Isao Natsuyagi

3.1. Acting Philosophy and Style

Natsuyagi held a strong belief that the fundamental requirement for an actor was to "maintain a healthy body." He was devoted to his physical training, meticulously honing his physique. His muscular build, showcased in works like Mito Komon (1974) and G.I. Samurai, was often compared favorably to that of international action star Sonny Chiba. This shared conviction that a sound body was essential for acting formed the basis of his close friendship with Chiba. Natsuyagi frequently participated in training sessions at the Japan Action Club (JAC), founded by Chiba, where they would "sweat together." Their intense on-screen duels in films like Kozure Satsujin Ken and Kage no Gundan Bakumatsu-hen were a testament to their physical prowess and mutual respect.

Natsuyagi's acting style evolved throughout his career. While initially known for his wild and masculine performances, especially in action-oriented roles, his later works showcased a more mature and profound acting presence. He was praised for his ability to seamlessly transition between various genres, from action and period dramas to detective stories and more nuanced character studies.

3.2. Name Change

From 1978 to 1984, Isao Natsuyagi worked under the professional name Isao Natsuki (夏木 勲_{Natsuki Isao}^Japanese). The circumstances behind this change have been subject to differing accounts. Film producer Haruki Kadokawa claimed he advised Natsuyagi to change his name, suggesting that "Natsuyagi" (夏八木) was "too auspicious." However, Natsuyagi himself denied Kadokawa's account, stating that a close monk had recommended the change, advising him that he was about to enter a "bad period" and that altering his name for a certain duration would be beneficial.

During this period, Natsuyagi became a regular in Kadokawa films, making his first appearance in the 1977 film Proof of the Man. His collaboration with Kadokawa deepened, leading to roles in Proof of the Man (1978), his starring role in Hakuchū no Shikaku, and the 1979 film G.I. Samurai, where he famously performed a helicopter escape from a castle tower without a stunt double, astonishing those around him. He also appeared in Virus. Having previously worked as a driver at Camp Zama, Natsuyagi was fluent in English, which allowed him to perform scenes alongside foreign actors in films like Hakuchū no Shikaku and Virus without the need for dubbing. His performances during this time earned him nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the 2nd and 3rd Japan Academy Prizes in 1979 and 1980, respectively.

In 1978, Natsuyagi's lifestyle, which included running to explore new cities and enjoying scuba diving, was featured on the television program Tōku e Ikitai.

4.1. Film

Natsuyagi appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, often taking on diverse and challenging roles. His debut was in Hone made shaburu in 1966, and his first starring role was in Samurai Wolf (Kiba Ōkaminosuke) in the same year.

4.2. Television

Natsuyagi had an extensive career in television, appearing in numerous dramas, including several Taiga dramas and Asadoras (morning dramas) for NHK.

4.3. Anime and Voice Acting

Natsuyagi also lent his voice to animated productions, including films and television series.

4.4. Dubbing

Isao Natsuyagi was also a prominent voice actor for foreign films, providing the Japanese dubbing for several notable actors.

• A Fistful of Dollars (1974 TBS edition) - Joe (Clint Eastwood)
• Nighthawks (1984 Fuji TV edition) - Deke DaSilva (Sylvester Stallone)
• The Bridges of Madison County (1996 VHS/DVD/BD edition) - Robert Kincaid (Clint Eastwood)

4.5. Stage and Commercials

Natsuyagi's work extended to stage productions and television commercials, further demonstrating his range.

• Stage**:
  • Jeanne d'Arc au Bûcher (Dramatic Oratorio by Arthur Honegger) (1997) - Friar Dominique
• Commercials**:
  • Ajinomoto Hondashi (co-starred with Junko Ikeuchi)
  • New Japan Kanko
  • Asahi Breweries (narration)
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  • Suntory Iyemon
  • Astellas Pharma (narration)
  • Nissin Foods Komugi Men Shokunin

6.1. Family

Natsuyagi married his wife, who was of Japanese-British descent, when he was 29 years old. Together, they had two daughters. Natsuyagi maintained a strict boundary between his professional and personal life; he never discussed his work at home, and his family would only learn about his projects once they were released to the public.

