body of work, which remains popular both in Japan and abroad. His impact on Japanese theatre and film will continue to be felt for generations to come, as his contributions helped to shape the industry and establish it as a major artistic force in the world. In the end, Jukichi Uno will always be remembered as one of the greatest actors and directors in Japanese theatre and film history, and his contributions to the arts will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Tomo'o Nagai
Tomo'o Nagai (June 14, 1914 Tokyo-June 17, 1991) also known as ながい ともお, Iinuma Osamu, いいぬま おさむ, Osamu Iinuma, Nagai Tomo'o, 永井 智雄 or 飯沼 修 was a Japanese actor.
He began his career in the entertainment industry as a stage actor, and later transitioned to film and television. Nagai appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career, including the popular TV drama "Oshin" and the movie "Tora! Tora! Tora!".
In addition to acting, Nagai was also a voice actor, lending his voice to various animated characters. He is perhaps best known for his role as Professor Ochanomizu in the beloved anime series "Astro Boy".
Nagai was recognized for his contributions to Japanese cinema and entertainment, receiving awards such as the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Japanese government.
He passed away in 1991 at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile performer in the Japanese entertainment industry.
Nagai Tomo'o's career began in the 1930s when he joined the Bungakuza theater troupe, which was known for its leftist political leanings. His work with the troupe brought him critical acclaim, and he quickly became one of their most popular actors. In the 1950s, Nagai made the transition to film, starring in a number of successful movies. Notably, he appeared in Kon Ichikawa's "The Burmese Harp," which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 1956.
Over the next few decades, Nagai continued to work in both film and television, steadily building his reputation as one of Japan's most talented actors. He appeared in a number of popular TV dramas and variety shows, including "Kojak," "Mito Komon," and "Shin Hissatsu."
In addition to his acting work, Nagai was also a respected voice actor. In addition to "Astro Boy," he provided voices for characters in numerous other anime series, including "Tetsujin 28-go" and "Doraemon."
Throughout his career, Nagai was recognized for his contributions to Japanese cinema and entertainment. In addition to the awards mentioned above, he received the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors, in 1989. He passed away just two years later, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most beloved and respected performers.
Nagai was known for his versatility as an actor, and he often portrayed a wide range of characters, from serious and dramatic to comedic and lighthearted. He was also known for his ability to seamlessly transition between live-action acting and voice acting, further showcasing his talent and skill as a performer.
Aside from his work in entertainment, Nagai was also a passionate activist and humanitarian. He was a member of the Japan Peace Committee and was involved in various anti-nuclear and anti-war movements. He also supported numerous charities and was known for his generosity and kindness towards others.
Nagai's legacy continues to live on in Japanese cinema and entertainment, as well as in the hearts of his fans and peers. He remains an iconic figure in the industry, revered for his talent, dedication, and contributions to Japanese culture and society.
In spite of being such a prolific actor, Nagai was also quite a private person. He seldom gave interviews or made public appearances outside of his work, preferring to let his performances speak for themselves. However, those who knew him often described him as warm and charismatic, with a deep passion for his craft and for the causes he believed in.
Nagai's career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the Japanese entertainment industry. He was a trailblazer for future generations of actors, and his influence can still be felt in many of the films and anime produced in Japan today.
In addition to his contributions to film and television, Nagai was also involved in radio and theater work. He was a regular performer on the popular NHK radio program "Gatten Gofu" and often took part in stage productions throughout his career. Nagai was well-known for his work on the Kabuki stage, and he even served as an advisor and consultant on several productions.
Another notable achievement of Nagai's was his work as a translator. He translated several books from English into Japanese, including works by Jack London and James Fenimore Cooper. He was also responsible for translating the scripts of many foreign films into Japanese, helping to bring foreign cinema to a wider audience in Japan.
Despite his many accomplishments, Nagai never lost his humility or his passion for his craft. He remained dedicated to his work until the very end of his life, and his legacy as one of Japan's greatest actors endures to this day.
