Minoru Chiaki

2.1. Early life and background

Minoru Chiaki was born Sasaki Katsuji on April 28, 1917, in Onnenai Village, Nakagawa District, Hokkaido, Japan, which is now part of Bifuka. He was the third son in the Moritake family, who owned a drapery and Western goods store. During his early childhood, his family relocated to Kamisunagawa Town, where he attended elementary school. He later enrolled in Sapporo Hokkai Middle School, which is now Hokkai High School.

During his time at Hokkai Middle School, Chiaki was a promising athlete, excelling in the track and field club as a 400-meter runner and jumper. He was even dubbed the "second Tadahira Nambu," in reference to the celebrated Japanese Olympian. However, his athletic aspirations were cut short by an ankle sprain, leading him to abandon track and field. Having developed a passion for theater from a young age, he decided to pursue acting. He moved to Tokyo to live with his elder brother and transferred to Meikyo Middle School, currently known as Tokai University Urayasu High School.

2.2. Education

In 1936, Minoru Chiaki entered the specialized law department of Chuo University, but his true passion lay in theater. He soon joined the Shinchikuji Troupe as a research student. In November of the same year, he made his stage debut in the troupe's production of Nyoin Aishi (女人哀詞_{Nyoin Aishi}^Japanese), based on a work by Yuzo Yamamoto. Among his contemporaries at the Shinchikuji Troupe were future actors Jun Tatara and Taiji Tonoyama. His distinctive stage name, Minoru Chiaki, was reportedly given to him by Yasue Yamamoto, a respected member of the troupe.

In March 1938, Chiaki, along with Tatara and others, departed from the Shinchikuji Troupe just before a planned tour to the Kansai region. They subsequently formed their own theater company, Mayu-za (五月座_Mayu-za^Japanese). However, this venture was short-lived, as Mayu-za naturally dissolved in March 1939 when Chiaki enlisted in the military immediately after graduating from university. He served in the Infantry Regiment 26, where he was stationed with a border guard unit in Shikuka, Karafuto. After his discharge in July 1942, he married actress Fumie Sasaki in August of the same year. Until the end of World War II, he led a mobile theater group called Hogaraka-tai, touring various locations to perform.

2.3. Family

Minoru Chiaki was married to actress Fumie Sasaki. His father-in-law was the renowned actor Takashi Sasaki. Their union produced a son, Katsuhiko Sasaki, who followed in his parents' footsteps and became a prominent actor himself, known as Chiaki's second son. Additionally, Chiaki had a familial connection to actress Nobuko Miyamoto; her father was his cousin. Due to the complexity of explaining this relationship, Chiaki often simply introduced Miyamoto as his niece.

3.1. Early career in theater

After World War II, in May 1946, Minoru Chiaki and his wife, Fumie Sasaki, established their own theater company, Baraza (薔薇座_Baraza^Japanese). Their inaugural performance was Shinju (新樹_Shinju^Japanese), based on a work by Tatsuro Kuto, staged at the Kyoritsu Kodo in Kanda Hitotsubashi. Chiaki's aim with Baraza was to challenge the prevailing trend of Western-centric new theater (shingeki) and instead focus on performing popular plays by Japanese playwrights, aspiring to create theater that resonated with a broader audience. It is believed that he coined the term "gendai-geki" (現代劇_gendai-geki^Japanese, contemporary drama) during this period.

Baraza staged numerous original plays, including Tokyo Aishi (東京哀詞_{Tokyo Aishi}^Japanese) and Datai-i (堕胎医_Datai-i^Japanese) by Kazuo Kikuta, as well as Omae mo Mata Utsukushii (お前もまた美しい_{Omae mo Mata Utsukushii}^Japanese), Nagasaki no Kane (長崎の鐘_{Nagasaki no Kane}^Japanese), and Reito Butai (冷凍部隊_{Reito Butai}^Japanese). Datai-i garnered significant attention, so much so that director Akira Kurosawa saw the stage production and was inspired to adapt it into the 1949 film The Quiet Duel. This connection would prove pivotal for Chiaki's career.

3.2. Film career

Minoru Chiaki transitioned from his successful theater career to become a highly sought-after film actor, especially known for his collaborations with Akira Kurosawa and his memorable roles in other significant Japanese films.

3.2.3. Notable roles in other films

Beyond his work with Kurosawa, Minoru Chiaki also delivered memorable performances in films directed by other notable filmmakers. He was considered a favorite actor of director Kon Ichikawa. His versatility allowed him to take on various roles in a wide range of genres.

