Japanese movie stars born in 1948
Here are 22 famous actors from Japan were born in 1948:
Shigesato Itoi
Shigesato Itoi (November 10, 1948 Maebashi-) also known as 糸井重里, Itoi, Shigesato or いとい しげさと is a Japanese game designer, essayist, voice actor, copywriter, lyricist and actor.
He is best known for his work on the Mother series of video games, also known as EarthBound in North America. Prior to his success in the gaming industry, Itoi worked as a copywriter and wrote slogans for major Japanese companies. He also worked as a voice actor in various anime and TV shows. In addition to his work in entertainment, Itoi is a prominent essayist and has published several books in Japan. He is known for his reflective and introspective writing style, often delving into personal topics such as his family and mental health. Itoi continues to be a prominent figure in Japanese popular culture, and his works have gained a cult following both in Japan and abroad.
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Yusaku Yara
Yusaku Yara (March 15, 1948 Tokyo-) a.k.a. Shou Kawabe, Yûsaku Yara, Yara Yūsaku, Tetsu Kurobe, Yuusaku Yara, Susumu Kawabe, Kurobe Tetsu or Kawabe Susumu is a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator.
Yusaku Yara began his career as a voice actor in the late 1960s, and quickly gained popularity among anime fans. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Joe Shimamura in "Cyborg 009", as Doctor Tenma in "Monster", and as Auron in "Final Fantasy X". In addition to his voice work, Yara has also appeared in numerous live-action films and television series. In recent years, he has also worked as a narrator and radio personality, hosting several popular programs in Japan. Despite having been active in the industry for over five decades, Yara remains a beloved figure both among fans and his fellow voice actors.
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Shigeru Izumiya
Shigeru Izumiya (May 11, 1948 Aomori-) a.k.a. Izumiya Shigeru is a Japanese actor, singer, tarento and singer-songwriter.
He was born in Aomori, Japan and began his career in the entertainment industry in the late 1960s. Izumiya gained fame in the 1970s as a singer-songwriter and released several hit albums. He also appeared in various television dramas and hosted his own television shows. In the 1980s, he transitioned to acting and has since appeared in numerous films and television series, receiving several awards for his performances. Izumiya is also known for his unique fashion sense and has been influential in Japanese street fashion. In addition to his career in entertainment, he is also involved in environmental activism and is a prominent advocate for sustainability and renewable energy.
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Kenji Sawada
Kenji Sawada (June 25, 1948 Iwami District, Tottori-) also known as Sawada Kenji, Sawada, Kenji, Ken Sawada or Julie is a Japanese singer, composer, lyricist, actor and musician.
He became popular in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the pop band "The Tigers." After the band's breakup, Sawada pursued a solo career as a musician, releasing a number of hit songs in Japan. He is also known for his acting roles in films and television dramas. Sawada has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Japan Record Award and the Medal with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government for his contributions to the arts. He is considered a cultural icon in Japan and has influenced many artists in the Japanese music industry. Sawada continues to perform and release music to this day.
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Tesshō Genda
Tesshō Genda (May 20, 1948 Okayama Prefecture-) also known as Tessho Genda, Tesso Genda, Mitsuo Yokoi, Tessyo Genda, Tesshou Genda, Tessyou Genda, Tetsuaki Genda, Tetsusho Genda, Genda Tessho, Tetsusyo Genda, Yokoi Mitsuo, Pirouette Genda, Genda Tesshō or Tesshô Genda is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He is best known for providing the Japanese voice for the character of Kurama in the popular anime series Naruto. He has also voiced other famous anime characters such as Optimus Prime in the Japanese dub of Transformers and Char Aznable in Mobile Suit Gundam. In addition to his extensive voice acting work, Genda has also acted in numerous TV dramas and films, including the popular Japanese dramas "Tokyo Love Story" and "Toshiie and Matsu." In 2014, he was awarded the Achievement Award at the 8th Seiyu Awards for his contribution to the industry. Outside of acting, Genda has also tried his hand at game development, serving as the executive producer for the Japanese RPG "Record of Agarest War."
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Sho Kosugi
Sho Kosugi (June 17, 1948 Minato-) also known as Shôichi Kosugi, Shô Kosugi, The visible ninja, Shôichi Kosugi, 小杉 正一 or Kosugi Shoichi is a Japanese actor, martial artist and teacher. He has three children, Kane Kosugi, Shane Kosugi and Ayeesha Kosugi.