Tatsuo Matsumura
Tatsuo Matsumura (December 18, 1914 Yokohama-June 18, 2005 Tokyo) also known as Matsumura Tatsuo, 松村 達雄 or まつむら たつお was a Japanese actor.
Matsumura began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in over 150 films throughout his career. He was known for his roles in jidaigeki, or period dramas, and is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Mito Komon in a long-running television series of the same name. In addition to acting, Matsumura was also a theatre director and teacher, and founded the Tatsuo Matsumura Theatre Company in 1954. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1974 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1984 for his contributions to the arts.
Matsumura Tatsuo was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, in 1914. He studied at the Shinjuku music school and made his acting debut at the age of 17 in the film "Jiraiya the Hero" (1936). Matsumura quickly rose to stardom in the Japanese film industry and became a prolific actor, appearing in numerous jidaigeki films throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
In the 1960s, Matsumura transitioned to television and became a household name in Japan for his role as Mito Komon in the long-running historical drama series of the same name. He played the role for over 20 years, from 1969 to 1983, and the series remains a cultural icon in Japan.
In addition to his acting career, Matsumura was also a respected theatre director and teacher. In 1954, he founded the Tatsuo Matsumura Theatre Company, which produced numerous plays and trained young actors. Matsumura was known for his innovative and experimental approach to theatre, and his productions often incorporated elements of traditional Japanese performing arts.
Matsumura received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the arts, including the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1974 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1984. He remained active in the entertainment industry well into his 80s and passed away in Tokyo in 2005 at the age of 90.
Matsumura's career spanned over seven decades, during which he appeared in more than 150 films, television shows, and theatre productions. He was considered one of the most versatile and talented actors in Japanese cinema and television, known for his deep voice and commanding presence on screen. Matsumura also wrote several books on acting and theatre, including "Yogen" and "Tatsuo Matsumura's onnagata."
Outside of his career, Matsumura was an avid collector of traditional Japanese art and antiques, and was known for his expertise in the subject. He amassed a large collection of ukiyo-e prints, furniture, and ceramics, some of which were exhibited in museums throughout Japan.
Matsumura was married twice and had four children. His son, Reo Morimoto, is also an actor and theatre director. Matsumura's contributions to the arts and entertainment industry in Japan continue to be remembered and celebrated, and his legacy lives on through the numerous productions he directed and the young actors he trained.
Matsumura Tatsuo's acting career was not only limited to jidaigeki and period dramas. He also appeared in films of various genres, including war films, dramas, and comedies. He starred in the 1954 film "The Forty-Seven Ronin" directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, which is considered a masterpiece of Japanese cinema. Matsumura's performance in the film earned critical acclaim and cemented his reputation as one of the leading actors in Japan.
In addition to his work in theatre and film, Matsumura was also involved in radio and television production. He produced and starred in several radio dramas and hosted his own television program, "Tatsuo Matsumura's Artisan Studio," which showcased traditional Japanese crafts and artisans.
Matsumura was known for his dedication to promoting Japanese culture both domestically and internationally. He frequently lectured and performed abroad, sharing his knowledge of traditional Japanese theatre and culture with audiences around the world.
Despite his fame and success, Matsumura remained humble and committed to his craft throughout his career. He was known for his kindness and generosity towards his colleagues and students, and his passion for the arts inspired generations of young actors and theatre practitioners in Japan.
Today, Matsumura Tatsuo is remembered as a cultural icon in Japan and a pioneer in Japanese theatre and film. His contributions to the arts continue to be celebrated and his legacy lives on through the actors and artists he trained and inspired.
Matsumura Tatsuo was deeply respected for his knowledge and expertise in traditional Japanese performing arts, particularly Kabuki and Onnagata (the art of male actors playing female roles). He often incorporated these art forms into his theatre productions and encouraged his students to do the same. Matsumura was also a prolific writer and authored several books on the history of Japanese theatre and traditional arts. His book, "The Flowering of Japanese Theatre" (1971), is considered a seminal work on the subject and is still widely read today.
