Japanese movie stars born in 1961
Here are 25 famous actors from Japan were born in 1961:
Show Aikawa
Show Aikawa (May 24, 1961 Kagoshima-) a.k.a. Shô Aikawa or Aikawa Shô is a Japanese actor.
He is best known for his roles in Japanese action and horror movies. Aikawa started his career in the entertainment industry as a musician in the 1980s, but soon turned to acting. He gained popularity in the 1990s as an action star, appearing in films such as "Zeiram" and "Dead or Alive". In the 2000s, he became more involved in horror films, and starred in the popular "Reincarnation" and "Tokyo Zombie". Aikawa has won several awards for his acting, including Best Supporting Actor at the 26th Japan Academy Prize for his role in "Andromedia".
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Hideo Nakata
Hideo Nakata (July 19, 1961 Konkō, Okayama-) a.k.a. Nakada Hideo or Nakata Hideo is a Japanese film director, film producer, actor, television director and screenwriter.
He is best known for directing the classic horror films "Ring" and "Dark Water," both of which have been remade for Western audiences. Nakata is considered one of the pioneers of the J-horror genre, which combines traditional Japanese ghost stories with modern horror elements. In addition to his work in film, Nakata has also directed television dramas and commercials in Japan. He has won numerous awards for his work, including Best Director at the Sitges Film Festival and the Asian Film Award for Best Director. He continues to create films that captivate audiences with their chilling atmosphere and unique storytelling.
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Kōichi Yamadera
Kōichi Yamadera (June 17, 1961 Shiogama-) a.k.a. Yamadera Kouichi, Kohichi Yamadera, Kouichi Yamadera, Yamadera Kōichi, Bazooka Yamadera, The Man Who Has the Voice of Seven Colors, Kōichi Yamadera, Yama-chan, Kôichi Yamadera, Bazūka Yamadera or Koichi Yamadera is a Japanese actor, voice actor, impressionist, tarento, presenter and voice acting in japan.
He is best known for his work in anime, voicing iconic characters such as Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop, Togusa in Ghost in the Shell, and Beerus in Dragon Ball Super. He has also lent his voice to numerous video games, including the Kingdom Hearts and Metal Gear Solid series. Beyond voice acting, Yamadera has appeared in live-action films and TV dramas, and has also done voice work for commercials and theme park attractions. In addition to his entertainment career, he is a passionate animal rights activist and founded the organization Animal Saving Action in 2012.
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Shiro Izumi
Shiro Izumi (May 6, 1961 Kimitsu-) a.k.a. Shirô Izumi, Izumi Shirō, Ichiro Tokiwa or Tokiwa Ichiro is a Japanese actor.
He is known for his work in various Japanese television dramas, stage productions, and films. Some of his notable roles include Raita Hokuto in the drama series "Abarenbo Shogun" and Takatora Toda in the film "Samurai Hustle." Izumi has also lent his voice to several anime series, including "Gundam Wing" and "Dragon Ball Z." In addition to acting, he is also a talented singer and has released several albums throughout his career. Izumi continues to be a prominent figure in Japanese entertainment industry, with over three decades of experience in the field.
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Masahiko Shimada
Masahiko Shimada (March 13, 1961 Tokyo-) is a Japanese novelist, writer and actor.
He initially gained fame as a writer in the 1980s with his debut novel, "Goodbye Marilyn," which was awarded the Akutagawa Prize, one of Japan's most prestigious literary awards. His other notable works include "Yuuhi (The Evening Sun)" and "Tongari Boushi no Memoru (Memoru in the Pointed Hat)."
In addition to his writing career, Shimada has also dabbled in acting, appearing in various Japanese films and television dramas. He is known for his distinctive personality and sometimes controversial language, which has made him a popular figure in Japanese media.
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Kōki Mitani
Kōki Mitani (July 8, 1961 Setagaya-) a.k.a. Mitani Kōki or Kôki Mitani is a Japanese playwright, film director, actor and screenwriter.
He is best known for his comedic works that often satirize aspects of Japanese society and culture. His breakthrough came in 1996 with the play "The Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion," which was later adapted into a film. Mitani has since written and directed several successful films, including "Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald" and "The Uchoten Hotel." He has won several awards for his work, including the Best Screenplay award at the Japanese Academy Awards. In addition to his work in film and theater, Mitani has also acted in various TV dramas and films.