Kosugi began his martial arts training when he was just five years old, learning judo from his father. He later went on to study several other disciplines including karate and aikido. In the 1970s, Kosugi moved to the United States and began teaching martial arts there. He also found work in Hollywood as a martial arts choreographer and eventually as an actor. He is best known for his roles in several 1980s ninja movies including "Enter the Ninja," "Revenge of the Ninja," and "Ninja III: The Domination." In addition to his acting career, Kosugi has also authored several books on martial arts and runs his own martial arts school in Los Angeles.
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Akira Emoto
Akira Emoto (November 3, 1948 Chūō-) also known as Akira Tsukamoto, Emoto Akira or chan has Eh is a Japanese actor, voice actor and film director. He has two children, Tasuku Emoto and Tokio Emoto.
Born in a family of actors, Akira Emoto started his career in the entertainment industry in 1972, appearing in various TV dramas and stage plays. He then made his film debut in 1973, with "The Wolves". Emoto gained a large fan base due to his portrayals of eccentric and peculiar characters in films such as "Tampopo" and "Ikiteru Uchi ga Hana Jimen".
Aside from his acting career, Emoto has also directed several films, including "The Art of Japanese Bawdy Songs" and "The Milkwoman". He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the Japan Academy Film Prize for his role in "The Sting of Death", and the Best Actor award at the Japan Academy Film Prize for his portrayal of a lonely widower in "Kaasan Mom's Life".
Emoto is also known for his voice acting work, particularly in anime. He has voiced characters in popular anime series such as "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Detective Conan".
In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Emoto is also a renowned art collector and has held several exhibitions showcasing his collection.
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Kōji Totani
Kōji Totani (July 12, 1948 Nagoya-February 6, 2006 Japan) also known as Koji Totani, Totani-chan or Kouji Totani was a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He started his career in the 1970s, and throughout his career, he voiced many iconic characters such as Android 16 in Dragon Ball Z and Captain Hook in Peter Pan and the Pirates. He has also appeared in various TV dramas, stage plays, and films, including the popular tokusatsu series Kamen Rider and Super Sentai. In addition to his acting career, Totani was also a prolific radio personality, hosting several shows over the years. He was known for his distinctive voice, which was often described as smooth and charismatic. Unfortunately, Totani passed away in 2006 at the age of 57 due to complications from diabetes. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
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Chiaki Kawamata
Chiaki Kawamata (December 4, 1948 Otaru-) also known as Kawamata Chiaki or 川又千秋 is a Japanese writer, mangaka, actor and critic.
Kawamata Chiaki is best known for his work in the horror genre, and has authored several popular horror manga series in Japan. He gained widespread recognition for his work in the mid-80s with the manga series "Kaina - Shin Gaiden", which was later adapted into a live-action film series. In addition to his work in manga, Kawamata has also acted in several popular Japanese films, including "Ju-on: The Grudge" and "Battle Royale II: Requiem". Kawamata has also been a vocal critic of the Japanese government's censorship policies, and has spoken out against what he sees as an infringement on freedom of expression in Japan. Despite this, he remains a popular and well-respected figure in the Japanese entertainment industry.
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Yutaka Enatsu
Yutaka Enatsu (May 15, 1948 Nara Prefecture-) is a Japanese actor.
In addition to his acting career, Yutaka Enatsu is also a former professional baseball player who was known for his exceptional pitching skills. He played for the Hanshin Tigers from 1968 to 1980, and was named the Central League's Most Valuable Player in 1969. Enatsu was also a key member of the Japanese national baseball team that won the gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. After retiring from baseball, he pursued a career in acting and has appeared in numerous films, television dramas, and stage productions.
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Yōsui Inoue
Yōsui Inoue (August 30, 1948 Iizuka-) a.k.a. Inoue, Yosui, Akimi Inoue or Inoue Akimi is a Japanese singer-songwriter, singer, lyricist, record producer, actor, film score composer and guitarist. His child is called Sarasa Ifu.
Yōsui Inoue is one of the most successful and influential musicians in Japan, known for his unique and experimental approach to music. He started his music career in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity due to his distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. Some of his most popular songs include "Yah Yah Yah," "Shonen Jidai," and "Carnation."
In addition to his solo work, Inoue has collaborated with numerous artists and bands, such as the folk group Happy End and the rock band YMO. He has also composed soundtracks for several movies and TV dramas. Inoue has won various awards throughout his career, including the Japan Record Award and the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music Score.
