Japanese movie stars born in 1944
Here are 17 famous actors from Japan were born in 1944:
Mugihito
Mugihito (August 8, 1944 Musashino-) a.k.a. Makoto Terada, Terada Makoto, Mugihito Amachi, Mugihito Tenchi or Amachi Mugihito is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
Mugihito started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1970s, with his first acting role in the TV series "Ginga Shippu Sasuraiger". Since then, he has appeared in numerous anime, video games, and live-action productions. Some of his most notable voice acting roles include Gendo Ikari in "Neon Genesis Evangelion", Master Roshi in "Dragon Ball Z", and Kotomine Kirei in "Fate/Zero". In addition to his voice acting work, Mugihito has also appeared in a number of TV dramas and films, including "Shin Godzilla" and "Kaiji". He is widely considered to be one of the most respected and talented voice actors in Japan.
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Taro Ishida
Taro Ishida (March 16, 1944 Kyoto-September 21, 2013 Sagamihara) also known as Gentarō Ishida, Ishida Tarō or Tarô Ishida was a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He began his acting career in the 1960s and gained national recognition for his performances in popular Japanese television dramas and films. Throughout his career, he appeared in over 200 films and television dramas, earning numerous awards and accolades for his acting.
In addition to his work in live-action films and dramas, Ishida was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to many popular anime and video game characters. Some of his most notable voice acting roles includes Kojiro Hyuga in the anime series Captain Tsubasa and Victor Frankenstein in the game Persona 3.
Ishida was also a skilled narrator, providing voiceovers for a variety of documentaries and programs. Despite struggles with illness later in life, he continued to work and remain active in the entertainment industry until his passing in 2013 at the age of 69.
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Hideki Takahashi
Hideki Takahashi (February 10, 1944 Kisarazu-) a.k.a. Takahashi Hideki is a Japanese actor. His child is called Maasa Takahashi.
Takahashi began his acting career in 1964 and has since appeared in numerous films and television dramas. He is perhaps best known for his role in the popular Japanese television series "Kamen Rider" in 1971. In addition to his acting work, Takahashi is also a trained classical pianist and has released several albums of piano music over the years. He is known for his philanthropic work, particularly his efforts aimed at supporting children's charities. Throughout his career, Takahashi has won several awards for his contributions to the arts, including the 1995 Medal with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government. Despite his successes, Takahashi has maintained a low profile and is known for his dedication to his craft and his family.
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Nakamura Kichiemon II
Nakamura Kichiemon II (May 22, 1944 Kōjimachi, Tokyo-) also known as Kichiemon Nakamura II, 中村吉右衛門 (2代目), 波野 辰次郎, なみの たつじろう, にだいめ なかむら きちえもん, なかむら きちえもん, Tatsujiro Namino, Nakamura Kichiemon, 二代目 中村 吉右衛門, Namino Tatsujiro, 藤間 久信, まつ かんし, Matsu Kanshi, Kanshi Matsu, 波野 久信, 松 貫四, 中村 萬之助, Mannosuke Nakamura, Kichiemon Nakamura or Harimaya is a Japanese actor.
Nakamura Kichiemon II comes from a long line of traditional kabuki actors in Japan, tracing his lineage back to the 17th century. He made his stage debut in 1954 at the age of 10 and has since become one of the most prominent and respected kabuki actors of his generation. In addition to his work in kabuki, Nakamura Kichiemon II has also acted in numerous films, television dramas, and stage productions, both in Japan and internationally. He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career for his contributions to the arts, including the Order of Culture from the Japanese government in 2002.
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Ryōtarō Sugi
Ryōtarō Sugi (August 14, 1944 Nagata-ku, Kobe-) also known as Katsuhiko Yamada, Sugi Ryōtarō, Ryotaro Sugi or Sugi, Ryotaro is a Japanese singer and actor. His child is called Jundai Yamada.
Sugi started his career in the entertainment industry as a singer, but later expanded his portfolio to include acting. He starred in numerous dramas and films and won many awards for his acting. In addition to his successful entertainment career, Sugi has also been actively involved in charity work, supporting various causes such as disaster relief efforts and helping children in need. He is highly regarded in Japan for both his talent as an entertainer and his philanthropic efforts. Sugi continues to be active in the industry and is considered a legendary figure in Japanese entertainment.
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Masane Tsukayama
Masane Tsukayama (February 6, 1944 Naha-) also known as Masatane Tsukayama or Tsukayama Masane is a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator.
He is known for his deep, distinctive voice and has lent his voice to many anime, video games and Japanese-dubbed foreign films. Some of his notable voice roles include Hyakkimaru in the 1969 version of Dororo, Admiral Kizaru in One Piece and Count Dooku in the Japanese dub of Star Wars. Tsukayama has also acted in various stage productions, television dramas and films. In 1984, he won the Best Actor Award at the Japan Academy Prize for his performance in the film Legend of the Eight Samurai. Aside from his acting career, Tsukayama is also a professor at Tokyo Keizai University, teaching acting and voice acting.
