1. Overview
Kojiro Hongo (本郷 功次郎Hongō KōjirōJapanese, 1938-2013) was a prominent Japanese actor whose career spanned from 1958 to 2004. Initially reluctant to pursue acting, Hongo became a leading star at Daiei Studios in the 1960s, known for his roles in both period dramas and contemporary films, including the studio's groundbreaking 70mm feature Buddha. He gained significant international recognition for his appearances in the Gamera film series, a genre he initially disliked but later embraced as a valuable part of his legacy. After the decline of Daiei, Hongo successfully transitioned to television drama, most notably with a nine-year tenure as Detective Takeshi Tachibana in the popular crime series Tokusō Saizensen. His career was marked by his versatile acting and his enduring presence in Japanese cinema and television until a stroke in 2004 led to his effective retirement.
2. Early Life and Background
Kojiro Hongo's journey into the world of acting was largely serendipitous, stemming from his background in judo and an unexpected discovery by a film executive.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Kojiro Hongo was born on February 15, 1938, as the second son of a hardware store owner in Omotecho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. He pursued higher education at Rikkyo University, where he studied English and American Literature. During his university years, Hongo was an active member of the judo club, a discipline that would inadvertently open the doors to his future career. Standing at 68 in (172 cm) tall, his athletic build and proficiency in judo were distinguishing features. His wife was Miyako Kojo, and his second son is actor Sojiro Hongo.
2.2. Actor Debut and Early Career
Hongo's entry into the film industry was a result of a fortuitous encounter. His aunt, who often carried a photograph of Hongo in his judo uniform with a black belt, happened to show it to Hideo Matsuyama, an executive at Daiei Studios and a friend of her brother-in-law. Daiei was actively seeking new judo stars to follow the likes of Susumu Fujita and Kenji Sugawara. Upon seeing the photograph, Daiei's president, Masaichi Nagata, immediately demanded that Hongo be brought in. Hongo jokingly described this incident as being "kidnapped."
Despite being interviewed by Matsuyama and acclaimed director Kon Ichikawa at Daiei's headquarters, Hongo initially had no intention of becoming an actor and candidly told them that he found Japanese films "boring." However, he was eventually persuaded, agreeing only on the condition that he would star in "judo films." He joined the Daiei Acting Institute as a 12th-generation Daiei New Face in 1958. His film debut came in 1959 with Kodokan ni Hi wa Noboru (*The Sun Rises at Kodokan*), where he played a supporting lead role to Kenji Sugawara. In recognition of his promising start, Hongo received an Elan d'or Award for Newcomer of the Year in 1959.
During the filming of Kodokan ni Hi wa Noboru on Mount Wakakusa, a scene required him to be thrown. When he saw mats laid out for the stunt, Hongo questioned their purpose, stating that they weren't needed on the dirt ground. This surprised director Katsuhiko Tasaka, who, thrilled by Hongo's genuine judo skills, filmed a sequence where Hongo was continuously thrown seven times by Sugawara in a single take. This was groundbreaking, as previous judo films had always used stunt doubles. President Nagata was reportedly overjoyed by Hongo's authenticity, ordering him to be promoted as a star. Despite his rapid ascent to stardom, Hongo maintained a humble perspective, stating that he made no personal effort to become an actor and never had aspirations for the profession.
3. Acting Career
Kojiro Hongo's acting career was marked by his prolific output at Daiei Studios and his subsequent enduring presence in Japanese television.
3.1. Daiei Studios Era
Under the direct command of President Masaichi Nagata and due to a shortage of young male stars at the time, Hongo quickly became a prominent figure at Daiei Studios. He was cast in a continuous string of films, establishing himself as a versatile young star capable of performing in both historical dramas and contemporary films. By 1961, he was chosen for the lead role in Buddha (also known as Shaka), which was notable as Japan's first 70mm film.
During his time at Daiei, Hongo was reportedly cherished by his senior colleague Raizo Ichikawa, who treated him like a younger brother, even letting Hongo stay at his home when Hongo's initial salary was low. He co-starred with Ichikawa in numerous films and received guidance on performing in historical dramas. When faced with the challenge of a lead role early in his career, he recalled receiving contradictory advice: Kon Ichikawa told him to "just memorize the script," while Shintaro Katsu advised him, "Don't memorize the script; first get into the role," which initially confused him. Hongo often reflected on his Daiei years as a period of intense busyness, where it was common for him and the crew to sleep briefly on the studio floor due to tight schedules, often moving directly from one filming location to the next early in the morning.
