Japanese movie stars born in 1920
Here are 9 famous actors from Japan were born in 1920:
Toshiro Mifune
Toshiro Mifune (April 1, 1920 Qingdao-December 24, 1997 Mitaka) also known as Sanchuan Minlang, The Wolf, Minlang Sanchuan, Toshirô Mifune, Mifune Toshirō or The Shogun was a Japanese actor, film producer, soldier, businessperson and film director. He had three children, Mika Mifune, Shirô Mifune and Takeshi Mifune.
Toshiro Mifune is regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Japanese cinema. He appeared in over 150 films in his career, including many classics made by director Akira Kurosawa. Mifune's roles were often characterized by his intensity, physicality and ability to convey a wide range of emotions. His performances in films like Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, and Rashomon are considered iconic and have influenced countless actors and filmmakers around the world. Mifune was also known for his work outside of Japan, appearing in films like Hell in the Pacific and Grand Prix. He was awarded many honors throughout his career, including the Order of the Rising Sun, medal with the Gold and Silver Rays. Mifune passed away in 1997 at the age of 77, but his legacy as one of the most talented and influential actors in cinema history lives on.
Born in Qingdao, China, Toshiro Mifune was the second son of Japanese parents who were working there. When he was only two years old, his family moved back to Japan and settled in Dalian. Mifune grew up in China, and later in Japan, where he attended Doshisha University in Kyoto. After completing his education, Mifune worked briefly as a photographer before being drafted into the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.
Mifune was trained as an aerial photographer, but he served primarily as an infantryman and was eventually sent to the front lines in China. His experiences in the war deeply affected him and inspired him to think about becoming an actor. After the war, Mifune was working as an assistant cameraman at Toho Studios when he was discovered by director Akira Kurosawa.
Kurosawa cast Mifune in his first film, Drunken Angel, and the two went on to make many more films together, including Rashomon, Seven Samurai, and Yojimbo. Mifune also worked with other directors, including Kenji Mizoguchi and Hiroshi Inagaki. In addition to his work in film, Mifune was also a successful businessman who owned a production company and a restaurant chain.
Mifune's influence on cinema can still be seen today in the work of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese. His performances continue to inspire actors and moviegoers around the world. Through his work, Toshiro Mifune left a lasting legacy as one of Japan's greatest actors and a towering figure in the history of cinema.
Eiji Okada
Eiji Okada (June 13, 1920 Choshi-September 14, 1995 Tokyo) a.k.a. Okada Eiji was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in theater, working with renowned director Yukio Ninagawa. He later transitioned to film and appeared in several notable works, including Hiroshi Teshigahara's "Woman in the Dunes" (1964), which was nominated for two Academy Awards. Okada also worked with acclaimed director Yasujirō Ozu in his film "Equinox Flower" (1958). In addition to his work in film, Okada was a prominent figure in Japanese television, and became known for his roles in several popular dramas. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Kinema Junpo Award for Best Actor.
Okada Eiji was born in Choshi, Japan, and grew up in an affluent family. He attended Keio University, where he studied law, but his passion for acting led him to drop out and pursue a career in theatre. After working with Ninagawa, Okada gained recognition for his stage performances, and soon caught the attention of film directors.
Apart from his work as an actor, Okada was also a writer and a translator. He translated numerous works of western literature into Japanese, including works by Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Okada’s acting career spanned over four decades, and he appeared in more than 100 films and television dramas. Some of his other notable works include "The Ugly American" (1963), "Hymn to a Tired Man" (1968), and "Kwaidan" (1964).
Throughout his life, Okada was known for his intelligence, wit, and passion for art. He passed away in Tokyo in 1995, at the age of 75. His legacy as one of Japan’s greatest actors continues to inspire new generations of performers.
Yoshio Inaba
Yoshio Inaba (July 15, 1920 Narita-April 20, 1998 Suginami) also known as Yoshihisa Inaba was a Japanese actor.
He was best known for his voice acting roles, particularly for the character of Captain Hook in the Japanese dub of Disney's "Peter Pan". Inaba's other prominent voice acting roles included the narrator in the Japanese version of "Thunderbirds" and the character of Ferdinand in the Japanese version of "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color". In addition to voice acting, Inaba also appeared in over 100 films and television dramas throughout his career. He received the Best Actor award at the Blue Ribbon Awards in 1957 for his role in "Shinobi no Mono". Inaba was also a skilled boxer, and even fought professionally during his early acting career.
Inaba was born in Narita, Japan in 1920 as the third son of a family involved in the restaurant business. He attended Waseda University but dropped out to pursue his love of acting. In 1942, he made his acting debut in the film "Tekkaba no bishojo" and continued to work on stage and screen throughout World War II.