Aside from music, Inoue has also acted in various films and TV dramas in Japan. He is also an advocate for environmental issues and has been actively involved in promoting green initiatives.
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Hiroshi Sugimoto
Hiroshi Sugimoto (February 23, 1948 Tokyo-) is a Japanese photographer, artist, actor and visual artist.
Sugimoto's work often explores themes of time, memory, and the essence of existence. He is best known for his minimalist and meditative photographs of seascapes, movie theaters, and wax figures. Sugimoto has exhibited his work in major museums around the world, and his photographs are held in the collections of many prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London. In addition to his photography work, Sugimoto has also worked as an architect and designer, and has collaborated with fashion designers such as Issey Miyake. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art in London and the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography.
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Ken Ishikawa
Ken Ishikawa (June 28, 1948 Nasukarasuyama-November 15, 2006 Tochigi) a.k.a. Ishikawa Ken'ichi was a Japanese mangaka, screenwriter and actor.
He is best known for creating the iconic manga series "Getter Robo" and its sequels. Ishikawa also worked as a screenwriter for several anime series, including "Getter Robo", "Mazinger Z", and "UFO Robo Grendizer". He also had a brief acting career, appearing in the 1970s tokusatsu television series "Jumborg Ace". Ishikawa's unique art style, characterized by bold lines and dynamic action scenes, continues to influence manga artists today.
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Toshio Suzuki
Toshio Suzuki (August 19, 1948 Nagoya-) also known as Suzuki Toshio is a Japanese film producer, editor, businessperson, actor and screenwriter. His child is called Mamiko Suzuki.
Suzuki is best known for his work at Studio Ghibli, where he served as the president from 2005 to 2014. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of acclaimed animated films such as "Spirited Away," "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Princess Mononoke," among others.
Before joining Studio Ghibli, Suzuki worked in a different studio, Telecom Animation Film, where he produced TV series like "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" and "Future Boy Conan." He is considered one of the most influential figures in the anime industry, having produced and collaborated on numerous successful animated works.
Suzuki has also delved into the world of acting, appearing in films such as "The Taste of Tea" and "The Wind Rises." In addition to his film career, Suzuki has been involved in various businesses, including planning and managing Ghibli-related ventures such as the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. He is also a member of the Japan Academy Prize Association, which promotes Japanese cinema.
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Takashi Sasano
Takashi Sasano (June 22, 1948 Ichinomiya, Hyōgo-) also known as Sasano Takashi or one scene actor is a Japanese actor. He has four children, Yuma Sasano, Takato Sasano, Shôta Sasano and Kenta Sasano.
Takashi Sasano began his acting career in 1969 and has since appeared in over 300 films and television dramas in Japan. He is particularly known for his supporting roles, often playing wise and dignified characters such as doctors, lawyers, and politicians. Sasano has also dabbled in directing, having directed several films and television dramas. In addition to his acting career, Sasano is an accomplished singer and has released several albums. He is also a philanthropist and has supported various charities and causes, particularly those related to children's health and welfare.
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Ichirou Mizuki
Ichirou Mizuki (January 7, 1948 Setagaya-) otherwise known as Ichiro Mizuki is a Japanese singer, songwriter, composer, actor, voice actor and lyricist.
He has had a highly successful music career spanning over four decades and is credited for being one of the pioneers of the anison genre, a genre of Japanese music that is used in anime and tokusatsu television shows and films. Ichirou Mizuki has lent his voice to many popular anime and tokusatsu shows, such as "Kamen Rider," "Mazinger Z," and "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations." He has also won numerous awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including the lifetime achievement award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards in 2010. In addition to his music and voice acting work, Ichirou Mizuki has also appeared in several live-action films and TV dramas. He continues to be an influential figure in Japanese music and entertainment.
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Morio Agata
Morio Agata (September 12, 1948 Rumoi-) also known as Morio Yamagata or Agata Morio is a Japanese actor, singer-songwriter, film director, musician and composer.
Morio Agata started his career in the arts industry in the 1970s. He initially gained popularity as a singer-songwriter, releasing his first album, "Rumoi Chanson" in 1973. His music often reflects the culture and landscape of his hometown, Rumoi. Throughout his career, he has released more than 20 albums and has written over 500 songs.
