Japanese movie stars born in 1916
Here are 5 famous actors from Japan were born in 1916:
Ichirō Arishima
Ichirō Arishima (March 1, 1916 Nagoya-July 20, 1987) a.k.a. Ichiro Arishima, Tadao Oshima, The Japanese Chaplin, Arishima Ichirō or Oshima Tadao was a Japanese comedian and actor.
He was one of the pioneers of Japanese cinema, appearing in over 400 films throughout his career. Arishima was known for his wide range of talents, including acting, comedy, singing and dancing. He became one of Japan's most popular comedians during the 1940s and 1950s, and was revered for his physical comedy and slapstick humor. Arishima also had a successful stage career, and was highly regarded for his performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. His legacy in Japanese cinema continues to this day, with many of his films still considered classic works of Japanese cinema.
Arishima began his career in entertainment as a stage performer in the 1930s. He made his film debut in 1938, and quickly became a key figure in the growing Japanese film industry. Arishima's popularity grew rapidly, and he was soon one of the most recognizable faces in Japanese cinema. He was particularly fond of portraying the "little guy" who triumphs over adversity through humor and perseverance, a theme that resonated strongly with Japanese audiences.
Arishima's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he was conscripted into the army. After the war, he returned to acting, and his popularity only continued to grow. He appeared in a wide range of films, from historical epics to romantic comedies, and was known for his ability to bring both humor and pathos to his roles.
Despite his success on screen, Arishima was also known for his off-screen antics. He was a heavy drinker, and his personal life was often the subject of tabloid speculation. Nevertheless, he remained one of Japan's most beloved entertainers until his death in 1987. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of Japanese cinema and one of its most enduring stars.
Arishima was not only a successful actor and comedian but also a talented musician. He was proficient at several instruments, including the guitar, harmonica, and ukelele. Arishima often incorporated music into his performances, adding to the joy and entertainment of the audience.
In addition to his work on stage and screen, Arishima was also a prolific writer. He penned several books throughout his life, including autobiographical works as well as fiction. His writing often drew on his own experiences, and his memoirs provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of Japanese entertainment during the mid-20th century.
Arishima also played an important role in shaping the careers of younger entertainers. Many actors and comedians credit him with helping them to develop their own talents and navigate the often-challenging world of show business.
Today, Arishima is remembered as a true icon of Japanese entertainment. His performances continue to delight audiences around the world, and his contributions to Japanese cinema and comedy remain essential to the country's artistic heritage.
Arishima's legacy also extends beyond the entertainment industry. He was known for his philanthropic work, and was a passionate supporter of a number of social causes. Arishima was particularly concerned with issues of poverty and homelessness, and frequently donated both his time and money to help those in need. He was also a vocal advocate for education, and believed strongly that everyone should have access to quality schooling regardless of their background or financial situation.
Despite his many accomplishments, Arishima's personal life was not without challenges. He struggled with alcoholism for many years, and his behavior often caused strain in his relationships with family and colleagues. Arishima's marriage was also tumultuous, with he and his wife divorcing and remarrying multiple times throughout their lives.
Despite these difficulties, Arishima's legacy as a talented performer and generous philanthropist continues to inspire admiration and respect in Japan and around the world. His contributions to the world of Japanese entertainment have earned him a place in the pantheon of greats, and his dedication to helping others serves as a testament to his kind and generous spirit.
Toshio Hosokawa
Toshio Hosokawa (September 6, 1916 Tokyo-August 8, 1985) also known as Tosio Hosokawa was a Japanese actor.
Toshio Hosokawa was known for his versatile acting skills and his contributions to the entertainment industry in Japan. He started his acting career in the mid-1930s and went on to appear in numerous films and television dramas. Hosokawa's most notable works include the films "The Rickshaw Man" (1958) and "Samurai Assassin" (1965), and the TV dramas "Fugitive from the Past" (1965) and "Oshin" (1983). He was revered for his ability to portray both heroic and villainous roles with equal conviction and sensitivity, earning him a loyal fan following throughout Japan. Outside of his acting career, Hosokawa was also an accomplished stage performer, appearing in numerous plays throughout his career. He passed away in 1985 at the age of 68, leaving behind a rich legacy in Japanese entertainment.
Hosokawa initially wanted to become a playwright but pursued acting after being scouted by a film studio. He made his film debut in 1936 in the film "School of Flesh" and quickly gained popularity for his good looks and suave demeanor. Hosokawa's career took a break during World War II as he was drafted into military service, but he resumed acting after the war ended. He starred in a variety of films ranging from jidaigeki (period dramas) to yakuza (gangster) films, and also acted in many stage productions.
In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, Hosokawa was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1980, one of Japan's highest honors for artists and academics. He was known for his humble and gracious personality, and his legacy continues to inspire many actors in Japan today.
In addition to his work on screen, Toshio Hosokawa was also involved in theater production both as an actor and director. He founded his own theater company, named the Hosokawa Theater, in 1951, which became known for producing plays that were often experimental and avant-garde. Hosokawa himself directed many of the productions and was also instrumental in training younger actors.