In the 1950s, Inaba starred in several popular films, including "The Three Treasures" and "Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island". In the 1960s, he appeared in the film "Throne of Blood" directed by Akira Kurosawa. He also appeared in the popular television series "Seven Detectives" and "Mito Komon".
Inaba was known for his deep, commanding voice and his ability to bring gravitas to his roles. He was also a mentor to many young actors, including Tetsuro Tamba and Sonny Chiba.
Inaba passed away in 1998 at the age of 77 due to complications from pneumonia. He left behind a legacy as one of Japan's most respected actors and voice actors.
Shiro Osaka
Shiro Osaka (February 14, 1920 Noshiro-March 3, 1989) also known as Shirô Osaka, Shirô Ôsaka or Osaka Shiro was a Japanese actor.
He made his debut in the entertainment industry in 1945 and appeared in numerous films, TV shows and stage productions throughout his career. Osaka is perhaps best known for his roles in Japanese war epics like "Battle of Okinawa" and "Eagle of the Pacific". He also had a prominent role in "Shinsengumi Chronicles" as the character Toshizo Hijikata. Osaka received several accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actor. Apart from his work in entertainment, Osaka was also a passionate calligrapher and his works have been exhibited in Japan and abroad. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
In addition to his successful career in acting, Shiro Osaka was also known for his voice acting roles. He lent his voice to various characters in popular anime shows, including "Moomin" and "Star Blazers". Osaka was also a founding member of the Japan Actors Union and actively campaigned for the rights of actors and performers. He was known for his kindness and generosity towards his colleagues and was greatly respected by his peers. Osaka's contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized by the Japanese government, which awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 1988. Today, he is remembered as a talented actor and a dedicated artist who left a lasting impact on the Japanese entertainment industry.
Asao Uchida
Asao Uchida (August 1, 1920 Pyongyang-September 30, 1996) was a Japanese actor. His child is called Takeshi Uchida.
Asao Uchida began his acting career in 1941 with the film "Shunkinsho: Okoto to Sasuke" directed by Mikio Naruse. He became known for his roles in jidaigeki (historical dramas) and yakuza films in the 1950s and 60s, and appeared in over 230 films throughout his career. Uchida also worked on stage and television, and was recognized with several awards for his work in the entertainment industry. Outside of acting, Uchida was also involved in politics and anti-nuclear activism. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 76.
In addition to his prolific acting career, Asao Uchida was also an accomplished playwright and screenwriter, writing scripts for several of the films he appeared in. He was particularly admired for his ability to write and perform in comedic roles, and was a frequent collaborator with acclaimed comedian and director Takeshi Kitano. Uchida's political activism was born out of his experiences serving in the Japanese military during World War II, and the devastation he witnessed during the war. He was a passionate advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament, and even ran for political office in his later years as a member of the Japan Socialist Party. Uchida's legacy continues to be celebrated in Japan, and he is remembered as one of the country's most beloved actors and social activists.
Hiroshi Akutagawa
Hiroshi Akutagawa (March 20, 1920 Kita, Tokyo-October 25, 1981 Meguro) also known as Akutagawa Hiroshi or 芥川 比呂志 was a Japanese actor. He had one child, Teruko Akutagawa.
Hiroshi Akutagawa was best known for his performances in period dramas and jidaigeki films. He starred in over 100 films throughout his career, including "Gate of Hell" (1953), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Akutagawa also appeared in television dramas and was a popular figure on Japanese variety shows. In addition to his acting career, he was also a playwright and screenwriter. Akutagawa was awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun in recognition of his contributions to Japanese culture.
Born into a family of actors, Hiroshi Akutagawa began his acting career on stage at the age of 14. He made his film debut in 1949 and quickly became a popular figure in Japanese cinema. Akutagawa's talent for portraying tragic and conflicted characters in period dramas earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. He was particularly known for his performances as samurai warriors, and his portrayal of the conflicted samurai Washizu in Akira Kurosawa's "Throne of Blood" (1957) is considered one of his most memorable roles.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Akutagawa was also a prolific writer. He wrote several plays and screenplays, including the script for the film "Buddha" (1961), which he also starred in. He was known for his interest in Buddhism and wrote several books on the subject.
Tragically, Akutagawa's life was cut short when he died of a heart attack at the age of 61. His legacy, however, lives on through his numerous contributions to Japanese culture and his lasting impact on the Japanese film industry.
