Japanese movie stars born in 1955
Here are 24 famous actors from Japan were born in 1955:
Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Kiyoshi Kurosawa (July 19, 1955 Kobe-) also known as Kurosawa Kiyoshi is a Japanese film director, screenwriter, actor, film editor, film critic and television director.
He's known for his contributions to Japanese horror cinema, having directed genre-defining classics such as Cure (1997) and Pulse (2001). In addition to horror, Kurosawa has also directed films across a variety of other genres including drama and science fiction. He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2020 for his film Wife of a Spy. Kurosawa has also served as a mentor to many young filmmakers and has helped shape the future of Japanese cinema.
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Hideyuki Umezu
Hideyuki Umezu (July 24, 1955 Aichi Prefecture-) also known as Umezu Hideyuki is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He joined theater group Gekidan Wakakusa straight out of high school, and later moved on to TV dramas and films. Umezu is best known for his voice acting in anime series such as Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece. He has also lent his voice to video games, including the Street Fighter series and Kingdom Hearts. In addition to his voice acting work, Umezu has appeared in several live-action films and TV dramas. He is affiliated with the talent agency Aoni Production.
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Michitaka Kobayashi
Michitaka Kobayashi (August 28, 1955 Mobara-) also known as Sanshirô Nitta, Michitaka Kobiyashi, Nitta Shinshirô, Sanshiro Nitta or Kobayashi Michitaka is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He started his career as a voice actor in 1978 and voiced numerous characters in popular anime series such as "Dragon Ball Z", "One Piece", and "Detective Conan". Aside from voice acting, he has also appeared in live-action films and TV dramas such as "The Twelve Kingdoms" and "The Shogun's Samurai". In 2018, he was awarded the Kei Tomiyama Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding work in the voice acting industry. Kobayashi is also a member of the Japan Actor's Association and the Theater Company Subaru.
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Yukimasa Kishino
Yukimasa Kishino (October 21, 1955 Edogawa, Tokyo-) also known as Masayuki Kishino or Kishino Yukimasa is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He is affiliated with the talent agency Aoni Production. Kishino debuted as a voice actor in 1981 and has since lent his voice to a number of notable anime and video game characters. He is best known for his roles as Dr. Maki in the anime series Akira, Gatta in the anime series Naruto and Senbei Norimaki in the anime series Dr. Slump. In addition to his voice acting work, Kishino has also appeared in live-action films and dramas. He is known for his roles in the films Someday, The Last Message: Umizaru and The Miracles of the Namiya General Store.
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Sanma Akashiya
Sanma Akashiya (July 1, 1955 Kushimoto-) a.k.a. Takafumi Sugimoto, Owarai Kaiju, Sanma, Sugimoto Takafumi or Akashiya Sanma is a Japanese comedian, actor and television producer. His child is called IMALU.
Sanma Akashiya, born as Takafumi Sugimoto on July 1, 1955 in Kushimoto, Japan, is one of Japan's most famous comedians, known for his energetic and sometimes irreverent performances. He began his career in the late 1970s as part of the comedy duo The Drifters, but went solo in the early 1980s and quickly became one of Japan's biggest entertainers. In addition to his work as a comedian and actor, he has also produced several popular television shows, including "Sanma no Karakuri TV" and "Sanma no Super Karakuri TV."
He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the wake of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Akashiya helped to raise millions of yen for relief efforts, and even donated money out of his own pocket to help those affected by the disaster.
Sanma Akashiya is also a proud father to his daughter IMALU, who is a popular singer and actress in Japan. In addition to his numerous accolades and awards for his work in entertainment, Akashiya was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2018 by the Japanese government for his contributions and cultural influences.
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Hideki Saijo
Hideki Saijo (April 13, 1955 Higashi-ku, Hiroshima-) also known as Tatsuo Kimoto, Kimoto Tatsuo, Saijō Hideki, 西城秀樹, さいじょう ひでき, 木本 龍雄, きもと たつお, Tatsuo Motoki, Motoki Tatsuo or Hideki Saijou is a Japanese singer and actor.
He rose to fame in the 1970s and became one of the most popular singers in Japan. Throughout his career, Hideki Saijo released over 60 albums and had numerous hit singles such as "Kizudarake no Lola," "JK," and "Young Man." He also ventured into acting and appeared in several TV dramas and films. In addition, he hosted his own TV programs and concerts, showcasing his charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals. Hideki Saijo passed away on May 16, 2018, at the age of 63. Despite his untimely death, he remains a beloved icon in the Japanese entertainment industry.
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Hideki Noda
Hideki Noda (December 20, 1955 Saikai-) also known as のだ ひでき, 野田 秀樹 or Noda Hideki is a Japanese writer, actor, playwright and theatre director.