Hongo, who favored literary-themed films, initially resisted the company's directive to star in Gamera vs. Barugon (1966). He reportedly went into hiding for days, staying in a hotel. He joked that "other actors scattered like spiders," and he was the only one "caught." He attempted to feign a serious illness, calling the head office from a hotel in Osaka claiming he was gravely ill. In response, a production manager and section chief from the head office visited him. Panicked, Hongo called a doctor friend, brought in a nurse, received a nutritional injection, and feigned a critical condition under a futon. The section chief, believing his act, reportedly called the office saying, "It's no good, Hongo's illness is real." However, he was told that the company would wait until he recovered, and he was eventually persuaded to take the role. He then went on to star in other films often considered "children's movies" like Return of Daimajin (1966), Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967), Gamera vs. Viras (1968), and Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts (1969), which he admitted to resenting at the time.
However, his perspective on the Gamera series evolved significantly later in his career. He was deeply moved and pleased when he was asked to appear in Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (1995) during the Heisei era, reflecting on his past self. While he had previously omitted the Gamera films from his official profile, he later decided to include them after consistently being asked why they were missing. He ultimately considered the Gamera films a "treasure" and expressed surprise that they would become such a lasting part of his legacy.
3.2. Post-Daiei and Television Work
After his tenure as a leading star at Daiei Studios concluded in 1969, Kojiro Hongo broadened his acting scope by appearing in films from other companies and, significantly, by transitioning into television drama. He became a familiar face on the small screen, with one of his most notable roles being Detective Takeshi Tachibana in the long-running crime series Tokusō Saizensen (*Special Investigative Frontline*). He played this character for nine years, from 1978 to 1987, making it one of his representative works.
He also made appearances in several prestigious NHK Taiga Dramas, which are annual historical television series. He portrayed Amari Torayasu in Takeda Shingen (1988), Sakuma Morishige in Nobunaga: King of Zipangu (1992), and Hōjō Tokimasa in Homura Tatsu (1993). These roles showcased his versatility and continued presence in significant television productions, solidifying his career beyond the studio system.
3.3. Filmography and Other Works
Kojiro Hongo's prolific career spanned film, television, V-cinema, and stage. His acting period officially lasted from 1958 to 2004.
3.3.1. Film
Hongo appeared in a wide array of films, showcasing his diverse acting range.
- Kodokan ni Hi wa Noboru (1959) - Takashi Baba
- Kaigun Heigakko Monogatari Aa Etajima (1959) - First Class Cadet Kogure
- Nuregami Sandogasa (1959) - Prince Nagasuke Tokugawa Ienari
- Kizoku no Kaidan (*Stairway of the Nobles*) (1959) - Yoshito
- Satan's Sword (*Daibosatsu-toge*) (1960) - Hyōma Utusugi
- Aa Tokubetsu Kogekitai (*Special Attack Unit*) (1960) - Lieutenant Akira Nozawa
- Zoku Jirocho Fuji (*Jirocho Fuji, Part 2*) (1960) - Shichigoro Komatsumura
- Shori to Haiboku (*Victory and Defeat*) (1960) - Tetsutaro Hata
- Dare yori mo Kimi wo Aisu (*I Love You More Than Anyone*) (1960) - Akito Hanzawa
- Satan's Sword II (*Daibosatsu-toge: Ryujin no Maki*) (1960)