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Monta Mino
Monta Mino (August 22, 1944 Setagaya-) a.k.a. Norio Minorikawa or Minosan is a Japanese presenter and actor. He has two children, Hayato Minorikawa and Yuto Minorikawa.
Mino started his career in the entertainment industry as a radio DJ in the 1960s. In 1973, he became a television presenter for the news program News Station, where he gained national recognition. He became known for his unique style and humor, which set him apart from other presenters at the time.
In addition to his work as a presenter, Mino has also acted in television dramas and films. One of his most notable roles was in the film Shall We Dance?, which was later remade as a Hollywood film starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.
Mino has also been actively involved in philanthropic work. He is the founder of the Mino Monta Smile Project, which provides aid to children affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.
Despite being in his 70s, Mino continues to be involved in the entertainment industry, and remains a beloved figure in Japan.
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Muga Takewaki
Muga Takewaki (February 17, 1944 Abiko-August 21, 2011 Ōta, Tokyo) a.k.a. Takewaki Muga was a Japanese actor.
He is best known for his roles in the films "The Ballad of Narayama" (1983), "The Geisha" (1983), and "The Triple Cross" (1992). Takewaki began his acting career in the 1960s as a member of the Bungakuza theater company. He later transitioned to film and television, and became a prominent figure in Japanese cinema. In addition to his acting work, Takewaki was also a director and producer, and was involved in the production of several films throughout his career. He passed away in 2011 due to heart failure.
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Keizo Kanie
Keizo Kanie (October 28, 1944 Edogawa, Tokyo-March 30, 2014 Shinjuku) also known as Keizô Kani'e, Keizou Kanie, Keizô Kanie or Keizō Kanie was a Japanese actor and narrator. He had two children, Ippei Kanie and Momoko Kurita.
Kanie began his acting career in 1967 and gained popularity for his role as Captain Harlock in the live-action film adaptation of the popular manga series in 1978. He also appeared in numerous television dramas and films, showcasing his range and versatility as an actor.
Apart from acting, Kanie was also well-known for his voice-over work, lending his voice to various anime series and films. His most notable voice-over roles include the villain Black Ghost in the popular anime series "Cyborg 009" and Anubis, the God of Death in the "Saint Seiya" series.
Kanie received several awards in his career, including the Best Actor award at the 33rd Kinema Junpo Awards for his role in the film "The Deserted City." He was also recognized for his contribution to the entertainment industry, receiving the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government in 2013.
Throughout his career, Kanie was known for his professionalism, dedication to his craft, and his unwavering commitment to his roles. His legacy in Japanese entertainment continues to inspire and influence future generations of actors and performers.
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Katsuhiko Sasaki
Katsuhiko Sasaki (December 24, 1944 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
Katsuhiko Sasaki is best known for his work in the Godzilla series of movies, where he played the role of the heroic Gengo Kotaka opposite the giant monster. He has also acted in a number of television dramas and appeared in several other film franchises, including the Ultraman and Kamen Rider series. Sasaki began his acting career in the 1960s and has since become a beloved figure in Japanese popular culture. In addition to his acting work, he is also known for his skill in karate and has held the rank of fifth dan black belt.
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Hwang Jang-lee
Hwang Jang-lee (December 21, 1944 Aomori-) a.k.a. Wong Cheng Lee, Wong Cheng Li, Wang Chang-Li, Huong Cheng-Li, Silver Fox, Wong Ching-Li, Cheng-Li Huang, Jing Lee Huang, Jason Hwang, Jeong-Ri Hwang, Jeong-li Hwang, Wong Cheng Il, Wang Jia Le, Hwang Jeong-Ri, Wan-Chung Lee, Huang Jang Lee, Wang Jang Lee, Wang Cheng Li, Wong Chung Li, Chin Li Wang, Wong Zheng Lieh, Chang-Li Wang, Ching-Li Wang, Ching Lee Wang, Jang-Li Wang, Cheung-Li Wong, Tsing Lee Wong, Cheng Li Wong, King of the Leg Fighters, Jang Lee Hwang, Hwang Chǒng-ri, King of the Legfighters, Thunderleg, Thunderfoot, Wang Chang Lee, 黃正利, 황정리, Sheng Kuan, Wong Chin, Hwang Jang-Lee, The King of Leg Fighter or Hwang Jang Lee is a Japanese actor, martial artist and film director. His child is called Jason Hwang.
Hwang Jang-lee is best known for his work in Hong Kong martial arts films during the 1970s and 1980s. He is considered to be one of the greatest on-screen villains in martial arts history, often playing ruthless and deadly opponents to the film's hero. Some of his most famous roles include "Thunderleg" in "Drunken Master" (1978) and "The Silver Fox" in "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" (1978).