6.2. Friendships and Collaborations

Natsuyagi shared a particularly close friendship with fellow actor Sonny Chiba, which began during the filming of Ah, Dōki no Sakura in 1967. Their bond was rooted in a mutual belief that "a sound body is essential for acting." Chiba recalled that during the year-long filming of G.I. Samurai in Gotemba, while most actors returned to their inn by bus, he and Natsuyagi would run the 6.2 mile ^{(10 km)} back to their accommodation every day. Chiba praised Natsuyagi's strong legs and ability to endure harsh filming conditions. Natsuyagi also frequently attended training sessions at Chiba's Japan Action Club (JAC), actively inquiring about Chiba's training routines and diligently working out alongside him.

Chiba often expressed his admiration for Natsuyagi, stating, "He was a quiet, fresh, and favorite type of actor. He taught me many things, and one could say I became 'World's Chiba' thanks to Nacchan." He added, "People say you have three true friends in life, and for me, it's Ken Takakura and Nacchan. He was a thoughtful, ideal, and wonderful person who never hurt anyone." Natsuyagi, in turn, recalled Chiba's kindness when he was a newcomer in Kyoto, saying, "Chiba-chan took care of me... He would tell others, 'He doesn't know anything, don't bully him.' Thanks to him, living in unfamiliar Kyoto became much easier, and I am truly grateful." He also expressed surprise at Chiba's ability to control his body at will. Those close to both actors confirmed their deep bond, stating that Natsuyagi only spoke highly of Chiba, and Chiba considered Natsuyagi "the best actor in my life," often inviting him to collaborate. Their friendship was characterized by mutual understanding and respect.

6.3. Community Involvement

Isao Natsuyagi deeply loved Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, where he resided for many years in a deep green Western-style house. He was actively involved in his local community, advocating for its preservation. In 2003, when a proposal for a new bus route threatened the quiet atmosphere of his residential area, Natsuyagi rallied residents to oppose it. In 2012, he participated in a movement to promote local license plates for Kamakura, continuing his involvement even after his cancer diagnosis. His commitment to his beliefs extended to his professional life; he would commute over two hours by train from Kamakura to Fukaya, Saitama, for the filming of Land of Hope, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to both his work and his convictions.

Film director Yoji Yamada highly regarded Natsuyagi's talent and attempted to cast him in the popular Tora-san film series as a rival to the main character, but the collaboration never materialized.

7.1. Illness and Treatment

In the autumn of 2012, Isao Natsuyagi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite his illness, he continued to work, largely keeping his condition private from colleagues and the public. Only his immediate family and close friend Sonny Chiba were aware of his diagnosis. He underwent chemotherapy treatments. His family provided dedicated care, and Sonny Chiba visited him frequently, offering encouragement, recommending hospitals, and bringing gifts. Chiba noted that Natsuyagi appeared to be in great pain during this period.

7.2. Death and Mourning

Isao Natsuyagi passed away on May 11, 2013, at 3:22 PM, at his home in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, surrounded by his family. He was 73 years old. At the time of his death, Natsuyagi was preparing for a new film project.

His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the Japanese entertainment industry. Sonny Chiba expressed deep sorrow, as did Sion Sono, the director of Land of Hope. Fellow Haiyuza alumni Miyoko Akaza and Gin Maeda also conveyed their condolences. Actress Nagisa Katahira, a longtime fan, and actor Masaharu Fukuyama, who co-starred with Natsuyagi in Like Father, Like Son, shared their grief. Actors Shinzo Hotta and Hiroki Matsukata, who were close to Natsuyagi, also offered their respects. In accordance with his family's wishes, Natsuyagi's wake, funeral, and farewell ceremony were private, attended only by close relatives and a limited number of friends, including Sonny Chiba. At the time of his death, five of his films were still unreleased, a testament to his commitment to remaining an active actor until his final days.