He is known for his unique and innovative style of theatre that combines traditional Japanese theatrical elements with modern techniques. Noda has written and directed numerous plays, including the award-winning "The Bee" and "Red Demon". He has also acted in various films and television dramas, such as "The Family Game" and "The Sting of Death". Noda has won several awards throughout his career, including the Kishida Kunio Drama Award and the Yomiuri Theater Grand Prix. He is considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary Japanese theatre and continues to inspire new generations of artists.
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LaSalle Ishii
LaSalle Ishii (October 19, 1955 Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-) is a Japanese comedian and actor.
LaSalle Ishii was born in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka on October 19, 1955. He began his career as a comedian in the late 1970s, performing on stage and on television as part of the comedy duo Kirin. In the 1990s, Ishii transitioned to acting and has since appeared in numerous popular Japanese TV dramas, films, and stage productions. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the TV dramas "The Chasing World" and "Jin," and the film "Like Father, Like Son," which won the Jury Prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Ishii is also known for his charity work, particularly for his support of children with disabilities.
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Yoshitaka Tamba
Yoshitaka Tamba (July 13, 1955 Tokyo-) also known as Tamba Yoshitaka, たんば よしたか, 丹波 義隆, Tanba Yoshitaka or Yoshitaka Tanba is a Japanese actor.
He is best known for his roles in various Japanese television dramas and films. Tamba began his acting career in 1982 and quickly rose to fame for his talent and versatility.
Throughout his career, Tamba has acted in a variety of genres, including action, comedy, and drama. He has received critical acclaim for his performances in numerous films and television dramas, such as "Chushingura: Hana no Maki, Yuki no Maki," "Otokotachi no Yamato," and "Ninkyo Helper."
Aside from his work in entertainment, Tamba is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He is actively involved in various charitable organizations and has used his celebrity status to raise awareness for social issues in Japan.
Tamba continues to actively act in films and television dramas while also using his platform to make a positive impact on society.
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Tadashi Miyazawa
Tadashi Miyazawa (July 12, 1955 Nagano Prefecture-) also known as 宮澤 正 or Miyazawa Tadashi is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He is best known for his voice acting in anime series such as "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex", "Initial D", and "Mobile Suit Gundam 00". Miyazawa has also appeared in various Japanese dramas and movies, including "Love and Honor" and "Kita no Zeronen". In addition to his acting career, Miyazawa is also a songwriter and has composed music for numerous anime and video games. He is affiliated with the talent agency Aoni Production.
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Jyunichi Haruta
Jyunichi Haruta (March 17, 1955 Kitakyushu-) also known as Misao Haruta, Haruta Misao, Haruta Jun'ichi or Jun'ichi Haruta is a Japanese actor.
Haruta began his career in entertainment as a child actor and made his film debut in the 1972 movie "Jingi Naki Tatakai." He has since appeared in numerous Japanese films, television dramas, and stage productions, becoming a well-known face in the Japanese entertainment industry. Some of his notable roles include playing Tetsu in the live-action adaptation of the manga series "Crows Zero," and portraying the character of Mr. Oda in the popular television drama series "Hanzawa Naoki." In addition to his acting work, Haruta has also been a radio personality, hosting his own show called "Haruta Junichi no Posukarakuri."
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Touta Tarumi
Touta Tarumi (April 10, 1955 Tokyo-) a.k.a. Tarumi Tōta, Touta Agawa or Agawa Tōta is a Japanese actor and fashion model.
He started his entertainment career as a model in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity for his unique and unconventional look. Tarumi then transitioned to acting and his breakthrough role came in the 1981 film "The Gate of Youth". He has since appeared in numerous films, television dramas, and stage productions, winning critical acclaim for his versatility and range as an actor. In addition to his acting career, Tarumi has also made a name for himself as a fashion icon and has been praised for his bold and innovative sense of style. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with several awards and honors, including the Best Actor Award at the Yokohama Film Festival and the Medal with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government for his contributions to the arts.
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George Tokoro
George Tokoro (January 26, 1955 Tokorozawa-) also known as 所ジョージ, ところ じょーじ, Tokoro George, 芳賀 隆之, はが たかゆき, Takayuki Haga, Haga Takayuki, 角田 隆之, かくた たかゆき, Kakuta Takayuki, Takayuki Kakuta, Jôji Tokoro, Joji Tokoro or Tokoro Jooji is a Japanese essayist, singer-songwriter, comedian, master of ceremonies, actor, tarento and radio personality. He has one child, Ryoko Haga.