Matsumura was a strong advocate for the preservation of traditional Japanese arts and actively worked towards their promotion and recognition. He served as the president of the Japan Actors Association and was actively involved in the Japan Performing Arts Foundation, which promotes various forms of traditional Japanese theatre. Matsumura also established the Matsumura Tatsuo Award, which recognizes young actors and theatre artists who have made significant contributions to Japanese theatre.
Throughout his career, Matsumura remained committed to his craft and continued to inspire and mentor young actors and theatre practitioners. He believed in the power of theatre to bring people together and to express the human experience in a meaningful way. Matsumura's legacy as a pioneer in Japanese theatre and film, as well as an advocate for traditional arts, continues to be celebrated today.
Kyu Sazanka
Kyu Sazanka (April 1, 1914 Osaka-March 4, 1971) otherwise known as Kyu Sazanaka was a Japanese actor.
He was first recognized for his talent in theater in the 1930s, and then made his debut in the film industry in 1942. Throughout his career, he starred in over 100 films and became known for his dynamic performances in both period dramas and contemporary films. Additionally, he was regarded as a fashion icon in Japan and was one of the first actors to popularize the pompadour hairstyle. Sazanka was also a skilled calligrapher and his work was exhibited in galleries throughout Japan. Despite his success, he struggled with alcoholism and passed away at the age of 56 due to cirrhosis of the liver.
Sazanka was born as Kazuo Yokoyama in Osaka, Japan. In the early years of his career, he primarily played supporting roles in films. However, his performance in the 1952 film, "Ikiru," directed by Akira Kurosawa, marked a turning point in his career. The film is now considered a classic of Japanese cinema and Sazanka's portrayal of a yakuza member is regarded as one of his best performances.
Sazanka was known for his versatility and ability to switch between serious dramas and comedies with ease. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, he starred in several films directed by Yasuzo Masumura, including "Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice" and "Manji." These films explored themes of sexuality and violence and were controversial for their time.
Aside from his successful career in film, Sazanka was also a popular television personality. In the 1960s, he hosted his own variety show called "The Kyu-chan Show," which showcased his comedic talents and featured appearances by other famous entertainers.
Despite his personal struggles, Sazanka remains a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment history. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of Japanese cinema and his contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated.
Sazanka's personal life was marked by multiple marriages and relationships. He married and divorced three times and had multiple affairs with actresses throughout his career. His reputation as a womanizer and heavy drinker often overshadowed his talents as an actor, and he struggled with his public image throughout his life.
Despite these personal difficulties, Sazanka was highly respected among his peers in the industry. He was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to take risks in his performances. His work in the theater was also highly regarded, and he continued to perform on stage throughout his film career.
Sazanka's legacy continues to be celebrated in Japan and around the world. His influence on fashion and popular culture in Japan is still evident today, and his films and performances are studied by film scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.
In addition to his work in theater and film, Sazanka was also an accomplished musician. He was skilled in playing both the guitar and the harmonica and often incorporated music into his performances. He released several albums throughout his career and his songs continue to be popular in Japan.
Sazanka was also a political activist and held left-wing political beliefs. He was a member of the Japanese Communist Party and supported workers' rights and anti-war movements. Despite being blacklisted by the Japanese government for his political beliefs, he continued to speak out and fight for social justice.
Sazanka's impact on Japanese culture and entertainment is still felt today. He is often cited as an inspiration by younger actors and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of performers in Japan and beyond.
Sazanka's contributions to the film industry were not limited to acting alone. He wrote and directed several films throughout his career, including "Good Luck to These Two," which he also starred in. This film explored the relationship between a gangster and a cabaret dancer and was praised for its realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld in Japan. Additionally, Sazanka co-wrote the screenplay for the 1958 film, "The Ballad of Narayama," which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
Sazanka's personal struggles with alcoholism and womanizing were also linked to his experiences during World War II. He was conscripted into the Japanese army and sent to China, where he witnessed the atrocities committed by the Japanese military. These experiences left a profound impact on him and he often spoke out against war and militarism in his personal and professional life.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Sazanka was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors, in 1971. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer in Japanese entertainment and a cultural icon who left an indelible mark on the film industry and beyond.