Japanese movie stars born in 1929
Here are 14 famous actors from Japan were born in 1929:
Chikao Ōtsuka
Chikao Ōtsuka (July 5, 1929 Setagaya-) also known as Shou Ohtsuka, Norio Ôtsuka, Chikao Otsuka, Ohtsuka Chikao, Chikao Ôtsuka, Chikao Ōtsuka, Ōtsuka Chikao or Chikao Ohtsuka is a Japanese voice actor and actor. He has one child, Akio Ōtsuka.
Chikao Ōtsuka began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1950s as a stage actor. He eventually transitioned to voice acting and became known for his roles in popular anime series such as "Dragon Ball Z," "Naruto," and "Pokemon." He is also known for his narration work on various television programs and commercials.
Aside from his voice acting work, Chikao Ōtsuka was also a talented actor who appeared in numerous Japanese films and television dramas. He was known for his roles in period dramas and was considered one of the most respected actors of his time.
In addition to his entertainment career, Chikao Ōtsuka was also an accomplished calligrapher and had his work exhibited in Japan and other countries. He passed away on January 15, 2015, at the age of 85 due to ischemic heart disease. His legacy in the entertainment industry and the arts continue to inspire future generations.
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Gorō Naya
Gorō Naya (November 17, 1929 Hakodate-March 5, 2013 Chiba) also known as Gorou Naya, Gorô Naya or Naya Gorô was a Japanese actor, theatre director and voice actor.
He was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan and graduated from Hokkaido University. Naya was known for his deep, distinct voice and iconic roles in Japanese anime and television dramas. He voiced many popular characters such as Inspector Zenigata in Lupin III, Shiro Sanada in Space Battleship Yamato, and Captain Hook in Peter Pan no Boken. Naya also acted in films including Akira Kurosawa's Kagemusha and television dramas such as Abarenbo Shogun and Hissatsu Shiokinin. In addition to his acting career, Naya also worked as a theatre director and was a founding member of the theatrical company, Bungakuza.
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Tomisaburo Wakayama
Tomisaburo Wakayama (September 1, 1929 Fukagawa, Tokyo-April 2, 1992 Kyoto) also known as Jyo Kenzaburo, Jo Kenzaburo, Kenzaburo Jô, Jou Kenzaburou, Joh Kenzaburo, Tomisaburô Wakayama, Kenzaburo Jo, Wakayama Tomisaburō, Masaru Okomura or Okomura Masaru was a Japanese actor and film producer. He had one child, Kiichirô Wakayama.
Wakayama is best known for his role as Ogami Itto in the popular Japanese film series "Lone Wolf and Cub" (also known as "Shogun Assassin" in the United States). He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, including "Akira Kurosawa's Kagemusha" and "Samurai Assassin". In addition to acting, he also produced several films, including "Shogun's Ninja" and "Message from Space". Wakayama was a skilled martial artist, holding black belts in Judo and Kendo. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 62 due to bladder cancer.
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Toshiro Mayuzumi
Toshiro Mayuzumi (February 20, 1929 Yokohama-April 10, 1997 Kawasaki) also known as Toshirô Mayuzumi or Mayuzumi Toshiro was a Japanese film score composer, composer and actor. He had one child, Rintaro Mayuzumi.
Mayuzumi studied composition at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music before starting his career as a composer for films in the 1950s. He is best known for his scores for films such as Akira Kurosawa's "Throne of Blood" and "The Bad Sleep Well", as well as for the music he wrote for the opening ceremony of the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Mayuzumi's style incorporated a wide range of influences, including jazz, traditional Japanese music, and serialism. In addition to film music, he also composed orchestral and chamber works, including several pieces for shakuhachi (a traditional Japanese flute). Mayuzumi was also a member of the Japanese parliament for several years, representing the Japan Socialist Party.
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Tōru Ōhira
Tōru Ōhira (September 24, 1929 Ōta, Tokyo-) a.k.a. Toru Ohira, Tooru Oohira, Ōhira Tōru or Tôru Ôhira is a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator.
He began his career as a stage actor, and later became a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous popular anime characters such as Doctor Eggman from the Sonic the Hedgehog series, Captain Hook from Disney's Peter Pan, and Doctor Robotnik from the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog TV series. He also appeared in the Japanese version of the Star Wars films as the voice of Darth Vader. In addition to his voice acting work, Ōhira also narrated various documentaries, commercials and video games. He was known for his deep, distinctive voice and his versatile range, which allowed him to bring many characters to life throughout his career. In 2009, he was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his contribution to the arts.
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Kōhei Miyauchi
Kōhei Miyauchi (August 4, 1929 Kagoshima Prefecture-June 2, 1995 Itabashi) also known as Kohei Miyauchi, Takayuki Miyauchi, Miyauchi Takayuki, Miyauchi Kōhei, Miyauchi, Kouhei or Miyauchi, Kouhei (Kame Sennin) was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He was best known for his prolific voice acting career, with roles in popular anime such as Dragon Ball (as Kame Sennin), Lupin III (as Daisuke Jigen), and Galaxy Express 999 (as Captain Harlock). Miyauchi began his acting career in the 1950s, appearing in numerous films and television dramas. In the 1960s, he transitioned to voice acting, and his deep, distinctive voice made him a popular choice for both supporting and lead roles. Outside of his voice acting work, Miyauchi was also a talented singer, with several singles and albums to his name. He died in 1995 at the age of 65, but his memorable performances continue to be celebrated by fans of anime and Japanese pop culture.