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Chafurin
Chafurin (December 4, 1961 Saitama Prefecture-) otherwise known as Hirotaka Shimasawa, Fûrin Cha, Furin Cha, Chafu-rin, Chafuhrin, Chafuurin, Chafûrin, Clafurin, Cha fu rin or Shimasawa Hirotaka is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
Chafurin is best known for his deep, authoritative voice and has lent his voice to numerous anime and video game characters. Some of his notable voice roles include Captain Bright Noa in the Gundam franchise, Akitaru Ōbi in Fire Force, Jûzô Okita in Space Battleship Yamato 2199, and Baraggan Luisenbarn in Bleach. In addition to his voice acting work, Chafurin has also acted in live-action TV dramas and movies such as 20th Century Boys and Kamen Rider Kuuga.
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Sion Sono
Sion Sono (December 18, 1961 Toyokawa-) also known as Shion Sono or Sono Shion is a Japanese poet, film director, actor, screenwriter and television director.
He started his artistic career as a poet, publishing his first book of poems in 1983. He later transitioned into filmmaking, with his first feature film "I Am Sion Sono!" releasing in 1984. Over the years, he has directed numerous films that have garnered critical acclaim, including "Love Exposure" (2008), "Cold Fish" (2010), and "Tokyo Tribe" (2014). In addition to his work in film, he has also directed television dramas and commercials. Sono is known for his unique visual style and provocative storytelling, often exploring themes of violence, sexuality, and social commentary. He continues to be one of the most innovative and influential filmmakers in Japan.
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Hironobu Kageyama
Hironobu Kageyama (February 18, 1961 Osaka-) otherwise known as Kageyama Hironobu, Kageyama, Hironobu or TRY FORCE is a Japanese singer, voice actor, composer and actor.
He is best known for his work in the anime industry, having sung theme songs for several anime shows and video games. Some of his notable works include the theme songs for Dragon Ball Z, Saint Seiya, and One Piece. He has also provided the voice for several characters in anime and video games, including Gohan in Dragon Ball and Leonardo in the Japanese dub of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In addition to his work in entertainment, Kageyama is also a popular personality on Japanese television and radio shows. He has released over 50 albums throughout his career and continues to be a prominent figure in the Japanese music industry.
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Takaaki Ishibashi
Takaaki Ishibashi (October 22, 1961 Katsushika-) also known as 石橋 貴明, いしばし たかあき, Ishibashi Taka'aki, Taka-san, Taka-chan or Takaaki is a Japanese actor, comedian, singer, presenter and musician. His child is called Honoka Ishibashi.
He is best known for being a member of the comedy duo Tunnels, which he formed with Noritake Kinashi in 1982. The duo has since become one of Japan's most successful comedy acts, having won numerous awards and starring in various TV shows, films and commercials.
Aside from his comedy career, Ishibashi is also a talented singer and musician. He has released several albums as a solo artist and has performed in various musicals and stage productions. In addition, he has appeared in a number of Japanese dramas and films, showcasing his acting abilities.
As a presenter, Ishibashi has hosted several popular TV shows, including "Tunnels no Minasan no Okage deshita" and "FNS 27-Hour Television". He is also a regular guest on various variety shows and talk shows.
Overall, Ishibashi's talent, versatility and longevity in the Japanese entertainment industry have made him a beloved and respected figure in the country's pop culture landscape.
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Macoto Tezuka
Macoto Tezuka (August 11, 1961 Tokyo-) also known as Macoto Tezka, Makoto Teduka, Tezuka Makoto, Macoto Tezuka or Makoto Tezuka is a Japanese film director, actor and screenwriter.
He is the son of legendary manga artist Osamu Tezuka, who is often referred to as the "Godfather of Manga". Macoto Tezuka has directed several feature films, including the cult classic "The Legend of the Stardust Brothers" and the horror film "The Happiness of the Katakuris". He has also worked on many TV dramas and commercials in Japan. In addition to his film work, Tezuka is an accomplished manga artist in his own right, having created several series including "Black Leopard" and "Barb Wire Dolls". He is also a frequent guest at international film festivals around the world.
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Ken Mitsuishi
Ken Mitsuishi (September 26, 1961 Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyūshū-) otherwise known as Mitsuishi Ken is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He began his acting career in the late 1980s and has since appeared in numerous films and television dramas in Japan. Some of his notable roles include the character of Katsuhiro in Kiyoshi Kurosawa's film "Cure" and a supporting role in Takashi Miike's film "Audition." In addition to his work in film and television, Mitsuishi has also done voice work for anime, including the popular series "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex." He has been praised for his versatile acting abilities and has won several awards throughout his career, including a Best Supporting Actor award at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony in 2015. Mitsuishi is also known for his distinctive bald head and has stated that he shaves his head completely as a personal choice.
