Japanese movie stars born in 1917
Here are 8 famous actors from Japan were born in 1917:
Minoru Chiaki
Minoru Chiaki (April 28, 1917 Bifuka-November 1, 1999 Fuchu) also known as Katsuharu Sasaki, Katsuji Sasaki or Chiaki Minoru was a Japanese actor. His child is called Katsuhiko Sasaki.
Minoru Chiaki appeared in over 200 films and television dramas throughout his career, gaining a reputation as one of Japan's most prolific and versatile actors. He worked with some of Japan's most celebrated filmmakers, including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujirō Ozu, and Ishirō Honda. Chiaki's most notable roles include his portrayal of a bandit in Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" and a private detective in Ozu's "Tokyo Twilight". He also appeared in several Godzilla films, playing different characters in each one. Despite his success as an actor, Chiaki remained humble and was known for his kindness and generosity.
Chiaki was born in Hokkaido, Japan and grew up in a farming family. He moved to Tokyo in 1936 to attend Meiji University, but dropped out after two years to pursue a career in acting. He made his film debut in 1941 and quickly became known for his expressive face and versatility as an actor. He was also a skilled dancer and performed in several stage productions throughout his career.
In addition to his work in film and television, Chiaki was also a voice actor, dubbing foreign films into Japanese. He was known for his work on the Japanese versions of Disney films, including "Peter Pan" and "Fantasia".
Chiaki was married three times and had three children. He continued to act until his death in 1999 at the age of 82. He is remembered as one of Japan's most beloved actors and a true icon of Japanese cinema.
In addition to his work in acting, Minoru Chiaki was also a talented painter and calligrapher, with his works being displayed in several exhibitions over the years. He was also a devoted Buddhist, and his faith played a significant role in his life and work. Chiaki was a supporter of world peace and was known for his anti-war activism. He was a member of several organizations that promoted peace and nuclear disarmament. After his death, a memorial service was held in his honor at a temple in Tokyo. The service was attended by many of his friends and colleagues from the film industry, who paid tribute to his life and career. Today, Minoru Chiaki is remembered as one of Japan's most talented and respected actors, and his contributions to cinema continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and performers.
Shinsuke Ashida
Shinsuke Ashida (March 14, 1917 Matsue-January 9, 1999 Tokyo) a.k.a. Yoshimichi Ashida, 蘆田 義道, Ashida Yoshimichi, Ashida Shinsuke, あしだ しんすけ, あしだ よしみち or 芦田 伸介 was a Japanese actor. His child is called .
Ashida started his acting career in the 1943 film "Farewell Rabaul" and went on to appear in over 300 films, including "The Human Condition," "Samurai Assassin," and "The Bad Sleep Well." He was also known for his roles in TV dramas such as "Kikaida" and "Akai Unmei."
In addition to acting, Ashida was also a director and producer. He directed films such as "The Day the Sun Rose," which won an award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953, and "The Age of Assassins."
Ashida was recognized for his contributions to Japanese cinema with numerous awards, including the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1997. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 81.
Throughout his long acting career, Ashida was known for his versatile range, from dramatic roles to comedic performances. He was often cast in supporting roles but was praised for stealing scenes with his commanding presence and sharp delivery of lines. In addition to his work in film and television, Ashida was also a successful stage actor, appearing in productions such as "Katzelmacher," "The Trojan Women," and "Tango at the End of Winter." He was admired by his peers for his dedication to the craft of acting and his ability to mentor younger actors. Ashida's legacy in Japanese cinema continues to be celebrated today, with retrospectives and tributes honoring his contributions to the industry.
Ashida was born in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Japan in 1917. He graduated from Waseda University in Tokyo with a degree in English literature. After graduation, he joined a theater company and made his stage debut in 1942. The following year, he made his film debut in "Farewell Rabaul" and quickly became a popular actor in Japanese cinema.
In addition to his acting work, Ashida was also active in politics. He served as a member of the Diet, Japan's national legislature, from 1963 to 1976 as a member of the Japan Socialist Party. He was known for his progressive views and activism, advocating for issues such as nuclear disarmament and environmental protection.