A particularly acclaimed performance was in Shunya Itō's 1985 film Gray Sunset (original title Hana Ichimonme (花いちもんめ_{Hana Ichimonme}^Japanese)). For his portrayal of the elderly Fuyukichi Takano, Chiaki received numerous major acting awards, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor, further cementing his reputation as a highly respected and talented performer in Japanese cinema. His final film role was Amenomori Seikai in Don Matsugorô no daibôken (ドン松五郎の大冒険_{Don Matsugorō no Daibōken}^Japanese) (1987).

3.3. Television career

Beginning in the 1960s, Minoru Chiaki expanded his acting repertoire into television dramas, where he quickly gained popularity, particularly in home dramas and family-oriented series. His on-screen presence resonated deeply with audiences, establishing him as a beloved figure in Japanese households.

He notably starred alongside Nobuko Otowa as a married couple in Mama Chotto Kite (ママちょっと来て_{Mama Chotto Kite}^Japanese) (1959), a role that endeared him to viewers across the country. He continued to portray father figures in other popular home dramas, such as Kimottama Kaasan (肝っ玉かあさん_{Kimottama Kaasan}^Japanese) (1968-1972).

In 1975, while filming the drama Hohoemi (微笑_Hohoemi^Japanese) alongside Hideko Takamine at Ikuta Studio, Chiaki suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was hospitalized. His journey of rehabilitation from this health crisis was detailed in his 1979 book Ikiru Nari (生きるなり_{Ikiru Nari}^Japanese), chronicling his path to recovery. He made a comeback to television in the 1976 drama Yorokobi mo Kanashimi mo Ikutoshi Tsuki (喜びも悲しみも幾歳月_{Yorokobi mo Kanashimi mo Ikutoshi Tsuki}^Japanese).

His significant television drama appearances include:

