Japanese movie stars died in 1960
Here are 3 famous actors from Japan died in 1960:
Kokuten Kodo
Kokuten Kodo (January 29, 1887 Takasago-January 22, 1960) also known as Saichirô Tanigawa, Kuninori Todo or Kokuten Kôdô was a Japanese actor.
He is best known for his work in jidaigeki, period dramas, where he often played villains or gruff samurai. Kodo began his acting career in the silent film era and later transitioned to talkies in the 1930s. He appeared in over 300 films throughout his career and worked with some of the most renowned directors of his time, including Akira Kurosawa. In addition to his film work, Kodo also acted in stage plays and was a skilled calligrapher. He received numerous awards for his contributions to Japanese cinema, including the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1958.
Kokuten Kodo was born in Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a calligrapher, while working as an extra in films at the same time. His on-screen presence was undeniable and he quickly gained attention from directors, which led to more prominent roles in films.
Kodo's popularity rose during the 1930s and 1940s, especially for his performances in Akira Kurosawa's films such as The Seven Samurai, The Hidden Fortress, and Yojimbo. He was known for his ability to play strong and tough characters, often portraying villains or gruff authority figures, but could also showcase a softer side in his performances.
Aside from his work in film, Kodo was also respected for his calligraphy, a skill he often incorporated into his acting. In 1953, he held his own exhibition of calligraphy and his works are still sought after today.
Kokuten Kodo passed away in 1960, but his legacy in Japanese cinema lives on. He is regarded as a pioneer of jidaigeki and his work is still celebrated by fans and filmmakers alike.
In addition to his successful acting and calligraphy careers, Kokuten Kodo was also known for his philanthropy. He was a dedicated supporter of the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan and promoted cultural exchange and education. Kodo believed in the power of the arts to bring people together and foster understanding between different cultures. He was also a practitioner of Zen Buddhism and incorporated its teachings into his calligraphy and acting. Kodo's impact on Japanese culture and society continues to be felt to this day, and he is regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.
Nakamura Tomijūrō IV
Nakamura Tomijūrō IV (June 11, 1908 Tokyo-October 17, 1960) otherwise known as Watanabe Kamezo, 中村富十郎 (4代目), 坂東一鶴, よだいめ なかむら とみじゅうろう, 渡辺 亀蔵, Nakamura Tomijūrō, 四代目 中村富十郎, 亀鶴, Kamezo Watanabe, わたなべ かめぞう, 三代目 坂東鶴之助, なかむら とみじゅうろう or 坂東亀の子 was a Japanese actor. His children are called Nakamura Tomijūrō V and Nakamura Kikaku.
Nakamura Tomijūrō IV was a highly acclaimed kabuki actor who specialized in tachiyaku (leading male roles) and was considered one of the greatest actors of his time. He was known for his powerful, dramatic performances and his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and expressions. Nakamura Tomijūrō IV came from a long line of kabuki actors and was regarded as the successor to his father, Nakamura Tokizo III. He made his stage debut at the age of two and went on to perform in some of the most famous kabuki plays of all time, including "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" and "Kanadehon Chushingura". In addition to his work in kabuki, he also appeared in a number of films, most notably Akira Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai". Despite his success, Nakamura Tomijūrō IV struggled with alcoholism and died at the age of 52 from liver disease. His legacy in the world of kabuki, however, has lived on through his children and the countless actors he influenced during his career.
Nakamura Tomijūrō IV was born on June 11, 1908, in Tokyo, Japan. He was given the name Watanabe Kamezo at birth, but he later adopted the stage name Nakamura Tomijūrō IV when he became a kabuki actor. Nakamura Tomijūrō IV came from a family of kabuki actors, and his father was Nakamura Tokizo III, who was also a famous kabuki actor.
Nakamura Tomijūrō IV began his acting career at the young age of two, and he quickly developed a reputation as a talented actor. He was particularly known for his powerful performances in tachiyaku roles, which are leading male roles in kabuki theater. He was also known for his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and expressions, and he was praised for his skill and versatility on stage.
During his career, Nakamura Tomijūrō IV performed in many famous kabuki plays, including "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" and "Kanadehon Chushingura". He also appeared in a number of films, including Akira Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai", which is considered one of the greatest films ever made.
Despite his success, Nakamura Tomijūrō IV struggled with alcoholism, which ultimately led to his death at the age of 52 from liver disease. Nevertheless, his legacy in the world of kabuki has lived on through his children, Nakamura Tomijūrō V and Nakamura Kikaku, who also became kabuki actors and who have continued to perform in his footsteps.
In addition to his successful career as a kabuki actor, Nakamura Tomijūrō IV was also known for his contributions to the art form. He played a significant role in the revival of kabuki during the post-World War II period, when traditional Japanese culture was fading away due to western influence. Nakamura Tomijūrō IV worked tirelessly to revive kabuki and promote it to younger generations, which helped to preserve the art form for years to come.
Nakamura Tomijūrō IV was also a mentor to many aspiring actors and was known for his generosity and kindness. He had a great influence on the development of kabuki theater and was highly respected by his peers and fans alike. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest kabuki actors of all time, and his legacy continues to live on through his performances and the work of his successors.
Miki Mori
Miki Mori (February 5, 1934 Tokyo-December 4, 1960 Sakyō-ku, Kyoto) also known as Mori Miki or MoriJun was a Japanese actor.
Miki Mori began his career in the entertainment industry as a child actor in the early 1950s. He gained popularity in the late 1950s for his roles in various films and TV dramas including "Fireman's Ballad" and "Fight, Zatoichi, Fight". Mori was known for his good looks and acting skills, which quickly made him a rising star in the industry. However, his career was cut short when he tragically died in a car accident in 1960 at just 26 years old. Despite his short career, Mori left a lasting impression on the Japanese entertainment industry and remains a respected figure in Japanese cinema.
Mori was born as Junji Mori in Tokyo, Japan. He began his acting career at the age of seven and starred in his first film "Koi ni Inochi wo" in 1949. Throughout the 1950s, he continued to act in several films and TV dramas and became known for his supporting roles. It wasn't until the late 1950s that Mori gained recognition for his leading roles, which showcased his talent as an actor.
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Mori was also a talented vocalist and released several records. His popularity as an actor and singer made him a heartthrob among young Japanese women.
Mori's untimely death at the age of 26 shocked the industry and his fans. Despite his short career, Mori's impact on Japanese cinema can still be felt today.
In addition to his work as an actor and singer, Miki Mori was also known for his athleticism and love of sports. He was a skilled boxer, and even competed in matches as an amateur. Mori's physical prowess was often showcased in his roles, and he was known for performing his own stunts.
Mori's death had a profound impact on the Japanese entertainment industry and his fans. His funeral was attended by thousands of mourners, and many still visit his grave to pay their respects. In the years since his passing, Mori's legacy has been celebrated through retrospectives of his work and tributes from fellow actors and fans.
Despite the brevity of his career, Miki Mori's impact on Japanese cinema and popular culture cannot be overstated. He remains a beloved figure in the hearts of many fans who continue to be moved by his performances and talent.