Ashida's influence on Japanese cinema can still be felt today. Many of his films continue to be studied and admired by filmmakers and critics alike. He was a respected actor and director, and his contributions to Japanese cinema helped to shape the industry into what it is today.
Jun Tatara
Jun Tatara (August 4, 1917 Ishinomaki-September 30, 2006 Tokyo) also known as Shigeji Tatarai, 多々良 純, たたら じゅん, 田足井 重二, Tatarai Shigeji, Tatara Jun or たたらい しげじ was a Japanese actor.
Jun Tatara first made his mark on the entertainment industry as a kabuki actor in the 1930s, but eventually turned to film and television acting. He appeared in over 250 films and TV dramas throughout his career, often portraying tough, no-nonsense characters. Some of his most notable roles include "The Burmese Harp" (1956), "The Human Bullet" (1968), and "Kagemusha" (1980), which was directed by legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Tatara also made appearances on popular TV series such as "Zatoichi" and "Kamen Rider." Despite his success as an actor, Tatara remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 1996 for his contributions to Japanese culture.
In addition to his prolific acting career, Jun Tatara was a mentor to many young actors and helped to nurture the next generation of performers. He was also an accomplished writer and published several books on the art and history of kabuki, as well as his own memoirs. Outside of his work in entertainment, Tatara was known for his charity work and dedication to helping those in need. He established a foundation to support people affected by natural disasters and was active in various volunteer organizations. Tatara's legacy continues to inspire and influence actors and audiences alike in Japan and around the world.
In addition to his work as an actor, Jun Tatara was also a talented singer and released several albums throughout his career. He was known for his deep, resonant voice and often sang traditional Japanese songs. Tatara was also a master of the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument often used in traditional Japanese music. He regularly incorporated his musical talents into his performances, adding an extra dimension to his already impressive acting skills. Despite suffering from Parkinson's disease later in life, Tatara continued to work in the entertainment industry until his passing in 2006. He remains a beloved figure in Japanese cinema and theater, remembered for his talents as well as his kindness and generosity off-screen.
Tôru Abe
Tôru Abe (March 28, 1917 Munakata District, Fukuoka-July 18, 1993) also known as Tooru Abe or Toru Abe was a Japanese actor.
He began his career in the entertainment industry as a stage actor in 1947 before transitioning to film in 1950. Abe quickly gained popularity for his roles in popular films such as "Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto" and "The Rickshaw Man." He worked with renowned directors such as Akira Kurosawa and Yasujirō Ozu, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the Japanese film industry. In addition to acting in film and theatre, Abe also appeared in numerous television dramas throughout his career. Abe received critical acclaim for his performance in the film, "Rikyu" where he played the lead role of the 16th century tea master, Sen no Rikyu. Abe won several awards for his acting including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Battle of Nihonbashi."
In addition to his acting career, Tôru Abe was also known for his work as a voice actor. He provided the voice for characters in several popular anime series, including "Space Battleship Yamato" and "The Super Dimension Fortress Macross." Abe continued to act both on stage and in film until his death in 1993 at the age of 76. He left behind a legacy as one of Japan's most accomplished and beloved actors, having appeared in over 150 films throughout his career. Today, he is remembered as a consummate performer whose versatility and skill made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike.
Tôru Abe was also a dedicated teacher of acting, serving as an instructor at the Haiyuza Theatre Company's acting school for many years. He believed in the importance of passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of actors. In recognition of his contributions to the performing arts, Abe was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette by the government of Japan in 1989. Despite his success and accolades, Abe remained humble and devoted to his craft throughout his life. He once said, "Acting is the pursuit of truth. It's about capturing the essence of life itself." This commitment to authenticity and sincerity are evident in every one of his performances, making him a true icon of Japanese cinema.
Ikunosuke Koizumi
Ikunosuke Koizumi (August 26, 1917 Matsudo-) is a Japanese actor and pornographic film actor.
Koizumi initially began his career as a stage actor and made his film debut in 1937. He gained popularity in the 1950s with his appearances in jidaigeki films, period dramas set in feudal Japan. However, in the 1970s, Koizumi began starring in adult films, often playing characters with a comedic edge. His performances were praised for their physical comedy and timing. In addition to his acting work, Koizumi also worked as a director for the Nikkatsu studio, where he directed several Roman Porno films in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite the controversial nature of his adult film work, Koizumi remains a beloved figure in Japanese cinema and has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career.