• Fufu Hyakkei (夫婦百景_{Fūfu Hyakkei}^Japanese) (Nippon TV)
  • "Most Excellent Wife" (最優秀女房_{Saiyūshū Nyōbō}^Japanese) (1959)
  • "Mrs. Must-Win Strategy" (奥サン必勝の決め手_{Oku-san Hisshō no Kimete}^Japanese) (1962)
  • "Drinking Wife" (晩酌女房_{Banshaku Nyōbō}^Japanese) (1966)
  • "Spring Sunshine" (春うらら_{Haru Urara}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Pig, Pearl, and Couple" (豚と真珠と夫婦_{Buta to Shinju to Fūfu}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Sequel: Pig, Pearl, and Couple" (続豚と真珠と夫婦_{Zoku Buta to Shinju to Fūfu}^Japanese) (1967)
• Mama Chotto Kite (ママちょっと来て_{Mama Chotto Kite}^Japanese) (1959, Nippon TV) - Papa
• Sasame-yuki (細雪_Sasame-yuki^Japanese) (1959, NET)
• Hyakuman-nin no Gekijo (百万人の劇場_{Hyakuman-nin no Gekijō}^Japanese) "Good-Natured Couple" (好人物の夫婦_{Kōjinbutsu no Fūfu}^Japanese) (1960, Fuji TV)
• Haiiro no Series (灰色のシリーズ_{Haiiro no Shirīzu}^Japanese) "Bad Person" (悪い人_{Warui Hito}^Japanese) (1960, NHK General TV)
• Okashi to Watashi (お菓子と私_{Okashi to Watashi}^Japanese) (1961, Nippon TV) - Chiharu Asakura
• Nissan Star Gekijo (日産スター劇場_{Nissan Sutā Gekijō}^Japanese) (Nippon TV)
  • "Doko e" (何処へ_{Doko e}^Japanese) (1964) - Chotaro Noguchi
  • "Oyaji mo Jukensei" (オヤジも受験生_{Oyaji mo Jukensei}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Soyokaze to Aitsu" (そよ風とあいつ_{Soyokaze to Aitsu}^Japanese) (1967)
• Niji no Sekkei (虹の設計_{Niji no Sekkei}^Japanese) (1964, NHK General TV)
• Mominoki wa Nokotta (樅の木は残った_{Mominoki wa Nokotta}^Japanese) (1964, Tokyo 12ch)
• Kai de Miru Yuki (甲斐で見る雪_{Kai de Miru Yuki}^Japanese) (1965, TBS)
• Shionogi TV Gekijo (シオノギテレビ劇場_{Shionogi Terebi Gekijō}^Japanese) / Sakuma Yoshiko Hour: "Kitano Odori" (北野踊り_{Kitano Odori}^Japanese) (1965, Fuji TV)
• Hikaru Umi (光る海_{Hikaru Umi}^Japanese) (1965, TBS)
• Mama to Ofukuro (ママとおふくろ_{Mama to Ofukuro}^Japanese) (1965-1966, Nippon TV) - Yuzo Akita
• Kiiroi Fudo (黄色い風土_{Kiiroi Fūdo}^Japanese) (1965-1966, NET) - Shohachi Murata
• The Guardman (ザ・ガードマン_{Za Gādoman}^Japanese) (TBS / Daiei TV Room)
  • "Unbelievable Season" (とんでもない季節_{Tondemonai Kisetsu}^Japanese) (1966)
  • "Now, The Woman's Revenge Begins" (さあ女の復讐が始まるわ_{Saa Onna no Fukushū ga Hajimaru wa}^Japanese) (1970)
• Ai no Ikka (愛の一家_{Ai no Ikka}^Japanese) (1966, NHK General TV)
• Sanbiki no Samurai (三匹の侍_{Sanbiki no Samurai}^Japanese) "Secret Treasure" (秘宝_Hihō^Japanese) (1967, Fuji TV)
• Shichinin no Keiji (七人の刑事_{Shichinin no Keiji}^Japanese) (TBS)
  • "Ginza for Two" (二人だけの銀座_{Futari Dake no Ginza}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Second Life" (第二の人生_{Daini no Jinsei}^Japanese) (1968)
  • "Escaping" (逃げる_Nigeru^Japanese) (1969)
  • "Death Row 300 Meters Above Ground" (地上300メートルの死刑台_{Chijō Sanbyaku Mētoru no Shikeidai}^Japanese) (1969)
• Toshiba Nichiyo Gekijo (東芝日曜劇場_{Tōshiba Nichiyō Gekijō}^Japanese) (TBS)
