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Ichirô Nakatani
Ichirō Nakatani (April 1, 1930 – April 1, 2004) was a prolific Japanese actor whose career spanned more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on both film and television. Born in Hokkaido during the era of the Empire of Japan, Nakatani initially pursued higher education at Waseda University, but left before completing his degree to join the esteemed Haiyuza Theatre Company, where he honed his craft on stage before transitioning to the screen. His breakthrough came in the late 1950s when he received the Elan d’or Award for Newcomer of the Year in 1959, a testament to his immediate impact on the post‑war Japanese cinema landscape. Nakatani is perhaps best remembered for his iconic portrayal of the ninja Kazaguruma no Yahichi in the long‑running jidaigeki television series Mito Kōmon, a role he inhabited from 1969 until the series’ conclusion in 1999, endearing himself to multiple generations of viewers. Throughout his filmography, he appeared in a wide variety of genres, from the classic kaiju feature Rodan (1956) to Akira Kurosawa’s legendary samurai epic Yojimbo (1961), where he played a samurai, and Masaki Kobayashi’s stark drama Harakiri (1962). He also contributed memorable performances in The Sword of Doom (1966) and the wartime epic Japan's Longest Day (1967), demonstrating a versatility that allowed him to move seamlessly between supporting and leading roles, often imbued with a quiet intensity and moral complexity.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Ichirô Nakatani, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Ichirô Nakatani rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Ichirō Nakatani
Born: Hokkaido, Empire of Japan
Citizenship: Japanese
Birthday: April 1, 1930
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1956-1999
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Ichirô Nakatani
Harakiri
Rainbow Kids
The Imperial Navy
Willful Murder
Tange Sazen and the Pot Worth a Million Ryo
Prison Walls of Abashiri 3
Blood Type: Blue
Young Swordsman
Men and War I: Prelude to Destiny
Westward Desperado
Samurai Banners
Sleepy Eyes of Death 4: Sword of Seduction
Big Shots Die at Dawn
Wicked Priest 4: The Killer Priest Comes Back
Prison Walls of Abashiri, Part 2
Inn of Evil
Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades
Japan’s Longest Day
New Battles Without Honor and Humanity 1
The Betrayal
Blood End
Sleepy Eyes of Death 7: The Mask of the Princess
The Sword of Doom
By a Man’s Face Shall You Know Him
Oh, Bomb!
Dynamite Don-Don
The Fort of Death
Desperado Outpost
Delinquent Girl Boss: Worthless to Confess
The Homeless
Tenchu!
The Last Gunfight
Battle Cry
Shimane Prison Riot
Warring Clans
Shinsengumi: Assassins of Honor
Kwaidan
Sandakan No. 8
Shogun’s Samurai
New Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion
Samurai Wolf II
Hokuriku Proxy War
Sleepy Eyes of Death 14: Fylfot Swordplay
Admiral Yamamoto
Outlaw: Black Dagger
Rodan
Blueprint of Murder
A Killer’s Key
The Human Bullet
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Ichirô Nakatani, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1971
Inn of Evil
Officer Okajima (uncredited)
Delinquent Girl Boss: Worthless to Confess
Mari's poor husband
1969
Samurai Banners
Blood End
Chôgorô
The Fort of Death
Mondo Shibaike
Tenchu!
Shinsengumi: Assassins of Honor
Moribe Tani
Sleepy Eyes of Death 14: Fylfot Swordplay
1966
The Betrayal
Jurota Makabe
Sleepy Eyes of Death 7: The Mask of the Princess
The Sword of Doom
Bunnojo Utsuki
By a Man’s Face Shall You Know Him
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