Hosokawa's talent as an actor was not just limited to Japan, as he also appeared in international films such as "The Yakuza" (1974) which was directed by Sydney Pollack and starred Robert Mitchum. He also worked with acclaimed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa in the film "Sanjuro" (1962).
Throughout his career, Hosokawa was known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth and nuance to the characters he portrayed. He was particularly skilled at playing complex characters with conflicting emotions and has been recognized as one of Japan's greatest actors.
Despite his success, Hosokawa remained humble and grateful to his fans throughout his career. He once said, "As an actor, I cannot exist without the support of the audience. I am always grateful to the audience for their understanding and support."
In addition to his acting career, Toshio Hosokawa was also a respected voice actor, lending his talents to a number of animated films and TV shows. He was particularly well known for his work in the popular anime series "Galaxy Express 999" (1978), where he voiced the character of Captain Harlock. Hosokawa was a versatile performer who was able to seamlessly transition between stage, screen, and voice acting, showcasing his range and adaptability as an artist. Hosokawa's influence on Japanese entertainment has been significant, with many actors citing him as an inspiration and role model. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to bringing artistry and depth to his performances has left a lasting impact on the world of Japanese cinema and theater.
Ichimura Uzaemon XVII
Ichimura Uzaemon XVII (July 11, 1916 Tokyo-) a.k.a. いちむら うざえもん, 十七代目 市村 羽左衛門, 市村羽左衛門 (17代目), じゅうしちだいめ いちむら うざえもん, Bando Mamoru, 三代目 坂東亀三郎, 七代目 坂東彦三郎, 七代目 坂東薪水, ばんどう まもる, 可江, 坂東 衛, ふじま ぜんぞう, Fujima Zenzo, 藤間 善蔵, Mamoru Bando, Zenzo Fujima or 市村 羽左衛門 is a Japanese actor. He has three children, Bando Hikosaburo VIII, Ichimura Manjiro II and Kawarasaki Gonjuro IV.
Ichimura Uzaemon XVII is a prominent and highly respected kabuki actor in Japan. He was born on July 11, 1916, in Tokyo, Japan. He has numerous stage names such as Bando Mamoru, Fujima Zenzo, and Bandou Mamoru. He is the 17th generation to assume the name Ichimura Uzaemon, a name that dates back to the Edo period. He has also performed under different names such as Bandou Hikosaburou, Bandou Mitsugorou, and Fujima Kanjuro.
Ichimura Uzaemon XVII made his kabuki stage debut in 1922 at the age of six, performing under the name Kawarazaki Gonjuro II. He played a significant role in preserving the traditional kabuki theater in Japan, and he is renowned for his skilled performances of female roles. In addition to his work on stage, he has also appeared in numerous films and television dramas.
Aside from his successful acting career, Ichimura Uzaemon XVII is notable for his extensive contributions to Japanese culture. He has been awarded numerous accolades for his work, including the Order of Culture, one of the highest honors bestowed on people who have made significant contributions to the field of culture.
Ichimura Uzaemon XVII has achieved great success in his acting career and is considered a legend in the world of kabuki theater. He has become famous for his traditional performance of female roles and has won much critical acclaim for his work. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including Japan's prestigious Purple Ribbon Medal, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Japan Academy Awards.
In addition to his acting career, Ichimura Uzaemon XVII has also made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Japanese culture. He has been an advocate for the protection and promotion of kabuki theater and has been involved in many educational and cultural initiatives aimed at preserving traditional Japanese art forms.
Despite his advancing age, Ichimura Uzaemon XVII still performs on stage regularly, demonstrating his dedication to his art and his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Japan. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of actors and enthusiasts of traditional Japanese theater.
He has also traveled extensively, performing abroad in countries such as the United States, France, and Russia, promoting awareness and appreciation of Japanese culture overseas. In 2007, he was designated as a Living National Treasure, a title awarded to those who are recognized as masters of traditional Japanese artistic expressions such as music, dance, and theater. At the age of 105, he performed in the kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura" in Tokyo in 2021, demonstrating his enduring passion for his craft. His contributions to the preservation and dissemination of kabuki theater have been enormous, and he is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in the history of Japanese culture.
In addition to his contributions to kabuki theater, Ichimura Uzaemon XVII has also been involved in promoting other traditional Japanese art forms. He has been an advocate for the preservation of bunraku, a traditional form of puppet theater, and has worked to introduce the art form to audiences around the world. He has also been involved in promoting traditional Japanese dance, known as Nihon Buyo.
Ichimura Uzaemon XVII's influence extends beyond the world of traditional Japanese theater. He has also been involved in various social and political causes throughout his career. He has spoken out against war and nuclear weapons, and has been involved in efforts to support victims of natural disasters in Japan.
Despite his age, Ichimura Uzaemon XVII remains active and committed to his art, as well as to promoting Japanese culture around the world. He continues to perform regularly and has become an icon not only of kabuki theater but of Japanese culture as a whole. His long and distinguished career has made him a beloved figure in Japan and a respected ambassador for Japanese culture abroad.
Fumito Matsuo
Fumito Matsuo (August 6, 1916 Yokohama-) also known as Fumindo Matsuo is a Japanese actor.