  • "Yellow Umbrella" (黄色い雨傘_{Kiiroi Amagasa}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Woman and Miso Soup Part 36" (女と味噌汁 その36_{Onna to Misoshiru Sono Sanjūroku}^Japanese) (1978)
  • "Woman and Miso Soup Part 37" (女と味噌汁 その37_{Onna to Misoshiru Sono Sanjūnanako}^Japanese) (1979)
  • "Indigo Town" (藍色の街_{Aiiro no Machi}^Japanese) (1979)
  • "Woman and Miso Soup Part 38" (女と味噌汁 その38_{Onna to Misoshiru Sono Sanjūhachi}^Japanese) (1980)
• Toboketa Yatsura (とぼけた奴ら_{Toboketa Yatsura}^Japanese) (1967-1968, NET) - Daizo Kaneko
• Keiji-san (刑事さん_Keiji-san^Japanese) "The Man Who Died Twice" (二度死んだ男_{Nido Shinda Otoko}^Japanese) (1968, NET)
• Kimottama Kaasan (肝っ玉かあさん_{Kimottama Kaasan}^Japanese) (1968-1972, TBS) - Yasufumi Kiyota
• Ōoku (大奥_Ōoku^Japanese) (1968, Kansai TV) - Michiku Narushima
• Maruta to Bocho (丸太と包丁_{Maruta to Bōchō}^Japanese) (1968-1969, Nippon TV)
• Kon'nichiwa! Soyokaze-san (こんにちは!そよ風さん_{Kon'nichiwa! Soyokaze-san}^Japanese) (1969, TBS) - Michisuke Nishikata
• Inu to Asa-chan (犬と麻ちゃん_{Inu to Asa-chan}^Japanese) (1969, NET) - Kohei Nomura
• Aa Chushingura (あゝ忠臣蔵_{Aa Chūshingura}^Japanese) (1969, Kansai TV) - Tohee
• Dokushin no Sukyatto (独身のスキャット_{Dokushin no Sukyatto}^Japanese) (1970, TBS) - Nakanishi Sangyo President
• Chiba Shusaku Kendo Masshigura (千葉周作 剣道まっしぐら_{Chiba Shūsaku Kendō Masshigura}^Japanese) (1970-1971, TBS)
• Ofukuro no Aji (おふくろの味_{Ofukuro no Aji}^Japanese) (Nippon TV)
  • Season 1 (1970) - Tsunehito Natsumura
  • Season 2 (1972) - Kintaro Kamimura
• Kimero! Finish (決めろ!フィニッシュ_{Kimero! Finisshu}^Japanese) (1972, TBS) - Jiro's Father
• Taiga drama (大河ドラマ_{Taiga Dorama}^Japanese) (NHK General TV)
  • Kunitori Monogatari (国盗り物語_{Kunitori Monogatari}^Japanese) (1973) - Oda Nobuhide
  • Shishi no Jidai (獅子の時代_{Shishi no Jidai}^Japanese) (1980) - Muneyuki Kariya
• Taiyo ni Hoero! (太陽にほえろ!_{Taiyō ni Hoero!}^Japanese) "Children's Treasure, Adult's Dream" (子供の宝・大人の夢_{Kodomo no Takara Otona no Yume}^Japanese) (1973, Nippon TV) - Umeda Toy Company President
• Ginga TV Shosetsu (銀河テレビ小説_{Ginga Terebi Shōsetsu}^Japanese) / Sanshiro (三四郎_Sanshirō^Japanese) (1974, NHK General TV)
• Kazoku Awase (家族あわせ_{Kazoku Awase}^Japanese) (1974, TBS) - Kenji Watabe
• Dōshinbeya Goyōchō Edo no Senpu (同心部屋御用帳 江戸の旋風_{Dōshinbeya Goyōchō Edo no Senpū}^Japanese) (1975, Fuji TV) - Shigedayu Hayami
• Kayo Gekijo (火曜劇場_{Kayō Gekijō}^Japanese) (Nippon TV)
  • Hohoemi (微笑_Hohoemi^Japanese) (1975) - Yutaro Konno
  • Yorokobi mo Kanashimi mo Ikutoshi Tsuki (喜びも悲しみも幾歳月_{Yorokobi mo Kanashimi mo Ikutoshi Tsuki}^Japanese) (1976)
  • Honoo no Karute (炎のカルテ_{Honoo no Karute}^Japanese) (1976)
  • "Kaerazaru Tabiji" (帰らざる旅路_{Kaerazaru Tabiji}^Japanese) (1979) - Professor Yamamura
  • "Akogare Baby" (あこがれベビー_{Akogare Bebī}^Japanese) (1981) - Shinzo Ura