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Kiichi Nakai
Kiichi Nakai (September 18, 1961 Setagaya-) otherwise known as Nakai Kiichi is a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in 1984 and quickly gained popularity for his roles in various Japanese dramas and films. Some of his most notable works include the drama series "Suna no Utsuwa," the film "The Last Samurai" alongside Tom Cruise, and the television series "Legal High."
Aside from acting, Nakai is also a skilled singer and has released several albums throughout his career. He has also appeared in various commercials and is one of the most sought-after celebrity endorsers in Japan.
Nakai has won several awards for his performances, including the Best Actor Award at the Japan Academy Prize for his role in the film "Sekigahara." He is also known for his philanthropic work and has been appointed as an ambassador for UNICEF Japan.
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Kenichi Endō
Kenichi Endō (June 28, 1961 Shinagawa-) also known as Ken'ichi Endô, Kenichi Endou, Ken'ichi Endou, Endō Ken'ichi, Kenichi Endō or Kenichi Endo is a Japanese actor and screenwriter.
Endo started his acting career in 1983 and gained popularity for his comedic roles in various TV dramas and films. He is best known for his work as a regular cast member on the long-running Japanese variety show, "Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!". Endo has also appeared in several internationally successful Japanese films, such as "Visitor Q" and "Zebraman". In addition to acting, Endo has worked as a screenwriter on various films and TV dramas. He has won several awards for his acting and screenwriting, including the Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay awards at the Japan Academy Prize. Outside of his work in the entertainment industry, Endo is known for his love of martial arts and has even practiced MMA in the past.
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Kong Kuwata
Kong Kuwata (August 8, 1961 Sakai-) also known as Kong-Kuwata is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He's best known for his prolific voice acting career that spans over three decades, lending his voice to many notable anime series and films such as "Doraemon," "Dragon Ball," "One Piece," and "Pokémon." Besides voice acting, he has also appeared in several live-action dramas and films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Kong Kuwata has received several awards for his voice acting work, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Seiyu Awards in 2009. In addition to his acting career, he's also a singer and has released several songs over the years. Kong Kuwata's talent and contribution to the entertainment industry have made him a beloved figure among anime and Japanese pop culture fans worldwide.
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Kazuyuki Aijima
Kazuyuki Aijima (November 30, 1961 Kumagaya-) also known as Aijima or Aijima Kazuyuki is a Japanese actor.
He began his career in entertainment as a stage actor and made his first television appearance on the show "Fight." Aijima is known for his versatile acting skills and has appeared in numerous popular TV dramas, films, and stage productions. He has won several awards for his work, including Best Supporting Actor at the 31st Japan Academy Prize ceremony for his role in "The Eternal Zero." Aijima is also a voice actor and has lent his voice to various anime productions. In addition, he is a skilled singer and has released several albums throughout his career.
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Toshirō Yanagiba
Toshirō Yanagiba (January 3, 1961 Daisen-) also known as Toshirō Yanagiba, Toshirô Yanagiba, Yanagiba Toshirō or Toshiro Yanagiba is a Japanese actor and singer.
He began his career as a singer in the early 1980s and released several albums. He then transitioned to acting and is best known for his roles in popular Japanese dramas such as "Kinpachi-sensei" and "Tokyo Love Story". Yanagiba has also appeared in numerous films, including the popular "Bayside Shakedown" series. In addition to his acting career, he has also been a regular host on various TV programs and has served as a judge on the singing competition show "The Karaoke Battle". Yanagiba is married with two children and is known for his passion for racing and motor sports.
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Tomohiro Nishimura
Tomohiro Nishimura (February 2, 1961 Asahikawa-) a.k.a. Nishimura, Tomohiro or Hoko Nishimura is a Japanese actor, voice actor and singer-songwriter.
He graduated from Hosei University with a degree in business management and started his career as an actor in 1987. Nishimura has appeared in numerous Japanese TV dramas, films, and stage productions throughout his career. He is also a prolific voice actor and has lent his voice to many popular anime and video game characters. Notably, he provided the voice for Doctor Eggman in the Japanese version of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. In addition to acting and voice acting, Nishimura is also a talented singer-songwriter and has released several albums throughout his career. He has won several awards for his work, including the "Best Supporting Actor" award at the 50th Blue Ribbon Awards.
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Tarō Araki
Tarō Araki (February 16, 1961 Tokyo-) also known as Tarô Araki is a Japanese screenwriter, film director, actor and pornographic film actor.
Araki began his career in the Japanese film industry as an assistant director before making his directorial debut in 1994 with the horror film "The Booth". He went on to direct several other horror films, including "Ghost System" and "Dead Run". Araki also wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film " After Life" directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda in 1998.