In addition to his acting career, Hwang Jang-lee is also a highly-skilled martial artist. He began practicing Taekwondo at a young age and went on to become a master in the style. He has also trained in other martial arts such as Hapkido and Karate. Hwang Jang-lee has taught martial arts to many students over the years and has even opened his own school in South Korea.
Later in his career, Hwang Jang-lee turned his attention to film directing and produced several films in the 1990s. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to martial arts cinema and is widely regarded as a legend in the genre.
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Tsunehiko Watase
Tsunehiko Watase (July 28, 1944 Yasugi-) otherwise known as Watase Tsunehiko is a Japanese actor and singer.
Watase began his career as a stage actor in the 1960s, earning critical acclaim for his performances in productions of plays such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Othello". He subsequently transitioned to television and film acting, making his debut in the 1970 film "Kanpai for the President".
Watase gained widespread popularity in Japan and other parts of Asia for his roles in numerous television dramas, including "The Yagyu Conspiracy" and "Akō Rōshi". He also occasionally appeared in international productions such as the 1990 film "Black Rain" alongside Michael Douglas.
In addition to his acting work, Watase has released several albums as a singer, including the hit song "Kimi wa Kaze". He has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of education and disaster relief.
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Sei Hiraizumi
Sei Hiraizumi (June 2, 1944 Okazaki-) a.k.a. Sei Hiraizumi Shichiro, Hiraizumi Sei or Shigeru Hiraizumi is a Japanese actor. He has two children, Yota Hiraizumi and Kiriko Hiraizumi.
He began his career on stage before transitioning to film and television. Hiraizumi has appeared in over 200 films and TV dramas, including the popular Japanese series "Oshin." Some of his notable film roles include "The Ramen Girl," "Letters from Iwo Jima," and "The Twilight Samurai." He has won several awards throughout his career, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the 26th Japan Academy Prize for his role in "The Twilight Samurai." Besides acting, Hiraizumi is also known for his philanthropy work and has been involved with various charity organizations.
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Kansai Yamamoto
Kansai Yamamoto (February 8, 1944 Yokohama-) a.k.a. Kansai or Yamamoto Kansai is a Japanese fashion designer and actor. He has one child, Mirai Yamamoto.
Kansai Yamamoto is best known for his avant-garde clothing and costumes, which were worn by major musicians such as David Bowie (during the Ziggy Stardust era) and Elton John. Yamamoto first gained international recognition in the early 1970s when he presented his first collection in London. He continued to showcase his unique designs in various fashion weeks around the world, including Paris and Tokyo.
Yamamoto's influence in the fashion industry has earned him numerous awards and recognitions, such as the Fashion Editors' Club of Japan award and the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France. However, he didn't limit himself to just fashion. Yamamoto appeared in several films and television shows in Japan and even performed in Kabuki theater.
Even though Yamamoto passed away on July 21, 2020, his impact on the fashion world, art, and performance industry continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues around the world.
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Gin Maeda
Gin Maeda (February 21, 1944 Hofu-) is a Japanese actor. His children are called Jun Maeda and .
Gin Maeda began his career in the entertainment industry as a member of the popular Japanese band "The Drifters" in the 1960s. He later transitioned to acting and has appeared in numerous films and television dramas throughout his career. Some of his notable works include "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (It's Tough Being a Man) film series, "Kita no Kuni Kara" (From the Northern Country) television drama series, and the film "The Ballad of Narayama". He has won multiple acting awards, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony in 1985. In addition to his acting work, Gin Maeda has also served as a commentator on various television programs and has published several books.
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Tokio Seki
Tokio Seki (August 15, 1944 Tokyo-) is a Japanese voice acting in japan, actor and voice actor.
He is best known for his voice acting work in anime and video games, with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Some of his most notable roles include Shiro Sanada in "Space Battleship Yamato," Ramba Ral in "Mobile Suit Gundam," and Dr. Tofu Ono in "Ranma 1/2." In addition to voice acting, Seki has also acted in live-action films and TV dramas. He is known for his deep and distinctive voice, which has made him a popular choice for playing strong and authoritative characters. Outside of his acting career, Seki is also a skilled karate practitioner and has earned several black belts in the martial art.
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Ken Kazama
Ken Kazama (June 6, 1944 Aichi Prefecture-) also known as Kenji Kazama, Kenji Kazuma, Ken Kazuma, Kazuma Kenji or Fung Gaan Kin is a Japanese actor.
Ken Kazama is best known for his work in Hong Kong cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. He made his acting debut in the 1970 film "Lady Blues" and went on to appear in over 40 films in both Japan and Hong Kong. Some of his notable roles include "The Boxer's Omen," "The Proud Twins," and "The Sword Stained with Royal Blood." Kazama was also a skilled martial artist and his fighting skills were often showcased in his films. In addition to acting, Kazama also worked as a stunt coordinator and fight choreographer. After retiring from acting, he returned to Japan and became a professor of martial arts at Aichi University. Today, Kazama is considered a pioneer of the martial arts film genre in both Japan and Hong Kong.
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