Yasuaki Kurata

Yasuaki Kurata (born March 20, 1946) in the former Japanese Empire town of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, has become one of the most recognizable Japanese faces in the world of martial arts cinema. From an early age he was immersed in the discipline of Shitō‑ryū karate, training under his father and eventually achieving a 7th‑dan black belt, while also earning 3rd‑dan in judo, 2nd‑dan in aikido, and practicing kendo, a breadth of expertise that would later inform his on‑screen combat choreography. After completing his studies in performing arts at Nihon University and the Toei Theater School, Kurata entered the entertainment industry in 1966, debuting on the television series Marude Dameo, a role that marked the beginning of a prolific career spanning more than five decades. In 1971 he broke into Hong Kong cinema with the Shaw Brothers production Angry Guest, a bold move that paved the way for a lasting cross‑cultural partnership between Japanese and Hong Kong action filmmakers. Kurata’s fluency in Cantonese and his friendship with Bruce Lee helped him secure a steady stream of supporting and villainous roles, most famously his intense duel against Jet Li in Fist of Legend and his charismatic antagonist in So Close. Beyond acting, Kurata founded the stunt agency Kurata Promotion (originally Kurata Action Club) in 1976, mentoring countless performers and choreographing fight sequences that blend traditional Japanese martial arts with contemporary cinematic flair. He has also taught at the University of Creation, advised the All Japan Nunchaku League, authored the 2004 book Hong Kong Action Star Kōyūroku, and operates karate dojos in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hong Kong, influencing a new generation of martial artists such as Kenji Tanigaki. Recognized with two Hong Kong Film Award nominations, Kurata remains an active figure in both Japanese and international action cinema, embodying the spirit of dedication, versatility, and cultural bridge‑building that defines the modern martial‑arts star.