Japanese movie stars born in 1926
Here are 15 famous actors from Japan were born in 1926:
Hideyo Amamoto
Hideyo Amamoto (January 2, 1926 Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyūshū-March 23, 2003 Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyūshū) a.k.a. Eisei Amamoto or Amamoto Hideyo was a Japanese actor.
He began his career as a stage actor, but later became a prominent figure in Japanese cinema, appearing in over 300 films throughout his career. Amamoto was best known for his work in the kaiju film genre, having appeared in numerous entries in the Godzilla and Gamera franchises. In addition to his film work, he also appeared in a number of Japanese television dramas. Despite his success on screen, Amamoto remained known for his humility and dedication to his craft throughout his life.
Keiji Sada
Keiji Sada (December 9, 1926 Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto-August 17, 1964 Nirasaki) also known as Kanichi Nakai, Sada Keiji or Nakai Kanichi was a Japanese actor. His children are called Kiichi Nakai and Kie Nakai.
Keiji Sada began his acting career in the 1940s and quickly became a popular actor in both film and television. He is best known for his roles in the popular films including "Tokyo Twilight" (1957) and "When a Woman Ascends the Stairs" (1960). Sada also made his mark on the small screen, starring in several popular television dramas such as "Tantei Jimusho 23" (Detective Agency 23) and "Kao" (Face).
Despite his success, Sada struggled with alcohol addiction throughout his career, which ultimately led to his death at the age of 37. He passed away from liver failure caused by chronic alcoholism. Today, Keiji Sada is remembered as a talented and versatile actor who left a lasting impact on Japanese cinema and television.
Chiyonosuke Azuma
Chiyonosuke Azuma (August 19, 1926 Tokyo-November 9, 2000 Shinjuku) otherwise known as Takayuki Wakawada or Azuma Chiyonosuke was a Japanese actor.
He began his career in theater before transitioning to film in the late 1940s. Azuma quickly gained recognition for his work in Japanese films, particularly in the yakuza and samurai genres. He starred in over 150 films throughout his career, becoming one of Japan's most successful and prolific actors. Azuma also made a name for himself outside of Japan, with roles in international productions such as the 1961 film "The Last Gun" and the 1983 TV series "The Winds of War". In addition to his acting career, Azuma was a skilled martial artist and even founded his own martial arts school. He passed away in 2000 at the age of 74 due to bladder cancer.
Kenji Sugawara
Kenji Sugawara (March 14, 1926 Tokyo-December 24, 1999 Tokyo) was a Japanese actor.
He began his career in the film industry during the 1950s and starred in numerous films throughout his career. Sugawara was known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres of film. He was particularly acclaimed for his work in action-adventure films and was often typecast in roles as a tough-guy gangster. Sugawara was also a prolific television actor, appearing in several popular dramas and variety shows. Towards the end of his career, he began to receive critical recognition for his work in more dramatic roles. Sugawara remained active in the industry until his passing in 1999, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and prominent actors of his generation.
Akihiko Katayama
Akihiko Katayama (November 26, 1926 Kyoto-) also known as 片山明彦, 鹿児島華彦, Katayama Akihiko or かたやま あきひこ is a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in more than 70 films over the course of his career. Katayama is known for his roles in "Cowboy Bebop: The Movie" (2001), "Samurai Rebellion" (1967) and "Gate of Hell" (1953), a film that won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His performances earned him critical acclaim and he was considered one of the most versatile actors of his time. In addition to his work in film, Katayama also appeared in numerous television dramas and stage productions. He retired from acting in the early 2000s and currently resides in Kyoto.
Enjudayu Kiyomoto VI
Enjudayu Kiyomoto VI (September 27, 1926 Tokyo-) also known as Kiyomoto Enjudayu VI is a Japanese actor. His child is called Enjudayu Kiyomoto VII.