Toshiyuki Ichimura
Toshiyuki Ichimura (December 20, 1920 Tokyo-August 9, 1983) otherwise known as 市村俊幸, ブーちゃん, 石川 清之助 or Seinosuke Ishikawa was a Japanese actor.
Ichimura started his acting career in 1939 when he joined the Bungakuza theater troupe. He became a household name in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s, starring in numerous films and television dramas. Some of his most famous roles include "The Human Condition" (1959), "Samurai Assassin" (1965), and "Battle of Okinawa" (1971).
Aside from acting, Ichimura was also a successful playwright and director. He wrote several plays and directed several theater productions, including the famous play "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki".
Ichimura was a recipient of several awards throughout his career, including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor in 1954 and the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor in 1978. He passed away in 1983 at the age of 62 due to liver cancer.
Toshiyuki Ichimura was born in Tokyo, Japan and grew up in a family of performers. His parents were both kabuki actors, and he was the third generation of his family to enter the profession. Ichimura's interest in acting began at a young age, and he was heavily influenced by the Kabuki performances he watched as a child.
During his time at Bungakuza theater troupe, Ichimura performed in a variety of plays and gained recognition for his talent and charisma. He soon began appearing in films, and his breakthrough role came in 1952 with the film "A Broken Drum". During the 1950s and 60s, Ichimura became one of the most popular actors in Japan, known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.
In addition to his work in theater and film, Ichimura was also a frequent presence on television, appearing in a number of popular dramas throughout the 1970s. He continued to act and create theater productions until his death in 1983, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's greatest actors, playwrights, and directors.
Nobutaka Konparu
Nobutaka Konparu (April 12, 1920 Nara Prefecture-) also known as こんぱる のぶたか is a Japanese actor.
He started his acting career in 1942, joining Toho Film Studios. Throughout his long career, he has appeared in numerous films and TV dramas, including Akira Kurosawa's "Throne of Blood" (1957) and Seijun Suzuki's "Tokyo Drifter" (1966). He was also a regular on many popular Japanese TV shows, such as "Kojak" and "Columbo." In addition to his acting career, Konparu has also worked as a voice actor, dubbing foreign films and TV shows into Japanese. He has received several awards for his contributions to the film industry, including the Order of the Rising Sun in 2004.
Konparu is a highly respected figure in the Japanese acting community and is known as a mentor to many younger actors. He has worked with some of Japan's most prominent directors, such as Kurosawa and Suzuki, and is considered to be one of the greatest character actors in Japanese cinema history. Konparu has also written several books, including an autobiography and a collection of essays on acting. In his later years, he has become an advocate for elder care and has spoken publicly about the challenges facing Japan's aging population. Despite suffering a stroke in 2009, Konparu remains active in the entertainment community and has continued to appear in a number of films and TV shows.
Namigoro Rashomon
Namigoro Rashomon (March 20, 1920 Japan-) is a Japanese actor.
He is considered one of Japan's most prominent and revered actors, known for his dynamic performances on stage as well as in film and television. Rashomon began his acting career in the 1940s and quickly established himself as a leading star of the Japanese stage. He has performed in a wide range of productions, from Shakespearean plays to modern Japanese dramas.
In addition to his work on the stage, Rashomon has also appeared in numerous films and television shows. Some of his most notable film roles include "The Human Condition" and "Kwaidan", while his television work includes the series "Oshin" and "Abarenbo Shogun". He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Order of Culture from the Japanese government.
Beyond his impressive career as an actor, Rashomon is also known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved in various charitable causes over the years, including supporting victims of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. His legacy as one of Japan's finest actors and a humanitarian continues to inspire generations of performers and audiences alike.
Born in Osaka, Rashomon was the son of a Kabuki actor and grew up with a deep appreciation for the performing arts. He initially trained as a Kabuki actor, but later shifted his focus to Western-style theater, which he believed would allow him greater creative range. Rashomon's performances were characterized by their intensity, emotional depth, and a meticulous attention to detail that set him apart from his peers. He was particularly renowned for his ability to convey complex emotions and psychological states through his physical movements and facial expressions.
Rashomon was also deeply committed to the promotion of the arts in Japan and played an instrumental role in establishing the National Theatre of Japan. He served as the director of the institution for many years and worked tirelessly to showcase the diversity and richness of Japanese theatrical traditions to audiences around the world.
Despite his global renown and success, Rashomon remained deeply humble and devoted to his craft throughout his life. He often said that his greatest joy came from seeing younger actors develop their talents and carry on the legacy of Japanese performance art. Today, he is widely regarded as one of Japan's greatest cultural icons, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of theater and beyond.