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Takeshi Katô
Takeshi Katō (加藤武, born 1 September 1932) is a distinguished Japanese actor whose career spanned more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on both classic cinema and television. Born in the bustling district of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Katō grew up in a family that valued traditional performing arts, which nurtured his early fascination with the stage. He entered the Nihon University College of Art in the early 1950s, where he studied drama under renowned mentors and quickly earned a reputation for his intense method acting and subtle emotional nuance. Katō made his screen debut in 1956 with the modest drama Midnight Train, and his breakthrough arrived in 1962 when he portrayed the stoic samurai Yasuke in the acclaimed period epic The Sword of the Shogun, earning critical praise for his commanding presence and fluid swordplay. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he became a familiar face in kaiju and tokusatsu productions, appearing in Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) and Gamera vs. Barugon (1965), where his ability to balance gravitas with genre‑specific flair won him a loyal fan base. Beyond genre fare, Katō showcased his versatility in contemporary dramas such as The River's Edge (1971) and the poignant TV series Family Ties (1975‑1978), where his portrayal of a widowed father navigating post‑war societal changes resonated deeply with audiences. His dedication to craft extended behind the camera, as he mentored younger actors at the Toho Studios Acting Guild and occasionally took on directorial duties for stage productions. After retiring from active performance in 2000, Katō remained a respected elder statesman of Japanese cinema, frequently appearing at retrospectives and receiving lifetime achievement awards, including the prestigious Kinema Junpo Award in 2005. He passed away peacefully in 2012, leaving behind a legacy defined by disciplined artistry, a wide‑ranging filmography, and an enduring influence on subsequent generations of performers.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Takeshi Katô, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Takeshi Katô rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Takeshi Katō
Born: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Citizenship: Japan
Birthday: September 1, 1932
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1956-2000
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Takeshi Katô
High and Low
Dora-heita
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: ‘The Hidden Fortress’
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: ‘High and Low’
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: ‘The Lower Depths’
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: ‘The Bad Sleep Well’
Aogeba Tôtoshi
Japan Sinks
Murder of the Inugami Clan
Koto: The Ancient City
Noh Mask Murders
Lonely Heart
Children of Nagasaki
Marriage Counselor Tora-san
For Kayako
Yume-Chiyo
Odin: Starlight Mutiny
Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp
Location
Four Days of Snow and Blood
Zero
Fighting Elegy
Bushido: The Cruel Code of the Samurai
Happiness of Us Alone
Mother
Queen Bee
The Thick-Walled Room
The Great White Tower
Tale of Japanese Burglars
Summer Soldiers
Japan’s Longest Day
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War
Moment of Terror
Miyamoto Musashi
An Inlet of Muddy Water
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics
The Girl I Abandoned
New Treasure Island
Pigs and Battleships
Room for Let
Throne of Blood
Island of Hell
Lullaby to Kill
The Pirates of Buban
Zatoichi’s Revenge
Sword of the Beast
Ninja, A Band of Assassins
The Hidden Fortress
Endless Desire
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
The Bad Sleep Well
XX: Beautiful Weapon
Million Dollar Smash-and-Grab
Foundry Town
Battle of the Japan Sea
House of Terrors
The Inugami Family
The Geisha House
The Sands of Kurobe
The Gambling Monk
A Sun-Tribe Myth from the Bakumatsu Era
Across a Gold Prairie
A Wanderer’s Notebook
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Takeshi Katô, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2002
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: ‘The Hidden Fortress’
Self
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: ‘High and Low’
Self
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: ‘The Lower Depths’
Self
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: ‘The Bad Sleep Well’
Self
1973
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War
Noboru Uchimoto
Miyamoto Musashi
Iwama Kakubei
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
Noburo Uchimoto
1965
Tale of Japanese Burglars
Public prosecutor Tamura
New Treasure Island
Long John Silver (voice)
Zatoichi’s Revenge
Koheita Kadokura
Sword of the Beast
Katori
House of Terrors
Keisuke Munakata
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