Kiyomoto Enjudayu VI is best known for his work as a Kabuki actor in Japan. He was born on September 27, 1926, in Tokyo, Japan. His father was also a Kabuki actor, and he grew up in the world of traditional Japanese theatre. Kiyomoto Enjudayu VI made his debut performance in 1940, at the age of 14, and soon became one of the most celebrated actors of his generation. He has appeared in many famous roles, including the lead in "Miyuki-zukai," "Ishikiri Kajiwara," and "Gonza to Sukejuro." Besides Kabuki, he also performed in TV dramas and movies. His son, Enjudayu Kiyomoto VII, is also following in his footsteps and is a Kabuki actor. Kiyomoto Enjudayu VI has won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Japan Art Academy Prize in 1974, and the Japan Foundation Award in 2004. He has also been designated as a "Living National Treasure" by the Japanese government, which is the highest honor that can be awarded to a traditional artist in Japan. Despite his advanced age, Kiyomoto Enjudayu VI continues to perform and inspire new generations of actors.
Bin Moritsuka
Bin Moritsuka (October 1, 1926 Taitō-June 19, 2006 Nakano, Tokyo) a.k.a. Toshi Moritsuka, Moritsuka Toshi or Moritsuka Bin was a Japanese actor.
He starred in over 200 films, including "The Human Condition" trilogy and "Intentions of Murder." Moritsuka also appeared in television dramas and on stage. He was a member of the prestigious Haiyuza Theater Company for over 50 years. In addition to his acting career, Moritsuka was also a translator and translated works such as "The Catcher in the Rye" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" into Japanese. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun in 2004 for his contributions to the arts.
Kataoka Roen VI
Kataoka Roen VI (November 15, 1926 Osaka Prefecture-December 25, 2011) otherwise known as かたおか だいすけ, 六代目 片岡 芦燕, Kataoka Daisuke, ふじま ふじひこ, Daisuke Kataoka, Fujima Fujihiko, Kataoka Roen, 藤間 藤彦, 片岡芦燕 (6代目), 片岡 大輔, かたおか ろえん, Fujihiko Fujima, 片岡芦燕 or ろくだいめ かたおか ろえん was a Japanese actor.
Kataoka Roen VI was born as Fujima Fujihiko and was the sixth actor to hold the name Kataoka Roen, one of the most prestigious names in the Kabuki theatre. He began his acting career at a young age, first performing at the age of nine. Over the course of his long career, he became known for his dynamic performances and his exceptional sword fighting skills. He was also known for his versatility, playing both male and female roles in Kabuki. In addition to his work on the stage, Kataoka Roen VI appeared in films and television dramas. He was a recipient of the Order of Culture, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japanese government. His legacy continues to live on in the world of Kabuki theatre.
Hitoshi Ueki
Hitoshi Ueki (December 25, 1926 Nagoya-March 27, 2007 Tokyo) also known as Ueki Hitoshi, 植木やん, 植木屋, うえき ひとし or 植木 等 was a Japanese singer, comedian and actor. He had two children, Koichi Hiro and Yuko Ueki.
Ueki was best known for his contribution to the manzai style of Japanese comedy. He formed a duo with his partner, Kiyoshi Nishikawa, in the mid-1950s, and they quickly rose to fame as "Mecha-Mecha Ike" (lit. "Absolutely Go"), a comedic act that involved lively banter and physical comedy.
In addition to his work in comedy, Ueki had a successful music career, releasing several hit singles and albums throughout the 1960s and 70s.
Ueki was also an accomplished actor and appeared in numerous films and TV dramas throughout his career. His notable works include the films "Miyamoto Musashi" (1954) and "Shibuya de Aimashou" (1962), as well as the TV dramas "Oshin" (1983-1984) and "Futarikko" (1996).
Ueki received several awards throughout his career, including the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1990 and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2006.