In addition to his work in the mainstream film industry, Araki has also acted in and directed numerous pornographic films under the name Jyoji Manabe. He has been noted for his outspoken views on the adult video (AV) industry and its exploitation of young actresses, and has even directed and produced AVs that attempt to address social issues such as domestic violence and sex education.
Araki is known for his unique and often grotesque style of filmmaking, which has earned him a dedicated cult following in Japan and around the world. He continues to work as a director and screenwriter, and is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in contemporary Japanese cinema.
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Akihiko Ishizumi
Akihiko Ishizumi (October 25, 1961 Ehime Prefecture-) is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He started his career in voice acting in the early 1990s and has since lent his voice to numerous anime characters, including Gonsuke Hayashi in "Mobile Fighter G Gundam," Ushio Okazaki in "Clannad," and Dadan in "One Piece." Ishizumi has also provided the Japanese dub voice for characters in international films, such as Bane in "The Dark Knight Rises" and Agent K in "Men in Black 3." In addition to voice acting, Ishizumi has also appeared in live-action films, TV dramas, and stage productions. He is affiliated with the talent agency Aoni Production.
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Yoshimasa Kondo
Yoshimasa Kondo (August 13, 1961 Nagoya-) also known as Yoshimasa Kondô or Kondō Yoshimasa is a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the 1980s, and has since appeared in numerous Japanese films, television dramas, and stage productions. Kondo is best known for his roles in popular Japanese TV dramas such as "Tokyo Love Story" and "Furuhata Ninzaburo", as well as in films like "The Geisha House" and "Wasabi". In addition to acting, Kondo is also a noted voice actor, having lent his voice to a number of anime series and video games. He has received several awards for his performances, including the Best Actor Award at the 2nd TAMA Film Awards. Outside of acting, Kondo is also a musician and a writer, having penned several novels and essays.
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Hiroshi Maeda
Hiroshi Maeda (November 1, 1961 Kōchi Prefecture-) is a Japanese actor and stunt performer.
He is best known for performing stunts in several popular Japanese action films and TV dramas. He began his career as a stuntman in the 1980s and quickly gained recognition as one of the top stunt performers in Japan. He then transitioned into acting and has appeared in various films, TV dramas, and stage productions. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Maeda is also a martial artist and has trained in various disciplines including karate, taekwondo, and judo. He has also worked as a stunt coordinator and directing action scenes in films and TV shows. Maeda has won numerous awards for his work, and is highly respected in the Japanese entertainment industry.
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Kenji Haga
Kenji Haga (July 21, 1961 Okinawa-) otherwise known as Toma Mikio, 羽賀 健二, はが けんじ, 當眞 美喜男, とうま みきお, Haga Kenji, 羽賀 研二, Mikio Toma, Kenji, Mikio Tôma, Mikio Tōma or Tōma Mikio is a Japanese actor, businessperson and tarento.
Born in Okinawa, Japan, Kenji Haga began his career as an actor in the 1980s. He has since appeared in numerous TV dramas, movies and stage productions. He is also known as a tarento, or celebrity personality, in Japan, having appeared on various reality shows and talk shows.
Apart from his career in the entertainment industry, Haga is also a successful businessman. He has launched several businesses over the years, including a restaurant and a talent agency. He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to combine his creative talents with his business acumen.
Haga is a versatile performer, known for his ability to play a wide range of characters. He is particularly adept at playing tough guys and gangsters, but has also played comedic roles and romantic leads. His talent and versatility have made him one of Japan's most popular and respected actors.
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Kazuhisa Kawahara
Kazuhisa Kawahara (December 26, 1961 Kitakyushu-) is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He is best known for his role as Shinpachi Shimura in the anime and manga series, "Gintama". Kawahara has also provided the voice for other popular characters such as Kotaro Katsura in "Gintama", Kenichi Takeda in "Prince of Tennis", and Shinji Ogawa in "Golgo 13". In addition to voice acting, Kawahara has appeared in numerous Japanese television dramas and films. He has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1980s and is still active today.
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Nobuaki Kakuda
Nobuaki Kakuda (April 11, 1961 Sakai-) also known as Nobuo Kakuda, Kakuda Sensei or Kakuda, Nobuaki is a Japanese actor and martial artist.
He is best known for his expertise in kickboxing, winning the K-1 World Grand Prix in 1995 and 1996. He also has a black belt in Kyokushin Karate and has competed in other MMA events such as Pride Fighting Championships. In addition to his martial arts career, Kakuda has also acted in various movies and television shows, including the martial arts film "Bloodsport III" and the Japanese superhero series "Choujin Sentai Jetman." He has been honored with multiple awards for his contribution to martial arts in Japan and remains an influential figure in the industry.
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