Ken'ichi Endô

Kenichi Endō (遠藤 憲一, Endō Ken'ichi; born 28 June 1961 in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan) is a prolific Japanese actor and writer whose career spans more than four decades, beginning with his television debut in 1979 on the tokusatsu series Battle Fever J. Over the years he has become renowned for his versatility, moving seamlessly between gritty yakuza dramas, avant‑garde horror, mainstream action, and heartfelt family narratives, and he has also lent his distinctive voice to numerous documentaries, video games, and foreign film dubs. Endō gained international recognition for his chilling performance as Kiyoshi Yamasaki in Takashi Miike's controversial Visitor Q (2001), a role that showcased his willingness to explore unsettling characters and cemented his reputation as a daring character actor. His portrayal of the yakuza boss Jōji Yazaki in Crows Zero (2007) and its sequel Crows Zero 2 (2009) further solidified his status as a leading figure in modern Japanese gangster cinema, where his imposing screen presence and nuanced delivery brought depth to the archetypal mob antagonist. In 2014 he crossed cultural borders by appearing as Hideaki Gotō, a powerful Japanese crime lord, in the critically acclaimed Indonesian action film The Raid 2: Berandal, highlighting his ability to adapt to international productions and broaden his audience. Beyond film, Endō has maintained a steady presence on Japanese television, with notable recurring roles such as Dr. Takashi Ebina in the long‑running medical drama Doctor‑X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon (2013‑2021) and historical figures like Hōjō Tokimasa in Taira no Kiyomori (2012). He has also contributed his voice to popular video games, including the iconic Yakuza 4 (2010) where he provided both voice and likeness for the character Junji Sugiuchi, and the Onimusha series as the fearsome Gargant. His voice work extends to dubbing the beloved character Groot in the Japanese releases of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, where his deep, resonant tones capture the tree‑like alien’s gentle personality. Endō’s filmography is extensive, featuring titles such as Violent Cop (1989), All Under the Moon (1993), Dead or Alive 2: Birds (2000), Nihon Chinbotsu (2006), and animated features like Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017) where he voiced the wizard Zebedee. He continues to appear in contemporary productions, including the 2022 Radiation House: The Movie and upcoming projects slated for 2025, demonstrating an enduring relevance in a rapidly evolving industry. Recognized for his contributions, he has received accolades such as the Best Supporting Actor award at the International Drama Festival in Tokyo, underscoring his impact both domestically and abroad. With a career marked by daring role choices, consistent performances, and a distinctive vocal presence, Kenichi Endō remains a pivotal figure in Japanese entertainment, admired by peers and audiences alike for his unwavering dedication to his craft.