Japanese movie stars died in 2006
Here are 8 famous actors from Japan died in 2006:
Tetsurō Tamba
Tetsurō Tamba (July 17, 1922 Tokyo-September 24, 2006 Tokyo) a.k.a. Tetsuro Tanba, Tetsurô Tamba, Tetzuro Tamba, Tanba Tetsuro, Seizaburo Tanba, Tanba Seizaburo, Shozaburo Tanba, Tetsurô Tanba or Tetsuro Tamba was a Japanese actor. His children are called Yoshitaka Tamba and Masaki Mori.
Tetsurō Tamba was a prolific actor whose career spanned over five decades. He made his acting debut in 1946 and went on to appear in over 250 films and television shows, both in Japan and internationally. Some of his notable film roles include the character Tiger Tanaka in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice" (1967), and the role of Captain Okumura in the war film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970).
Tetsurō Tamba was also a versatile actor, known for his ability to play both serious and comedic roles. He was a popular figure in Japanese television, appearing in many dramas and variety shows. In addition to his acting career, Tamba worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to numerous Japanese dubs of foreign films and TV shows.
Tetsurō Tamba was recognized for his contributions to Japanese cinema, receiving numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1980 and the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2006.
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Hirotaka Suzuoki
Hirotaka Suzuoki (March 6, 1950 Nagoya-August 6, 2006 Suginami) otherwise known as Suzuoki Hirotaka was a Japanese voice actor, actor and theatrical producer.
He was affiliated with the talent agency Production Baobab at the peak of his career and was known for his distinctive voice and versatile acting skills. Suzuoki voiced numerous characters in popular anime series, such as Captain Gundam in "Superior Defender Gundam Force," Tenshinhan in "Dragon Ball," and Bright Noa in the "Mobile Suit Gundam" franchise. He also lent his voice to video games, such as the role of Zell Dincht in "Final Fantasy VIII." In addition to his voice acting work, Suzuoki had a successful career in live-action television dramas and movies, often portraying villains or anti-heroes. He also produced theatrical productions, such as the musical adaptation of the classic novel "The Count of Monte Cristo." His untimely death at the age of 56 was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Mako Iwamatsu
Mako Iwamatsu (December 10, 1933 Kobe-July 21, 2006 Somis) otherwise known as Makoto Iwamatsu, Mako Wakamatsu, Iwamatsu Mako, 岩松 マコ or Mako was a Japanese actor and voice actor. He had two children, Sala Iwamatsu and Mimosa Iwamatsu.
Mako had over 100 film, television and stage credits to his name throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the films "The Sand Pebbles" (1966), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and "Rising Sun" (1993). He also lent his voice to a number of animated films and TV series, including the character Aku in the animated series "Samurai Jack." Mako was also an accomplished theater actor, founding the East West Players in Los Angeles in 1965. He was a trailblazer for Asian American actors, paving the way for greater representation and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Mako passed away in 2006 at the age of 72 due to esophageal cancer.
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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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Reizō Nomoto
Reizō Nomoto (September 17, 1930 Tokyo-July 7, 2006) also known as Nomoto Reizo, Reijiro Nomoto, Nomoto Reijiro, Reizou Nomoto or Reijirou Nomoto was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
Nomoto began his acting career in the 1950s, appearing on stage and in films such as "The Human Condition" trilogy (1959-1961) directed by Masaki Kobayashi. He later transitioned to voice acting, lending his distinctive voice to many iconic characters in anime and video games. Some of his notable roles include Esidisi in "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure", Watanabe in "Golgo 13", and Doctor Kureha in "One Piece". Nomoto also contributed to the dubbing of foreign films, providing the voice of Colonel Kilgore in the Japanese version of "Apocalypse Now" (1979). In addition to his voice work, Nomoto was also a prolific narrator, lending his voice to documentaries and educational programs. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 75.
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Yoichi Numata
Yoichi Numata (July 19, 1924 Yubara-April 29, 2006 Tokorozawa) a.k.a. Mikamo Masaharu, Y. Numata, Masaharu Mikamo, ぬまた よういち, 美甘 正晴, 沼田 曜一 or みかも まさはる was a Japanese actor.
He was born in Yubara, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Numata started his acting career in 1947 and appeared in over 200 films and TV shows throughout his career, which spanned nearly six decades.
Numata was best known for his roles in samurai films, particularly those directed by Akira Kurosawa. He appeared in Kurosawa's films "Seven Samurai," "Throne of Blood," "The Hidden Fortress," "Yojimbo," and "Sanjuro." He was also known for his versatile acting style, which allowed him to portray a wide range of characters, from villains to comedic sidekicks.
In addition to his acting career, Numata was also a prolific voiceover artist. He provided the Japanese dubbing for many foreign films, including "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind." He also provided the voice of the character Gojira in the Japanese version of the original "Godzilla" film.
Numata received numerous awards throughout his career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Japanese Academy in 2000. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 81 due to pneumonia.
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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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Takahiro Tamura
Takahiro Tamura (August 31, 1928 Kyoto-May 16, 2006 Tokyo) a.k.a. Tamura Takahiro was a Japanese actor.
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Takahiro Tamura began his career in the film industry as an assistant director, before transitioning to acting in the 1950s. He quickly made a name for himself, becoming a popular leading man and appearing in over 150 films throughout his career.
Tamura was known for his versatility as an actor, easily transitioning between dramatic roles and comedic performances. He starred in several notable films including Yasujirō Ozu's "Tokyo Twilight" and Akira Kurosawa's "The Hidden Fortress".
In addition to his film work, Tamura also appeared on television, starring in the popular series "Kyojin no Hoshi" and "Kiteretsu Daihyakka". He received numerous accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Mainichi Film Awards in 1957 and the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actor in 1986.
Takahiro Tamura passed away in 2006 at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most beloved actors.
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