- Satan's Sword 3 (*Daibosatsu-toge: Kanketsuhen*) (1961)
- Buddha (*Shaka*) (1961) - Prince Siddhartha (Buddha)
- Ginza-kko Monogatari (*Ginza Girl's Story*) (1961) - Shuzo Takarai
- Ashita wo Yobu Minato (*Port Calling Tomorrow*) (1961) - Ichiro Hashimoto
- Gonint no Totsugekitai (*Five Commandoes*) (1961) - Lieutenant Nogami
- Nessa no Tsuki (*Moon of the Hot Sand*) (1962) - Shinji Mori
- Jonetsu no Shijin Takuboku (*Takuboku, The Passionate Poet*) (1962) - Takuboku Ishikawa
- Nagawakizashi Chushingura (*The Long Sword Chushingura*) (1962) - Prince Arisugawa
- Shin Shi Huangdi (*Qin Shi Huang*) (1962) - Li Hei
- Ashita Au Hito (*The Person I'll Meet Tomorrow*) (1962) - Keisuke Nishihara
- Killer Whale (*Kujiragami*) (1962) - Shaki
- Hanzai Sakusen No.1 (*Crime Operation No. 1*) (1963) - Toshiro Nakanishi
- Guren-tai Junjoha (*The Honest Gang*) (1963) - Ginnosuke Nakamura
- Kyojin Okuma Shigenobu (*Great Man Shigenobu Okuma*) (1963) - Eiichi Shibusawa
- Kinsei Meishobu Monogatari Hana no Kodokan (*Modern Masterpiece Story: Kodokan's Flower*) (1963) - Hideyuki Mishima
- Nihon Meishobu Monogatari Kodokan no Washi (*Japan Masterpiece Story: Kodokan's Eagle*) (1964) - Sanshiro Sugata
- Judo Meishobu Monogatari Hissatsu Ippon (*Judo Masterpiece Story: Killer Ippon*) (1964) - Kyosuke Hiiragi
- Bakuto Samurai (*Gambler Samurai*) (1964) - Sataro Shishiyama
- Kumo wo Yobu Kodokan (*Kodokan Calling the Clouds*) (1965) - Shunsuke Kakehi
- Zero Fighters (*Aa Reishi*) (1965) - Captain Kaji
- Gamera vs. Barugon (*Daikaiju Ketto Gamera tai Barugon*) (1966) - Keisuke Hirata
- Wakagashira Norikomu (*Young Boss Rises*) (1966) - Sanjiro Terai
- Return of Daimajin (*Daimajin Ikari*) (1966) - Juro Tokisada Chigusa
- Gamera vs. Gyaos (*Daikaiju Kuchusen Gamera tai Gyaosu*) (1967) - Shiro Tsutsumi
- The Woman Gambler (*Onna Tobakushi*) (1967) - Yuji Tagaami
- Umi no G-Men Taiheiyo no Yoojinbo (*Sea G-Men: Pacific Bodyguard*) (1967) - Koji Togawa
- Peony Lantern (*Botan Doro*) (1968) - Shinzaburo
- Nihiki no Yoojinbo (*Two Bodyguards*) (1968) - Yataro Seki
- Gamera vs. Viras (*Gamera tai Uchukaiju Viras*) (1968) - Nobuhiko Shimada
- Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts (*Tokaido Obake Dochu*) (1969) - Hyakutaro of Ginza
- Yoojinbo Kyojo Tabi (*Bodyguard's Brutal Journey*) (1969) - Chenta Riyama
- Aa Kaigun (*Oh, Navy*) (1969) - Lieutenant Araki
- Aa Rikugun Hayabusa Sentotai (*Oh, Army Hayabusa Fighter Unit*) (1969) - Lieutenant Ando
- Shinobi no Shu (*Ninja Group*) (1970) - Suketayu Nabari
- Gateway to Glory (*Shin Onna Tobakushi Tsubogure Hada*) (1971) - Masa Hayakaze
- Tsugaru Jongara Bushi (1973)
- Karate for Life (*Karate Baka Ichidai*) (1977) - Shuzo Fujita
- Yonigeya Honpo 2 (*Night Escapers 2*) (1993) - Yoshikazu Morita
- Gotoshisha Kabushikigaisha II (*Swindler Co., Ltd. II*) (1994) - Komatsubara
- Okumanchōja ni natta otoko. (*The Man Who Became a Billionaire*) (1994)
- Garouden (*Legend of the Hungry Wolf*) (1995) - Soichiro Izumi
- Gamera: Guardian of the Universe (*Gamera: Daikaiju Kuchu Kessen*) (1995) - Captain of Patrol Ship Nojima
- Tokyo Mafia (1995)
- Tokyo Mafia: Wrath of the Yakuza (1996)
- EM Embalming (1999) - Commander Jion
- Nyokyo Yasha no Mai (*Woman Yakuza: Dance of the Demon*) (2000)
- Family (2001) - Sekishu Nishiwaki
- Family 2 (2001)
- Tsuki no Akari (*Moonlight*) (2002) - Ossan
- Kioku no Ongaku Gb (*Memory Music Gb*) (2002) - Kakizaki
- Shuryo e no Michi (*Road to the Boss*) (2003) - Torao Shirosaki, President of Byakko-kai
3.3.2. Television Drama
Hongo's television career included a mix of genres, from long-running crime series to historical dramas.