Shizuo Chûjô
Shizuo Chûjô (March 30, 1926 Shizuoka Prefecture-October 5, 1994) also known as ちゅうじょう しずお, 中條 靜雄, Chûjô Shizuo or 中条 静夫 was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the mid-1950s and appeared in over 100 films and television dramas during his career. Chûjô was known for his ability to portray both serious and comedic roles with equal talent, and was highly regarded in the Japanese entertainment industry for his versatility and professionalism. He was particularly well-known for his roles in yakuza films, and often played gangsters or tough-guy characters. Some of his most famous films include "Outlaw Killers: Three Mad Dog Brothers," "The Profound Desire of the Gods," and "Sun in the Last Days of the Shogunate." Aside from his work in film and television, Chûjô was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous anime series and dubbing foreign films. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 68.
Hiroshi Koizumi
Hiroshi Koizumi (August 12, 1926 Kamakura-) also known as Koizumi Hiroshi is a Japanese actor.
He started his career in the film industry in 1950 and appeared in over 80 films throughout his career. One of his most famous roles was as Professor Miura in the Godzilla film series. Koizumi also appeared in other popular Japanese films such as Seven Samurai and Tokyo Twilight. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Japan Academy Awards in 1994 for his role in the film 47 Ronin. In addition to his acting career, Koizumi was also a successful television personality and appeared in several Japanese TV dramas. He received the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2000 for his contributions to the arts.
Tetsuya Kaji
Tetsuya Kaji (May 12, 1926 Tokyo-August 22, 2005 Fujimi) was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
Kaji started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1950s and appeared in numerous TV dramas and films. He was a prominent voice actor, lending his voice to many characters in popular anime series, including "Doraemon" and "Astro Boy." He was especially known for his skill in playing villains and antagonists in various anime series. In addition to his voice acting work, Kaji also acted in several theater productions. Throughout his career, he received several awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry. Kaji passed away in 2005 at the age of 79.
Kei Iinuma
Kei Iinuma (May 17, 1926 Kyoto-December 24, 2011 Tokyo) was a Japanese actor.
Kei Iinuma was born in Kyoto in 1926 and began his career as an actor in the 1950s. He appeared in numerous films, TV dramas, and stage productions throughout his career. Iinuma was known for his versatile acting skills and ability to portray a wide range of characters, from serious and dramatic roles to comedic ones. Some of his most memorable roles include his performances in films like "Oshidori Utagassen" (1953), "Nippon Tanjo" (1959), and "Carmen Comes Home" (1951). In addition to acting, Iinuma was also a respected director and producer in the Japanese entertainment industry. He passed away in Tokyo in 2011 at the age of 85, leaving behind a rich legacy in Japanese cinema and theater.
Teiji Takahashi
Teiji Takahashi (October 20, 1926 Tokyo-November 3, 1959 Yokohama) was a Japanese actor.
He was born in Tokyo and made his acting debut in 1947 with the film "Ahen senso" ("Hazy Life"). He appeared in numerous films throughout his career, including "Ichimai no hagaki" ("A Postcard"), "Joiuchi: Hairyo tsuma shimatsu" ("Rebel Genroku"), and "Yagyu ichizoku no imbou" ("The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy"). Takahashi was especially known for his roles in jidaigeki (samurai dramas). In addition to acting, he was also a talented singer and performed in several musical revues. Sadly, Takahashi died at the young age of 33 from liver cancer in Yokohama. He left behind a legacy as a prominent actor during the Golden Age of Japanese Cinema.
Kotabe Tsumaro
Kotabe Tsumaro (November 24, 1926 Fukuoka Prefecture-August 29, 2004) was a Japanese actor and priest.
Kotabe Tsumaro was particularly known for his acting work in the Japanese film industry during the 1950s and 1960s. His notable films include "Tokyo Twilight" (Otoshiana, 1957) directed by Yasujiro Ozu, and "The Human Condition" (Ningen no joken, 1959) directed by Masaki Kobayashi. Later in his life, Kotabe studied at a theological seminary and became a Christian priest. He served as a priest at the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Tokyo until his death in 2004 at the age of 77.