In his early career, Koizumi appeared in several films, including Aizen Katsura (1949) and Street of Shame (1956), which were both directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi. He also collaborated with the legendary director Akira Kurosawa, appearing in two of his films: Scandal (1950) and The Hidden Fortress (1958).
Koizumi's work in the adult film industry didn't diminish his popularity as a character actor, and he continued to appear in mainstream films throughout his career. He also had a successful stint as a television host and presenter, hosting several popular game shows in the 1970s and 1980s.
In 1995, Koizumi was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Yokohama Film Festival, and in 2002, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of the highest honors given by the Japanese government. Despite his passing in 2006, his work continues to be celebrated and remembered by fans of Japanese cinema.
Koizumi's acting talent was not confined to just one genre or medium. In addition to his work in jidaigeki films and adult entertainment, he also appeared in several yakuza films, including Street Mobster (1972) and Graveyard of Honor (1975). He also lent his voice to several animated films, including the Hayao Miyazaki classic Princess Mononoke (1997), where he played the character of Okkoto.
Beyond his creative pursuits, Koizumi was also a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Atsuko, for over 60 years until his death in 2006. The couple had four children together, two of whom followed in their father's footsteps and became actors.
Koizumi's legacy in Japanese cinema continues to live on, with retrospectives of his work being held in film festivals and theaters across the country. His contributions to the art of acting and filmmaking have left an indelible mark on Japanese popular culture, and his performances are still studied and revered by aspiring actors and filmmakers alike.
Tsutomu Shimomoto
Tsutomu Shimomoto (October 2, 1917 Kochi-November 29, 2000 Shibuya) a.k.a. しももと つとむ, Shimomoto Tsutomu or 下元 勉 was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in 1946 and went on to become a prominent actor in Japanese cinema, appearing in over 300 films. Shimomoto was known for his versatility, playing roles in a variety of genres such as drama, action, and comedy. He worked with many of Japan's top directors including Akira Kurosawa, Yasujirō Ozu, and Shohei Imamura. In addition to his work in film, he also appeared in several television dramas. Shimomoto was a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors for achievement in the arts and sciences, in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
Shimomoto was born in Kochi, Japan in 1917. He grew up during a time of great change in Japan's history, including the rise of militarism and World War II. After the war, Shimomoto began his acting career and quickly became one of the most sought-after actors in Japanese cinema. He was known for his ability to play a wide variety of roles and his range as an actor.
In addition to his work on screen, Shimomoto was also a talented stage actor. He appeared in many productions throughout his career and was known for his powerful and emotional performances. Despite his success, Shimomoto remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to work in film and television well into his 80s, and his contributions to the industry were recognized with numerous awards and honors.
Throughout his life, Shimomoto remained committed to his family and his community. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and he often used his fame and fortune to help others. After his death in 2000, Shimomoto was remembered as one of Japan's greatest actors and a true icon of Japanese cinema. His legacy continues to inspire and influence countless actors and filmmakers around the world.
Shimomoto's career was not limited to acting; he also tried his hand at directing towards the end of his career. His directorial debut, "Hideout in the Sun" in 1960, was a box office hit. However, he would only direct four more films after that. In addition to his work on screen, Shimomoto was an accomplished writer, penning several essays and memoirs about his experiences in the film industry. His autobiography, "My Life in Film," was published in 1996 and is still considered a valuable resource for film historians and enthusiasts. Aside from his artistic achievements, Shimomoto was also known for his humanitarian work. He was a champion of environmental causes, and in 1989 he founded the Shimomoto Environmental Foundation to support environmental education and conservation efforts in Japan.
Shirô Amakusa
Shirô Amakusa (January 18, 1917 Kumamoto-July 25, 1986) also known as Shiroo Amakusa was a Japanese actor.