Fumito Matsuo was born on August 6, 1916, in Yokohama, Japan. He started his acting career in 1936 with the film "Tange Sazen yowa: Hyakuman ryo no tsubo." Matsuo became popular in the 1950s for playing heroic roles in jidaigeki, or period dramas. He starred in over 150 films throughout his career, including "Zatoichi and the Chess Expert" (1965), "Sword of Doom" (1966), and "Samurai Rebellion" (1967). In addition to acting, Matsuo also appeared on television, particularly in taiga dramas, or historical epics. He retired from acting in 1984 after 48 years in the Japanese film industry.
Despite retiring from acting, Fumito Matsuo remained involved in the film industry, taking on roles as a producer and art director. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government in 1992. Matsuo went on to live a long life, passing away at the age of 86 on May 23, 2003, in Tokyo, Japan. His legacy continues to live on through his numerous film and television appearances, and his contributions to the Japanese film industry are still celebrated to this day.
Fumito Matsuo was known for his exceptional acting skills and dedication to the entertainment industry. He was a versatile actor who could convincingly portray different characters ranging from brave samurais to scheming villains. In addition to his work in the film industry, Matsuo was also a talented calligrapher and an expert in the traditional art of ikebana, or Japanese flower arrangement.
During his long career, Matsuo worked with some of the greatest directors in Japanese cinema, including Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Masaki Kobayashi. He was also famous for his collaborations with the legendary actor Toshiro Mifune, with whom he appeared in several films.
Matsuo's contributions to Japanese cinema were recognized not only by his fans but also by his colleagues and the industry itself. He won various awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Best Actor award at the Mainichi Film Awards in 1957. Matsuo's legacy continues to inspire young actors and filmmakers in Japan and beyond, and his impact on the country's film industry will never be forgotten.
In addition to his successful career in acting, Fumito Matsuo was also a prominent figure in Japanese society. He was a member of the Japan Academy and served as the president of the Japan Actors’ Association from 1958 to 1964. Matsuo was a passionate advocate for actors’ rights and worked tirelessly to improve the status of actors in Japan. He was also involved in philanthropic work and supported various charities throughout his life.
Matsuo's dedication to his craft and his contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact on Japanese cinema. His legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike, and he remains a beloved figure in Japanese popular culture.
Haruo Oka
Haruo Oka (January 12, 1916 Chiba Prefecture-May 19, 1970) a.k.a. Tatsuo Sasaki was a Japanese singer and actor.
He was a popular enka singer in the 1950s and acted in films and television dramas throughout the 1960s. Oka started his career as a singer in 1940, but during World War II, he was conscripted into the Japanese army and served in China. After the war, he resumed his music career and became one of the most successful enka singers of his time. Some of his most popular songs include "Tokyo Banka" and "Onna no Michi." As an actor, he appeared in more than thirty films, including "Tokyo Twilight" directed by Yasujirō Ozu. Unfortunately, Oka died at the age of 54 due to liver disease. His contributions to Japanese music and cinema continue to be celebrated to this day.
In addition to his successful music and film career, Haruo Oka was also known for his charitable work. He was involved in various fundraising events for orphanages and hospitals throughout Japan. Oka was also a proponent of promoting traditional Japanese culture, including enka music, and was known for his efforts to preserve and pass on these cultural traditions to future generations. Despite his success, Oka was known to live a modest lifestyle and was respected for his humility and kindness towards others. His legacy as both a talented artist and a generous human being continues to inspire many in Japan and beyond.
Oka's popularity as a singer was also due in part to his warm and expressive voice, which was often described as "The Voice of Japan" by his fans. His music was known for its heartfelt lyrics and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more traditional way of life. Oka's reputation as a music icon was solidified in 1967, when he was awarded the prestigious Japan Record Award for Lifetime Achievement.
As an actor, Oka was praised for his ability to bring depth and emotion to his roles. He often appeared in melodramatic films and television dramas, where he played the role of the stoic, yet tender-hearted older man. Some of his most notable roles include the fatherly figure in "Two in the Shadow" and the sympathetic doctor in "The Last One."
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Oka remained grounded and dedicated to his art until the end of his life. He was a popular performer and a respected mentor to many up-and-coming musicians and actors in Japan. Oka's contributions to the world of music and cinema continue to be celebrated today, and his legacy remains an inspiration to many.
In addition to his charitable and cultural work, Oka was also passionate about sports, particularly baseball. He was an avid fan and often attended games to support his favorite teams. He even wrote several songs about baseball, including "Kyojin no Uta" (Song of the Giants), which became a hit among baseball fans. His love for sports was evident in his performances, as he often incorporated athletic movements and poses into his stage performances.
Oka's influence on Japanese culture extended beyond his music and film career. He was also known for his fashion sense, often sporting stylish suits and hats. His classic style and demeanor earned him a reputation as a stylish icon of his time.
After his death in 1970, Oka was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon for his contributions to Japanese culture. His music and films continue to be celebrated by fans, and his legacy as a talented artist and generous human being remains an inspiration.