- Shin Yuki (*New Snow*) (1966, NTV / Daiei TV Studio)
- Senba (April 2, 1967 - March 31, 1968, Kansai TV)
- The Guard Man Episode 94 "Utsukushii Spy-tachi" (1967, TBS / Daiei TV Studio)
- Himitsu Shirei 883 (*Secret Command 883*) (1967-1968, CX / Daiei TV Studio) - Hayato Nozu
- Tenpo Tsumujikaze (*Tempō Whirlwind*) (1969, Asahi Broadcasting Corporation)
- Mito Komon (TBS / C.A.L)
- Season 1, Episode 24 "Nazo no Shimon -Kameda-" (1970) - Yatarō
- Season 20, Episode 30 "Katanakaji no Adauchi Higan -Okayama-" (1991) - Sōgen-sai Masamitsu
- Season 22, Episode 12 "Mitsumei Obita Musume Junrei -Tokushima-" (1993) - Jurobei Awano
- Season 23, Episode 35 "Aku wo Nerau Nazo no Komuso -Hikone-" (1995) - Sakon Kusakabe
- Season 24, Episode 21 "Oni to Yobareta Chichi no Shinjitsu -Tottori-" (1996) - Juhei Harada
- Season 28, Episode 1 "Gojusan-tsugi Yonaoshi Tabi -Shinagawa-" (2000) - Wakasa no Kami Tanzawa
- Season 31, Episode 9 "Shinobi no Kessen! Oyako no Saikai -Igaueno-" (2002) - Gensai Tsuge
- Kimi wa Umi o Mita ka (*Have You Seen the Sea?*) (1970, NTV / Daiei TV Studio) - Toshihiko Tateishi
- Hoso ude Hanjoki (*A Story of Success for a Slim Arm*) (1970-1971, YTV / Toho) - Shunsaku
- Botejako Monogatari (*Botejako Story*) (1971, YTV) - Sonosuke
- Key Hunter Episode 259 "Jonashu no License" (1973, TBS / Toei) - Hayasaka
- Edo o Kiru Azumi Ukon Onmitsu Cho (*Edo Cut: Azumi Ukon's Secret Journal*) Episode 23 "Rōnin Muzan" (1974, TBS / C.A.L) - Chōhachirō
- Kurayami Shirominin (*Darkness Assassin*) Episode 4 "Shitomete Soro" (1974, ABC / Shochiku) - Yamashiro no Kami Inabe
- Zatoichi Monogatari (*Zatoichi Story*) Episode 11 "Kisoji no Tsumujikaze" (1974, CX / Katsu Production) - Yasukichi, a Gambler
- Onihei Hankacho (*Onihei's Crime Reports*) (1975, NET / Toho) - Yūsuke Sakai
- Ningyotei Ibun Muhogai no Suronin (*The Mysterious Story of Ningyotei: Ronin of Lawless Town*) Episode 7 "21 Hatsume no Reihō" (1976, NET / Mifune Production) - Heitaro Onchi
- Code Number 108: 7 nin no Ribu (*Code Number 108: 7 Ribs*) Episode 3 "Ōkami yo Shiniso gona" (1976, KTV / Senkosha)
- Denkichi Torimonocho (*Denkichi's Arrest Records*) Episode 126 "Edo ni Haitta Shōkinkasegi" (1976, NTV / Union Films) - Ryūhei Shimoda
- Doyo Wide Gekijo (*Saturday Wide Theater*) (ANB)
- Shinkansen Satsujin Jiken (*Shinkansen Murder Case*) (1977, Toei) - Inspector Ishihara
- Futari no Otto wo Motsu Onna (*The Woman Who Had Two Husbands*) (1977)
- Kako wo Motte Kita Onna (*The Woman Who Brought the Past*) (1993)
- Tokusō Saizensen (*Special Investigative Frontline*) (1978-1987, ANB / Toei) - Takeshi Tachibana
- Nukarumino Onna (*Woman of the Mire*) (1980), Zoku Nukarumino Onna (*Woman of the Mire, Continued*) (1981, THK) - Yamamura
- Ōoku Episode 39 "Nusumareta Seishun" (1984, KTV / Toei) - Ooka Echizen no Kami
- Natsu Kazoku (*Summer Family*) (1987, THK)
- Taiga Drama (NHK)
- Takeda Shingen (1988) - Amari Torayasu
- Nobunaga: King of Zipangu (1992) - Sakuma Morishige
- Homura Tatsu (*Flame Rises*) (1993) - Hōjō Tokimasa
- Edogawa Ranpo Kessaku Series "Meitantei Tojo! Akechi Kogoro Kumo Otoko Kaiki! Bijo Renzoku Satsujin Jiken" (*Edogawa Ranpo Masterpiece Series: "Detective Appears! Kogoro Akechi: Spider Man, Bizarre! Beautiful Woman Serial Murder Case"*) (1989, TBS) - Dr. Azanagi
