Japanese movie stars died in 1979
Here are 5 famous actors from Japan died in 1979:
Kenjiro Uemura
Kenjiro Uemura (January 3, 1914 Shinjuku-April 3, 1979 Kunitachi) a.k.a. Kenjirô Uemura or 植村謙二郎 was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in numerous films throughout the decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, he gained prominence for his roles in several samurai films, including "Samurai Trilogy" and "Sword of Doom." Uemura was known for his ability to convey complex emotions through his acting and was highly respected in the industry. He also worked as a voice actor and lent his voice to popular anime series, such as "Giant Robo" and "Astro Boy." In addition to his work in film and television, Uemura was also a trained stage actor and performed in many theatrical productions. He died in 1979 at the age of 65.
Uemura was born in Shinjuku, Tokyo in 1914, and at the age of 17, he started his acting career with the Shochiku Kamata Studio. He initially appeared in small roles in films but later landed significant roles in the company's productions, eventually becoming a respected veteran actor in the Japanese film industry. Uemura was known for his intense acting style and his ability to bring depth to his characters.
Uemura appeared in various films throughout his career, including works by acclaimed directors Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu. He also acted in several television dramas, including the popular series "Abarenbo Shogun." In the 1970s, Uemura shifted his focus to voice acting and lent his talents to various anime series and films.
Uemura's legacy in Japanese cinema continues to be celebrated, and his contributions to the samurai film genre are still recognized today. Despite passing away over four decades ago, he remains a respected figure in the industry, and his performances continue to inspire younger generations of actors.
Kôji Mitsui
Kôji Mitsui (March 6, 1910 Yokohama-April 20, 1979 Kamakura) also known as Hideo Mitsui, Mitsui Nissi Shigeru or Mitsui HikoHide was a Japanese actor.
He was best known for his work in films such as "Tokyo Twilight" (1957), "The Human Condition" (1959-1961) and "Kwaidan" (1964). Mitsui began his acting career in the 1930s in theaters before transitioning to films in the 1940s. He gained critical acclaim for his performances in various Japanese New Wave films during the 1950s and '60s. Aside from acting, Mitsui was also a founding member and president of the Tokyo Actors' Association. He passed away in 1979 at the age of 69.
Mitsui was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, in 1910. He graduated from Keio University with a degree in literature and then joined a theater troupe in 1933. He made his film debut in 1940 with "The Road to Tokyo" and went on to act in more than 200 films throughout his career. Mitsui was known for his versatility as an actor, portraying a wide range of characters from comedic to dramatic roles.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Mitsui was a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous anime and animated films. He provided the voice for the character Dr. Senbei Norimaki in the popular anime series "Dr. Slump" and its subsequent films.
Mitsui was also known for his activism in the film industry. He was a member of the Independent Producers Association and was instrumental in the formation of the Japan Actors Union. He worked tirelessly to improve working conditions for actors and to promote the rights of performers in the industry.
Mitsui received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Japanese cinema. In 1976, he received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan's highest honors. His legacy as an actor and advocate for the industry continues to be celebrated in Japan and around the world.
Bin Amatsu
Bin Amatsu (February 16, 1921 Miyagi Prefecture-July 24, 1979 Yokohama) otherwise known as Toshi Amatsu, Toshi Tenshin or Satoshi Amatsu was a Japanese actor.
Bin Amatsu began his acting career in the late 1940s and quickly became a prominent figure in Japanese cinema. He appeared in over 160 films throughout his career, including popular titles such as "The Sword That Saved Edo" and "A Rascal's Tale." In addition to his work in film, Amatsu was also a talented stage actor and director. He founded his own theater company in Yokohama in the 1950s and produced many successful plays. Amatsu was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to play a wide range of characters. His performances were praised for their emotional depth and authenticity. Despite his success, Amatsu struggled with alcoholism throughout his life and his career suffered as a result. He died of liver failure at the age of 58.
Throughout his acting career, Bin Amatsu received several awards and recognitions for his outstanding performances. In 1955, he won the Mainichi Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film "Sazae-san." He also received the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in "The Life of a Horsetrader" in 1956. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Amatsu was actively involved in social issues and politics. He was a member of the Japan Communist Party and often spoke out against the government and its policies. Despite his controversial views, Amatsu was widely respected for his contributions to Japanese cinema and theater. He remains a beloved figure in Japanese popular culture and is heavily commemorated both in Japan and beyond.
Yûji Hori
Yûji Hori (September 26, 1922 Tokyo-June 19, 1979) also known as yûji Hori was a Japanese actor. He had three children, Hideyuki Hori, Yukitoshi Hori and Mitsuaki Hori.
Throughout his career, Yûji Hori appeared in over 170 films and was widely recognized for his exceptional acting skill. He began his acting career in theater during the 1940s and made his film debut in the 1950s. Some of his most notable film roles include "Miyamoto Musashi" (1954), "Gate of Hell" (1953), and "An Actor's Revenge" (1963).
Apart from his film career, Yûji Hori also worked in television and starred in several popular dramas. He was also known for his voice acting work and lent his voice to many animated films and series.
Despite his success, Yûji Hori's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 56 due to stomach cancer. He is remembered as an influential figure in Japanese cinema and is celebrated for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
In addition to his acting work, Yûji Hori was also a skilled calligrapher and sumi-e artist (Japanese ink painting). He often incorporated his artwork into his performances and was known for his expressive, dynamic style. Hori also had a talent for martial arts and frequently performed his own stunts in films.
Hori's legacy extends beyond his impressive body of work. His sons, Hideyuki and Yukitoshi, followed his footsteps and became successful actors in their own right. Hideyuki is known for his work in the popular anime series "Saint Seiya" and "Mobile Suit Gundam", while Yukitoshi has appeared in films like "The Cat Returns" and "Spirited Away".
Yûji Hori's impact on Japanese cinema has been recognized through several posthumous awards. In 1982, he was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, and in 1990, he was inducted into the Japanese Academy Awards Hall of Fame. His contributions to the entertainment industry will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
Mitsugu Fujii
Mitsugu Fujii (October 30, 1910 Tokyo-October 23, 1979) was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in the early 1930s and appeared in over 150 films throughout his career. Fujii was known for his versatility as an actor and performed in a variety of genres including action, drama, and comedy. He was recognized with several awards throughout his career including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1954 and the Best Actor Award at the Mainichi Film Awards in 1971. In addition to his work on film, Fujii also acted in television dramas and on stage. He was admired for his dedication to the craft of acting and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his roles. Fujii passed away in 1979 at the age of 68.
Fujii's career spanned several decades, during which he worked with some of the most renowned directors of the Japanese film industry. He was also known for his collaboration with fellow actor and comedian Kenichi Enomoto, with whom he appeared in more than 20 films. Some of Fujii's most noteworthy performances include his role in the 1949 film "Late Spring," directed by Yasujiro Ozu, and his portrayal of a yakuza boss in the 1968 film "Blackmail Is My Life," directed by Kinji Fukasaku. In addition to acting, Fujii was also a mentor to many young actors and actresses, and was known for his kindness and generosity. He remains a beloved figure within the Japanese film community and is remembered for his contributions to the industry.