George Tokoro is a well-known multi-talented artist in Japan. Apart from being an essayist, singer-songwriter, comedian, master of ceremonies, actor, tarento, and radio personality, he is also famous for his work as a television presenter. He began his career in the entertainment industry as a comedian in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity due to his wit and humor. In the 1980s and 1990s, he made a name for himself as a television presenter, hosting several popular shows.
As a singer-songwriter, Tokoro has released numerous albums and has collaborated with many other artists in Japan. He is also an accomplished actor, having appeared in several films and television dramas. In addition, he is a prolific writer and has published several books and essays, which have been well-received by his fans.
Despite his success, Tokoro maintains a low-profile personal life, and little is known about his private affairs. He has one child, Ryoko Haga, who is also a well-known actress in Japan. With his exemplary career spanning over several decades, George Tokoro remains one of Japan's most respected and enduring public figures.
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Shirô Sano
Shirô Sano (March 4, 1955 Yamanashi-) also known as Sano Shiro or Shirō Sano is a Japanese actor, musician and film director. He has one child, .
Sano began his acting career in 1980 and has appeared in numerous films, television dramas, and stage productions. Some of his notable film roles include "Tora-san's Salad-Day Memorial" (1988), "Porco Rosso" (1992), and "After Life" (1998). He has also directed several films such as "Big River" (2005) and "The Wonderful World of Captain Kuhio" (2009).
In addition to his acting and directing work, Sano is also a talented musician. He plays several instruments, including guitar and harmonica, and has released several albums throughout his career. Sano is known for his eclectic style that blends rock, folk, and traditional Japanese music.
Sano has received numerous awards for his work in the entertainment industry, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the Japan Academy Prize for his role in "My Sons" (1991). He is also a recipient of the Medal with Purple Ribbon for his contributions to the arts in Japan.
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Shun Sugata
Shun Sugata (February 17, 1955 Yamanashi Prefecture-) a.k.a. Masamichi Shibuya, 菅田 俊, Sugata Shun, Shibuya Masamichi, 渋谷 昌道 or Shun Sugato is a Japanese actor.
He is best known for his work in films such as "The Last Samurai" and "Kill Bill: Volume 1". Sugata began his acting career in the 1980s, appearing in various Japanese television dramas, and later moved on to the big screen. In addition to his acting work, Sugata has also directed and written screenplays for several films. He is highly respected in the Japanese film industry and has won several awards for his performances. Outside of acting, Sugata is a skilled calligrapher and has exhibited his works in various galleries across Japan. He is also known for his philanthropy, supporting various charities and causes in his home country.
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Hiromi Gô
Hiromi Gô (October 18, 1955 Fukuoka Prefecture-) also known as Hiromi Go, Hiromi Gou, Hiromi Haratake, Haratake Hiromi or HG is a Japanese singer and actor.
Hiromi Gô started his career as a child actor, appearing in various commercials and TV dramas in the 1960s. He debuted as a singer in 1972 with the single "Otokonoko Onnanoko," which became a hit. Throughout his career, he has released numerous hit singles and albums, and has won several awards, including the Japan Record Award for Best Male Singer in 1977 and 1982.
Aside from his music career, Hiromi Gô has also appeared in several films and TV dramas, including the popular series "Tokyo Love Story" in 1991. He is known for his flamboyant fashion sense and unique stage performances, which often incorporate elements of theater and dance.
In recent years, Hiromi Gô has continued to release new music and perform live concerts, both in Japan and overseas. He is considered a cultural icon in Japan, known for his contributions to the music and entertainment industry over several decades.
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Jun Kunimura
Jun Kunimura (November 16, 1955 Kumamoto Prefecture-) also known as Kunimura Jun is a Japanese actor.
He has appeared in over 150 films and television series since his debut in 1982. Kunimura is known for his work in international films such as Kill Bill: Volume 1, The Wailing, and Audition. He has also worked with many acclaimed Japanese filmmakers, including Takeshi Kitano and Takashi Miike. In addition to his acting career, Kunimura has also directed and written screenplays for films like The Shell Collector and Owls' Castle. Kunimura has won several awards for his performances, including the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Japan Academy Film Prize for his role in Outrage Beyond.
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Hiroyuki Watanabe
Hiroyuki Watanabe (December 9, 1955 Mito-) also known as Watanabe Hiroyuki is a Japanese actor and musician.
He grew up in a family involved in traditional Japanese music and started playing the shamisen, a three-stringed traditional Japanese instrument, from a young age. Watanabe then pursued acting and has appeared in various Japanese films, TV dramas, and stage productions. He is known for his versatility and has played a range of characters, from comedic to dramatic roles. Watanabe is also a member of a Japanese rock band called Judy and Mary, where he plays guitar and provides backing vocals. In addition to his performing career, Watanabe is known for his philanthropic work and has been actively involved in supporting various charities, including organizations that provide aid for victims of natural disasters.