He began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to film and television. Amakusa appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, including prominent roles in several samurai films. He was known for his dynamic on-screen presence and his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters. In addition to his work as an actor, Amakusa was also a director and producer, and served as the president of the Japan Actors Union from 1971 to 1986. He was a beloved figure in both the Japanese film industry and the broader entertainment community, and his legacy continues to be celebrated today.
Shirô Amakusa was born in Kumamoto, Japan, in 1917. He first became interested in performance as a child, and began acting in community theater productions as a teenager. He went on to study theater arts in college and began his professional acting career in the late 1930s with the Shochiku Kamata Film Studio.
Amakusa quickly made a name for himself as a versatile actor with impressive range, taking on roles in dramas, comedies, action films, and historical epics. Some of his most notable performances came in the samurai films of the 1950s and 60s, where he often played the hero's loyal friend or formidable foe. He also garnered critical acclaim for his work in dramatic films, including "The Human Condition" (1959) and "Red Beard" (1965).
As a filmmaker, Amakusa directed several films and produced many more, often collaborating with some of the most talented filmmakers and actors of his generation. He also contributed to the development of the Japanese film industry as a whole, advocating for better working conditions for actors and pushing for more diverse representations of Japanese society onscreen.
Outside of his career in the arts, Amakusa was active in politics and social justice issues. He was a supporter of left-wing causes and a vocal opponent of nuclear weapons and the Vietnam War. He also worked to promote cultural exchange between Japan and other countries, and traveled widely throughout his career to attend film festivals and other events.
Amakusa passed away in 1986 at the age of 69, but his impact on the Japanese film industry and the wider world of entertainment continues to be felt to this day. He is remembered as a trailblazer, a visionary artist, and a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights.
In addition to his many accomplishments, Shirô Amakusa was also known for his dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to excellence. He was known to be a tireless worker, often devoting long hours to rehearsals and taking on challenging roles that pushed him to his limits as an actor. His attention to detail and his ability to bring nuance and complexity to his performances set him apart from many of his peers, and earned him the respect and admiration of audiences and critics alike.
Amakusa was also known for his generosity and his willingness to help younger actors and filmmakers. Throughout his career, he mentored many aspiring artists and provided them with guidance, support, and opportunities to learn and grow. His legacy as a mentor and a role model has inspired countless others in the Japanese film industry and beyond.
Despite his many achievements, Amakusa remained humble and grounded throughout his life. He was deeply committed to his family and his community, and worked tirelessly to make Japan a better place for all its citizens. His contributions to the arts, to politics, and to social justice have left an indelible mark on Japanese culture and society, and his legacy continues to inspire and uplift people to this day.
Eiji Mutô
Eiji Mutô (November 22, 1917-January 5, 1999) was a Japanese actor.
He was born in the city of Shimotsuma, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Mutô made his acting debut in 1942 in the film "The War at Sea from Hawaii to Malaya." He appeared in over 300 films throughout his career, including many samurai films and period dramas. Mutô was known for his versatility and dynamic acting style, often playing roles that required physical prowess and martial arts skills. He won several awards for his performances, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor in 1977. Mutô also directed and produced a number of films in the 1960s and 1970s. He retired from acting in 1992 and passed away in 1999 at the age of 81.
While Eiji Mutô was proficient in martial arts, he did not have any formal training. Instead, he learned sword fighting and other forms of combat through his work in samurai films. Mutô also served in the Japanese military during World War II, where he was assigned to the army's film unit. After the war, he resumed his acting career and quickly became a prominent figure in the Japanese film industry. In addition to his work on-screen, Mutô was also a noted stage actor and appeared in many traditional Japanese plays. Despite his success, Mutô remained humble and was known for his kindness and dedication to his craft. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential actors in Japanese cinema history.
Mutô's legacy extends beyond his extensive filmography. He was an advocate for actor's rights and served as the chairman of the Japanese Actors' Union for several years. Mutô was recognized for his contributions to the film industry and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, a prestigious honor in Japan. He also had a successful personal life, marrying actress Yoshiko Kuga in 1955 and remaining together until her death in 1985. Mutô's impact on the industry continues to be felt, and his films are still widely watched and celebrated today. In 2007, a museum dedicated to his life and career opened in Shimotsuma, showcasing his extensive collection of memorabilia and artifacts.