• G-Men '75 (Gメン'75_{Jī-Men Nana-jūgo}^Japanese) "Detective Declared with Cancer" (ガンを宣告された刑事_{Gan o Senkoku Sareta Keiji}^Japanese) (1977, TBS) - Detective Inomata
• Nihon no Sengo (日本の戦後_{Nihon no Sengo}^Japanese) "Morning of Retreat" (退陣の朝_{Taijin no Asa}^Japanese) (1977, NHK General TV) - Tetsu Katayama
• Hare nochi Hare (晴れのち晴れ_{Hare nochi Hare}^Japanese) (1977, TBS) - Tetsuma Yamaoki
• Kazoku (家族_Kazoku^Japanese) (1977, TBS) - Imai
• Sora wa Nanatsu no Koi no Iro (空は七つの恋の色_{Sora wa Nanatsu no Koi no Iro}^Japanese) (1978, Yomiuri TV) - Shoichiro Mikumo
• Shingo Torimonochō (新五捕物帳_{Shingo Torimonochō}^Japanese) "Love's Compassion, Tears of Jutte" (恋情け涙の十手_{Koijōke Namida no Jutte}^Japanese) (1979, Nippon TV / Union Eiga) - Risuke Kitahonjo
• Keiji Teppei (刑事鉄平_{Keiji Teppei}^Japanese) (Kansai TV)
  • "Elegy of an Old Detective" (老刑事の挽歌_{Rō Keiji no Banka}^Japanese) (1979)
  • "Song of Departure" (出発の歌_{Shuppatsu no Uta}^Japanese) (1979)
• Hi wa Mata Noboru (陽はまた昇る_{Hi wa Mata Noboru}^Japanese) "Sunset Clouds" (夕焼け雲_{Yūyake Gumo}^Japanese) (1979, Fuji TV) - Gizo Fujii
• Hiraiwa Yumie Drama Series (平岩弓枝ドラマシリーズ_{Hiraiwa Yumie Dorama Shirīzu}^Japanese) / "Onnatachi no Ie" (女たちの家_{Onnatachi no Ie}^Japanese) (1980, Fuji TV)
• Mokuyo Gold Drama (木曜ゴールデンドラマ_{Mokuyō Gōrudodorama}^Japanese) / Ikiru Nari (生きるなり_{Ikiru Nari}^Japanese) (1980, Yomiuri TV)
• Onyado Kawasemi (御宿かわせみ_{Onyado Kawasemi}^Japanese) "Falling Paulownia Flowers" (桐の花散る_{Kiri no Hana Chiru}^Japanese) (1980, NHK General TV) - Kichiemon Tadayado
• Sekigahara (関ヶ原_Sekigahara^Japanese) (1981, TBS) - Yamauchi Kazutoyo
• Zenigata Heiji (銭形平次_{Zenigata Heiji}^Japanese) "Man and Woman's Journey" (男と女の旅路_{Otoko to Onna no Tabiji}^Japanese) (1981, Fuji TV / Toei) - Tahei Izutsuya
• Asakiyumemishi (あさきゆめみし_{Asakiyumemishi}^Japanese) (1982, NHK General TV)
• Drama Ningen Moyō (ドラマ人間模様_{Dorama Ningen Moyō}^Japanese) / Taiyo no Ko (太陽の子_{Taiyō no Ko}^Japanese) (1982, NHK General TV) - Grandpa
• Kinō, Kanashibetsu de (昨日、悲別で_{Kinō, Kanashibetsu de}^Japanese) (1984, Nippon TV) - Shinkichi Futaguchi
• Alsace no Aoi Sora (アルザスの青い空_{Arusasu no Aoi Sora}^Japanese) (1985, Fuji TV) - Yusuke Fujikawa
• Osan no Koi (おさんの恋_{Osan no Koi}^Japanese) (1985, NHK General TV) - Seibei
• Ginga TV Shosetsu (銀河テレビ小説_{Ginga Terebi Shōsetsu}^Japanese) (NHK General TV)
  • Hachiju-nichime da namo (八十日目だなも_{Hachijūnichime da Namo}^Japanese) (1988) - Hikozou Fujishima
• Sasurai Keiji Ryojō-hen (さすらい刑事旅情編_{Sasurai Keiji Ryojō-hen}^Japanese) (1988, TV Asahi)
• Oitaru Chichi to (老いたる父と_{Oitaru Chichi to}^Japanese) (1990, Nippon TV)
• Tōbōsha (逃亡者_Tōbōsha^Japanese) (1992) (1992, Fuji TV)
• Aki no Eki (秋の駅_{Aki no Eki}^Japanese) (1993, Fuji TV)
• Doyo Drama (土曜ドラマ_{Doyō Dorama}^Japanese) / Gokuraku Yuenchi (極楽遊園地_{Gokuraku Yūenchi}^Japanese) (1997, NHK General TV)