- Shin-ai naru Mono e (*To My Dear Ones*) (1992, Fuji TV)
- Tsuruhime Denki - Komo Setouchi Suigun- (*Princess Tsuru's Legend -Rise and Fall of Setouchi Suigun-*) (1993, NTV / Union Films)
- Edo o Kiru VIII (*Edo Cut VIII*) Episode 22 "Uwasa no Meii wa Rō no Naka" (1994, TBS / C.A.L) - Kōseki Ono
- Onna Bengoshi Mizushima Yuriko no Kiken na Jiken File No2 (*Female Lawyer Yuriko Mizushima's Dangerous Case File No. 2*) (1998)
- Oedo o Kakeru! (*Running Through Edo!*) (2000-2001, TBS / C.A.L) - Wakasa no Kami Kimura
3.3.3. V-Cinema
Kojiro Hongo also participated in the V-cinema market, a segment of the Japanese film industry producing direct-to-video movies.
- Business Saizensen (*Business Frontline*) (1987, Kanrisha Yosei Gakko) - *Corporate video*
- Gigolo Cop: Roppongi Akasaka Bishōnen Kurabu (*Gigolo Cop: Roppongi Akasaka Pretty Boy Club*) (1991, Japan Home Video)
- Minami no Teio Minami no Teio 3 (*Emperor of the South 3*) (1993, KSS) - President Gondo
- Yamikin no Teio Gin to Kin 3 (*Usury King: Silver and Gold 3*) (1994, SHS Project)
- Nihon Gokudōshi (*History of Japanese Yakuza*) (1994, SHS Project)
- Gokudo no Mon Nidaime: Ryuketsu no Sakazuki (*Yakuza Gate: Second Generation, Bloody Sakazuki*) (1995, Taki Corporation) - Gosuke Kashima
- Gokudo no Mon Saigo no Shuryo (*Yakuza Gate: Last Boss*) (1995, SHS Project) - Gosuke Kashima
- Tokyo Mahiya (*Tokyo Mafia*) (1995, Taki Corporation)
- Tokyo Mahiya 2 (*Tokyo Mafia 2*) (1996, Taki Corporation)
- Shin Daisan no Gokudo (*New Third Yakuza*) (2000, Museum) - Goichi Ryuzaki, Director of Kanto Kyoyukai
- Shin Daisan no Gokudo 11: Chinurareta Jingi (*New Third Yakuza 11: Blood-Stained Benevolence*) (February 2000)
- Shin Daisan no Gokudo 12: Ura Sakazuki yo Eien ni... (*New Third Yakuza 12: Secret Sakazuki Forever...*) (December 2000)
- Jidanya (*Negotiator*) (2000, Museum) - Okihada, Head of Okihada-gumi
- Nihon Gokudōshi Ryūjin San Kyōdai 2 (*History of Japanese Yakuza: Dragon God Three Brothers 2*) (2000, Museum)
- Nihon Gokudōshi Saraba Jingi (*History of Japanese Yakuza: Farewell to Benevolence*) (2000, Toei Video)
- Jitsuroku Teppōdama Heisei Ninen Osaka Yamaba Kōsō Boppatsu (*True Record: Hitman, 1990 Osaka Yamaba Conflict Erupts*) (2001) - Head of Hayama-gumi
- Jitsuroku Nihon Yakuza Retsuden: Gisen Shōryūhen (*True Record: Japanese Yakuza Biography, Righteous Battle: Soaring Dragon Chapter*) (2001)
- Zenkoku Seiha Tekiya Tamashii (*National Conquest: Tekiya Soul*) (2001, Toei Video)
- Zenkoku Seiha Tekiya Tamashii Dainimaku: Iwashi Jinja to Koifubuki (*National Conquest: Tekiya Soul, Act 2: Sardine Shrine and Love Blizzard*) (2002, Toei Video)
- Jitsuroku Hokuriku Yakuza Sensō (*True Record: Hokuriku Yakuza War*) (2002, GP Museum) - Seido Ryuzo, Third Chairman of Sannō-kai
- Jitsuroku Saigo no Gurentai (*True Record: The Last Hoodlum*) (2002) - Shinjiro Yokoyama, Leader of Horii Ikka
- Jitsuroku Hokkaido Yakuza Sensō Hokka no Banka (*True Record: Hokkaido Yakuza War, Elegy of Northern Sea*) (2003) - Shigeo Kamoi, Head of Kamoi-gumi, direct subordinate of Third Sannō-kai Chairman (later Director of Maruwa-kai)
