What's After the Movie
Masahiko Tsugawa
Masahiko Tsugawa, born Masahiko Katō on 2 January 1940 in Kyoto, was a towering figure in Japanese cinema whose career spanned more than seven decades. He entered the film world as a child actor and made his major debut at the age of sixteen in Kō Nakahira’s seminal 1956 film Crazed Fruit, quickly establishing himself as a versatile talent capable of both heroic and villainous roles. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s he became a familiar face on television, especially in jidaigeki series such as the Hissatsu franchise, where his portrayals of ruthless antagonists earned him a reputation as a compelling character actor. Tsugawa’s filmography is exceptionally diverse, ranging from his memorable turn as Hanamura in Juzo Itami’s A Taxing Woman and its sequel, to supporting roles in iconic kaiju productions like Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All‑Out Attack and the critically acclaimed Tampopo. He is also noted for repeatedly embodying Tokugawa Ieyasu in historical dramas, including the 2000 Taiga drama Aoi Tokugawa Sandai, which made him the oldest lead actor ever to headline a Taiga series. In addition to acting, Tsugawa ventured behind the camera, directing Nezu no Ban under the pseudonym Makino Masahiko, a tribute to his esteemed uncle, director Masahiro Makino, and a nod to his illustrious family lineage that includes grandparents Shōzō Makino and Kunitarō Sawamura, as well as his brother Hiroyuki Nagato. His marriage to celebrated actress Yukiji Asaoka in 1973 formed one of Japan’s most beloved entertainment partnerships, and together they remained active in the industry until his death from heart failure on 4 August 2018 at the age of 78. Tsugawa’s contributions were recognized with numerous honors, such as the Medal with Purple Ribbon (2006) and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette (2014), cementing his legacy as one of Japan’s most respected and enduring film artists.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Masahiko Tsugawa, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Masahiko Tsugawa rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Masahiko Katō
Born: Kyoto, Kyoto, Empire of Japan
Citizenship: Japanese
Birthday: January 2, 1940
Occupations: Actor, film director, critic
Years Active: 1945-2018
Spouses: Yukiji Asaoka
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Masahiko Tsugawa
Tatara Samurai
The Tragedy of W
Postcard
Fish on Land
Strawberry Night
Elevator to the Gallows
Ultraman Ginga
Ultraman Ginga Theater Special: Ultra Monster ☆ Hero Battle Royal!
0.5 mm
The Great Shu Ra Ra Boom
Lady Maiko
And Then There Were None
HiGH&LOW The Movie 2: End of Sky
Solomon’s Perjury 2: Judgment
Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack
The Man in White Part 2: Requiem for the Lion
Battle Royale II: Requiem
A Hardest Night!!
Death Note
High and Low
Worst by Chance
The Man in White
What the Snow Brings
A Long Walk
Manon
The Rape
Suite Dreams
Time and Tide
Death Note: The Last Name
Heaven and Earth
A Taxing Woman
A Taxing Woman’s Return
The Girl in Glass
Kaidan
The Funeral
Tales of a Golden Geisha
Kaidan
The Body
Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
The Tattooed Hitman
The Sun’s Burial
Minbo, or the Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion
Good-for-Nothing
Summer Storm
The Last Dance
Blood of Revenge
Temptation of Angel
A Last Note
Bitter End of a Sweet Night
Will to Live
Tomorrow’s Sun
Twinkle
Crest of Betrayal
Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris
The Freezing Point
Supermarket Woman
AIBOU: The Movie
The Strange Tale of Oyuki
The Executioner
Kakera: A Piece of Our Life
Sing, Young People
Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
The Domain
Crazed Fruit
Night and Fog in Japan
Tora-san Loves an Artist
Cuban Lover
A Portrait of Shunkin
The Geisha House
Mei’s Butler
Farewell to Spring
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Masahiko Tsugawa, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2014
Ultraman Ginga Theater Special: Ultra Monster ☆ Hero Battle Royal!
Hotsuma Raidō
0.5 mm
Yoshio Makabe
The Great Shu Ra Ra Boom
Hachiro Hinode
Lady Maiko
Regular customer
2006
Death Note
Police Chief Saeki
A Long Walk
Suite Dreams
Kenji Bando
Death Note: The Last Name
Police Chief Saeki
2003
The Man in White Part 2: Requiem for the Lion
Battle Royale II: Requiem
The Prime Minister
Worst by Chance
Man Who Sells Accessories
The Man in White
1999
Will to Live
Village chief
Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris
Air force commander
The Geisha House
Yoshikawa
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