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Masato Yamanouchi
Masato Yamanouchi (April 3, 1929 Tokyo-April 7, 2003) a.k.a. Masato Yamanôchi, Mikio Yamauchi, Yamanouchi Masato or 山内 雅人 was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He began his career in radio dramas before moving on to voice acting for animated television shows and films. He was known for his deep and distinctive voice and his ability to bring a wide range of characters to life. Some of his most notable roles include Inspector Zenigata in the Lupin III series, Dr. Eggman in the Japanese version of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and Professor Moriarty in the Sherlock Hound series. In addition to his voice acting work, Yamanouchi also appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 74.
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Kōjirō Kusanagi
Kōjirō Kusanagi (September 19, 1929 Kita, Tokyo-November 11, 2007 Mitaka) also known as Kusanagi Kōjirō, 草薙幸二郎, Kôjirô Kusanagi, 草薙 幸次郎 or くさなぎ こうじろう was a Japanese actor. He had one child, Jin Kusanagi.
Kusanagi began his acting career in 1950 and appeared in over 175 films throughout his career. He was known for his roles in Akira Kurosawa's films, including "The Seven Samurai" and "Yojimbo". Kusanagi also played the role of Kirei in the television series "Kamen Rider" in the 1970s. In addition to his acting career, Kusanagi was also a vocal coach and mentor to many Japanese singers and actors. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 78.
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Haruo Nakajima
Haruo Nakajima (January 1, 1929 Sakata-) also known as Nakajima Haruo is a Japanese actor and stunt performer. His child is called Sonoe Nakajima.
Nakajima is most famously known for portraying the iconic character Godzilla from 1954 to 1972. He also played other popular characters in Japanese monster movies such as Rodan, Mogera, and King Kong. Nakajima's work as a stunt performer can also be seen in films like Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai and the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. In 2010, Nakajima published his autobiography titled "Monster Life: Haruo Nakajima, the Original Godzilla Actor." He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, just a year before his death at the age of 88.
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Frankie Sakai
Frankie Sakai (February 13, 1929 Kagoshima-June 10, 1996 Tokyo) also known as フランキー堺, Masatoshi Sakai or 堺正俊 was a Japanese comedian, actor and musician.
He began his career as a musician, performing jazz and blues music in nightclubs. He later discovered his talent for comedy, and began appearing on television and in movies. He became one of Japan's most beloved comedians, known for his quick wit and ability to make people laugh.
In addition to his comedy and music careers, Sakai was also an accomplished actor, appearing in over 100 films and television shows. He was particularly skilled at playing both comedic and dramatic roles, and was renowned for his versatility as an actor.
Sakai was also a philanthropist, known for his charitable work and his dedication to helping those in need. He was particularly passionate about working with children, and was involved in a number of organizations that focused on providing support and resources to young people.
Despite his success and fame, Sakai remained humble and down-to-earth throughout his life, and was widely respected for his kindness and generosity. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most beloved and talented entertainers.
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Shoichi Ozawa
Shoichi Ozawa (April 6, 1929 Tokyo-December 10, 2012 Tokyo) also known as Shôichi Ozawa, 小澤 昭一, おざわ しょういち, 小沢 昭一, Ozawa Shôichi or 小沢変哲 was a Japanese actor, radio personality, singer and film producer.
Ozawa began his career in the entertainment industry in 1950 as a radio personality. He then transitioned into acting and appeared in numerous films and TV dramas throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include his portrayal of Kihachi in the film "The Human Condition" and Kozo Tsumura in the TV drama "Shimane Prison Riot". Ozawa was also a prolific singer and released several albums throughout his career. In addition to acting and singing, he also produced films such as "The Sea and Poison" and "The Demon". Ozawa received numerous awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry including the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2007.
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Shigeru Kôyama
Shigeru Kôyama (January 16, 1929 Kure-) a.k.a. 神山 繁, Kôyama Shigeru, Shigeru Koyama, Shigeru Kohyama, Shigeru Kamiyama or Shigeru Kōyama is a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the 1950s and has appeared in over 160 films and television shows. Kôyama is perhaps best known for his role as Osato in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. He has also lent his voice to numerous animated films and series, such as Spirited Away and Naruto. Kôyama has received several awards for his acting including the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2019. Outside of acting, he is also known for his work as a calligrapher, having published several books on the subject.
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Kiyoshi Kawakubo
Kiyoshi Kawakubo (November 18, 1929 Yokohama-) is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
Kawakubo began his acting career in the 1950s, appearing in various Japanese films and television dramas. He became known to audiences around the world as the Japanese voice actor for the character Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. In addition to his work in film and television, Kawakubo has also lent his voice to numerous anime productions, including Lupin III, Mobile Suit Gundam, and Dragon Ball Z. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous accolades for his work in acting and voice acting, including the Merit award at the 9th Seiyu Awards in 2015. Despite being in his nineties, Kawakubo continues to work as an actor and voice actor to this day.
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Fumio Watanabe
Fumio Watanabe (October 31, 1929 Tokyo-August 4, 2004 Japan) a.k.a. 渡辺文雄 or Watanabe Fumio was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in 1952 with the film "Shitamachi roketto" and quickly gained popularity for his roles in various Japanese films and television dramas. Watanabe appeared in over 130 films and television dramas, including the critically acclaimed 1988 film "The Family Game" directed by Yoshimitsu Morita. He was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a wide range of characters from samurai to salarymen.
In addition to his acting career, Watanabe was also a trained boxer and often incorporated his boxing skills into his roles. He was a beloved figure in the Japanese entertainment industry for his talent and warm personality.
Watanabe passed away in 2004 at the age of 74 due to complications from a stroke. He left behind a legacy as one of Japan's most talented actors and a true icon of Japanese cinema.
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