- Jitsuroku Setouchi Yakuza Sensō Iyoji Suikoden (*True Record: Setouchi Yakuza War, Iyoji Suikoden*) (2003) - Tsuyoshi Tsukigata, Head of Gosei-kai, Second Dai-Nippon Showa-kai
- Minami no Teio Minami no Teio 24: Umi ni Uku Satsutaba (*Emperor of the South 24: Bundles of Bills Floating in the Sea*) (2003, KSS) - Hamamoto Fishermen's Cooperative Chairman
3.3.4. Stage
Hongo also performed on stage in various theatrical productions.
- Chiyoko Shimakura Performances
- Ishin Zenya: Kyōraku ni Moete (*Eve of Restoration: Burning in the Capital*)
- Hana to Ryū (*Flower and Dragon*)
- Dotsuitenka! (*Hit Me!*) (written and directed by Kyo Hanato)
4. Other Activities
Beyond his extensive acting career, Kojiro Hongo also ventured into the music industry.
4.1. Discography
Kojiro Hongo released two singles during his career, both in 1963 with Nippon Columbia.
- "Ashita ni Yume wo Kakeyo yo" (1963)
- "Ano Ko" (1963)
5. Later Life and Death
In 2004, Kojiro Hongo suffered a sudden cerebral infarction, which left him in a critical, unconscious state. Miraculously, through sustained rehabilitation efforts, he was able to recover. However, this health event led to his withdrawal from the public eye, effectively marking his retirement from acting.
Kojiro Hongo passed away on February 14, 2013, due to heart failure, one day before his 75th birthday.
6. Assessment and Legacy
Kojiro Hongo's career is remembered for his versatility, his significant contributions to Daiei Studios during its golden age, and his enduring presence in Japanese popular culture, particularly through his evolving relationship with the Gamera series.
6.1. Assessment and Influence
Hongo's acting style was praised for its ability to traverse different genres, from the athleticism required in judo films to the dramatic depth in historical and literary works, and the realism demanded by television crime dramas. His early roles at Daiei Studios established him as a reliable leading man, contributing to many of the studio's major productions of the 1960s, including the pioneering 70mm film Buddha.
His initial disdain for appearing in "children's movies" like the Gamera series is a well-documented anecdote of his career. Despite his early resistance, his roles in Gamera vs. Barugon, Return of Daimajin, Gamera vs. Gyaos, Gamera vs. Viras, and Yokai Monsters: Along with Ghosts became some of his most recognized works, especially internationally. His decision to include these titles in his professional profile later in life, and his joy at being asked to reprise a role in Gamera: Guardian of the Universe in 1995, illustrate his ultimate acceptance and pride in their lasting cultural impact. He came to view these films as a "treasure," recognizing their enduring legacy long after their initial release. His long-running role in the television series Tokusō Saizensen further solidified his place as a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive beyond the studio system.

7. External links
- [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0393291 Kôjirô Hongô at IMDb]