Aside from music, Agata has also acted in numerous films and television dramas. He made his acting debut in 1976 in the film "Ginga-tetsudō no yoru". His notable acting roles include the lead in the film "A Sign Days" and supporting roles in "Nippon no Don" and "Kamome Diner". He has also directed several films and television commercials.
In addition to his work in the arts, Agata is also actively involved in environmental activism. He is the founder of the Non-Profit Organization Ocean Summit, which focuses on raising awareness about the importance of sustainable seafood and reducing marine pollution. For his contributions to the arts and environmental conservation, he has been recognized with several awards, including the Medal with Blue Ribbon from the Japanese government.
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Sansei Shiomi
Sansei Shiomi (January 12, 1948 Kyoto Prefecture-) also known as Shiomi Sanseido or Shiomi Sansei is a Japanese actor.
He is perhaps best known for his roles in Japanese martial arts films, particularly those directed by Sonny Chiba. Shiomi often played sidekicks or henchmen, but also had memorable roles as the lead or supporting character in films such as "Street Fighter" and "Sister Street Fighter." In addition to his film work, Shiomi also appeared in several Japanese television dramas and variety shows. Outside of acting, he is a trained martial artist and has taught karate in both Japan and the United States. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
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Yutaka Ikejima
Yutaka Ikejima (March 30, 1948 Tokyo-) otherwise known as Yutaka Ikezima, Ikejima Yutaka, いけじま ゆたか or 池島 ゆたか is a Japanese film producer, film director, actor and pornographic film actor.
Ikejima started his career in the film industry in the 1970s, and over the course of his career, he has created over 500 films, including over 100 adult films. His work is known for being controversial, and he has often faced criticism for the explicit content in his films. Despite this, he has won numerous awards for his work, including the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Foreign Language Film for his work on "The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai". Ikejima has also worked as an actor throughout his career, starring in several films, including his directorial debut "The Woman with Red Hair". In addition to his work in the film industry, Ikejima has also worked as a writer, penning several books about his experiences in the entertainment industry.
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Yūji Mikimoto
Yūji Mikimoto (March 15, 1948 Niigata Prefecture-) also known as Mikimoto Yūji, Masaru Miyashita, Miyashita Masaru or Yuji Mikimoto is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He is best known for his roles in popular anime series such as Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Galaxy Express 999, and Lupin III: Part II. In addition to his voice acting work, Mikimoto has also appeared in several live-action films and television dramas. He began his career as a voice actor in the late 1970s, and has since become a respected veteran in the industry. Mikimoto is known for his distinctive voice and his ability to bring life to a wide range of characters, from heroic protagonists to cunning villains. He has won several awards for his work, including the prestigious Seiyu Award in 2007. Despite his success, Mikimoto remains humble and dedicated to his craft, and continues to work on new projects to this day.
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Tiger Chung Lee
Tiger Chung Lee (February 7, 1948 Tokyo-) a.k.a. Masanori Toguchi or Kim Duk is a Japanese actor and wrestler.
He was known for his appearances in American Wrestling Association, World Championship Wrestling, and World Wrestling Federation during the 1970s and 1980s. Tiger Chung Lee became a fan favorite with his signature moves and intimidating presence. He also appeared in a number of movies, including "They Live" and "Fist of Fear, Touch of Death." Outside of wrestling and acting, he has also worked as a martial arts instructor, teaching students in various styles such as karate and judo. Lee has inspired many up-and-coming wrestlers and martial artists with his dedication and commitment to his craft.
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Toshishiro Obata
Toshishiro Obata (October 20, 1948 Gunma Prefecture-) a.k.a. Toshiro Obata, Toshihiro Obata, Toshiji Obata, Toshirô Obata or Toshishirô Obata is a Japanese actor and martial artist.
Obata began his martial arts training at the age of 10 and became skilled in various traditional Japanese martial arts including Kendo and Judo. He started his acting career in the 1970s and appeared in numerous Japanese films and TV shows. In 1980, he moved to the United States and became a stunt coordinator and fight choreographer for Hollywood movies.
Obata is best known for his fight choreography work in popular action movies such as Kill Bill: Volume 1 and 2, The Last Samurai, and The Wolverine. He has also acted in several Hollywood movies, including Pearl Harbor and Batman Begins.
Apart from his work in the entertainment industry, Obata is also a skilled martial arts instructor and has taught seminars and workshops in various countries around the world. He has been inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame and continues to be a respected figure in the martial arts community.
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