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Keisuke Ishida
Keisuke Ishida (August 15, 1955 Kanagawa Prefecture-) also known as Ishida Keisuke is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He first started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1970s, making his debut appearance as an actor in the TV series "Hawaii 5-0". He then went on to become a prominent voice actor, lending his voice to many popular characters in anime, including Amuro Ray in "Mobile Suit Gundam", Ryoma Nagare in "Getter Robo", and Johnny in "Cyborg 009". Ishida has also appeared in various live-action films and TV dramas, and has won several awards for his performances, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2014 TAMA Film Awards. In addition to his acting career, Ishida is also a talented musician and has released several albums as a singer-songwriter.
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Masato Hirano
Masato Hirano (November 16, 1955 Iwate District, Iwate-) also known as Hirano Masato or 平野正人 is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He started his career in the late 1970s and has since lent his voice to countless anime series, video games, and dubbing productions. Some of his notable roles include Baron Ashura in Mazinger Z, Kozo Fuyutsuki in Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Asuma Sarutobi in Naruto. In addition to voice acting, Hirano has also appeared in several live-action TV dramas and films, including Battle Royale and The Emperor's Cook.
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Kyusaku Shimada
Kyusaku Shimada (April 24, 1955 Seya-ku, Yokohama-) a.k.a. Tetsuo Shimada, Kyūsaku Shimada, Shimada Kyūsaku, Shimada Tetsuo or Kyûsaku Shimada is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He began his career in acting in the 1970s and has since appeared in numerous films and television series. Some of his notable works include the TV series "Kita no Kuni Kara" and the films "The Eel" and "Princess Mononoke." In addition to his acting work, Shimada is also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to characters in a variety of anime and video games. He has won several awards for his work as an actor, including the Best Actor award at the 8th Japan Academy Prize ceremony for his role in "The Eel." Shimada is widely regarded as one of Japan's most talented actors and his contributions to the entertainment industry have made him a beloved figure in his home country.
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Chiharu Matsuyama
Chiharu Matsuyama (December 16, 1955 Ashoro-) otherwise known as Matsuyama Chiharu or Matsuyama, Chiharu is a Japanese actor.
Matsuyama's acting career began in the late 70s, but it wasn't until the 80s that he gained national recognition with his performances in popular Japanese TV dramas such as "Oshin" and "Tokyo Love Story". He has since become a respected veteran of the Japanese entertainment industry, appearing in numerous films, TV dramas, and stage productions. In addition to acting, Matsuyama is also a successful singer and has released several albums throughout his career. He is known for his natural acting style and his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters. Matsuyama has won several awards for his acting, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the Japan Academy Awards in 2004 for his role in "Quill".
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Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII
Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII (May 30, 1955 Tokyo-December 5, 2012 Bunkyō) a.k.a. Noriaki Namino, Namino Noriaki, Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII, Nakamura Kanzaburo, Jūhachidaime Nakamura Kanzaburō or Nakamura Kankurō V was a Japanese actor. He had two children, Nakamura Shichinosuke II and Kankuro Nakamura VI.
Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII was one of Japan's most celebrated Kabuki actors, who became the 18th person in his family line to take on the stage name of Nakamura Kanzaburō. He made his debut on stage when he was only five years old and started performing professionally when he was 18. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades and awards for his outstanding performances, including the Order of Culture, the highest honor for an artist in Japan.
Apart from his achievements in Kabuki, Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII also appeared in several films and television dramas over the years, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He was known for his charismatic stage presence, flamboyant costumes, and dynamic performances that captivated audiences around the world.
Sadly, Nakamura Kanzaburō XVIII passed away in 2012 at the age of 57 due to acute respiratory failure. His death was a great loss to the world of Kabuki and the entertainment industry as a whole, but his legacy lives on through his children, who have continued to carry on the Nakamura family tradition of Kabuki acting.
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Kenji Ohba
Kenji Ohba (February 5, 1955 Matsuyama-) a.k.a. Kenji Ohaba or Kenji Takahashi is a Japanese actor.
He is best known for his roles in the Super Sentai and Kamen Rider series, where he frequently played the lead roles. Ohba started his career as a stuntman, and later made his debut as an actor in 1974. He gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s and has appeared in various TV dramas, movies and stage productions. Ohba has also provided voice acting for anime and video games. In addition to acting, he is also a martial artist and operates his own dojo. Ohba continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, beloved by fans for his iconic roles in Japanese tokusatsu and action genre.
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