4.1. Acting awards

For his lead role as Fuyukichi Takano in the 1985 film Gray Sunset (Hana Ichimonme (花いちもんめ_{Hana Ichimonme}^Japanese)), Minoru Chiaki was critically acclaimed and received several prestigious awards:

• Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor (1985)
• Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor (1985)
• Mainichi Film Concours Special Acting Award (1985)
• Hochi Film Award Special Award (1985)
• Asia Pacific Film Festival Best Actor Award (1985)

4.2. Honors

In recognition of his distinguished career and cultural contributions, the Japanese government bestowed upon Minoru Chiaki the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 1989.

8.1. Film

• Stray Dog (野良犬_{Nora Inu}^Japanese) (1949) - Girlie Show director
• Shubun (醜聞_Shubun^Japanese) (1950) - Newspaper Reporter
• Yama no Kanata ni (山の彼方に_{Yama no Kanata ni}^Japanese) (1950) - Teacher
• Rashomon (羅生門_Rashōmon^Japanese) (1950) - Priest (Tabi Hoshi)
• Nanairo no hana (七色の花_{Nanairo no hana}^Japanese) (1950) - Tahei Izumi
• Koi no Oranda-zaka (恋のオランダ坂_{Koi no Oranda-zaka}^Japanese) (1951) - Suekichi
• Nishijō-ke no Kyōen (西城家の饗宴_{Nishijō-ke no Kyōen}^Japanese) (1951) - Hirotaro, the eldest son
• The Idiot (白痴_Hakuchi^Japanese) (1951) - Mutsuo Kayama, the secretary
• Araki Mataemon: Kettô kagiya no tsuji (荒木又右衛門 決闘鍵屋の辻_{Araki Mataemon Kettō Kagiya no Tsuji}^Japanese) (1952) - Matagoro Kawai
• Mōjū tsukai no shōjo (猛獣使いの少女_{Mōjū tsukai no shōjo}^Japanese) (1952)
• Bijo to touzoku (美女と盗賊_{Bijo to tōzoku}^Japanese) (1952) - Takeichi no Takamaru
• Kyô wa kaisha no gekkyûbi (今日は会社の月給日_{Kyō wa kaisha no gekkyūbi}^Japanese) (1952) - Chief of General Affairs
• Ikiru (生きる_Ikiru^Japanese) (1952) - Noguchi
• Mogura yokochô (もぐら横丁_{Mogura Yokochō}^Japanese) (1953) - Kyo Fukami
• Seven Samurai (七人の侍_{Shichinin no Samurai}^Japanese) (1954) - Heihachi Hayashida, one of the samurai
• Shunkin monogatari (春琴物語_{Shunkin Monogatari}^Japanese) (1954) - Teizo
• Kakute yume ari (かくて夢あり_{Kakute Yume Ari}^Japanese) (1954) - Sensuke Nasu
• Jirochô Sangokushi: Kôjin Yama (次郎長三国志 荒神山_{Jirōchō Sangokushi: Kōjin Yama}^Japanese) (1954) - Kichiyoshi of Kobe
• Hatsusugata Ushimatsu Koshi (初姿丑松格子_{Hatsusugata Ushimatsu Kōshi}^Japanese) (1954) - Yuji, the chef
• Haha no Hatsukoi (母の初恋_{Haha no Hatsukoi}^Japanese) (1954) - Sawada
• Jigoku no Yojimbo (地獄の用心棒_{Jigoku no Yōjinbō}^Japanese) (1955) - Detective Ito
• Fumetsu no Nekkyû (不滅の熱球_{Fumetsu no Nekkyū}^Japanese) (1955) - Uchibori, the catcher
• Godzilla Raids Again (ゴジラの逆襲_{Gojira no Gyakushū}^Japanese) (1955) - Koji Kobayashi
• Jirochô yûkyôden: amagi garasu (次郎長遊侠伝 天城鴉_{Jirōchō Yūkyōden: Amagi Garasu}^Japanese) (1955) - Butamatsu
• I Live in Fear (生きものの記録_{Ikimono no Kiroku}^Japanese) (1955) - Jiro Nakajima
• Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island (宮本武蔵 完結篇 決闘巌流島_{Miyamoto Musashi Kanketsu-hen: Kettō Ganryūjima}^Japanese) (1956) - Sasuke the boatman
• Hanayome Kaigi (花嫁会議_{Hanayome Kaigi}^Japanese) (1956) - Jiro Nakanishi
• Kyûketsu-ga (吸血蛾_Kyūketsu-ga^Japanese) (1956) - Sango Kawase
• A Wife's Heart (妻の心_{Tsuma no Kokoro}^Japanese) (1956) - Zenichi
• Narazu-mono (ならず者_Narazu-mono^Japanese) (1956) - Sobei
• Gendai no yokubô (現代の欲望_{Gendai no Yokubō}^Japanese) (1956) - Mikami
• Oshidori no mon (おしどりの門_{Oshidori no Mon}^Japanese) (1956)
• Oshaberi shacho (お喋り社長_{Oshaberi Shachō}^Japanese) (1957)
• Throne Of Blood (蜘蛛巣城_Kumonosu-jō^Japanese) (1957) - Yoshiaki Miki
• Ujô (浮城_Ujō^Japanese) (1957) - Kenkichi Tanabe
• Sanjûrokunin no jôkyaku (三十六人の乗客_{Sanjūrokunin no Jōkyaku}^Japanese) (1957) - Motohashi - Drug Salesman
• Hikage no musume (日蔭の娘_{Hikage no Musume}^Japanese) (1957)
• Tôhoku no zunmu-tachi (東北の神武たち_{Tōhoku no Zummu-tachi}^Japanese) (1957) - Tasuke
• The Lower Depths (どん底_Donzoko^Japanese) (1957) as Tonosama, the former Samurai
• Hadairo no tsuki (肌色の月_{Hadairo no Tsuki}^Japanese) (1957) - Umekichi Ishikura
• Ninjutsu suikoden inazuma kotengu (忍術水滸伝 稲妻小天狗_{Ninjutsu Suikoden Inazuma Kotengu}^Japanese) (1958) - Yoshitane Ashikaga
• Futari dake no hashi (二人だけの橋_{Futari dake no Hashi}^Japanese) (1958) - Kaikichi Ishida
• Anzukko (杏っ子_Anzukko^Japanese) (1958) - Saburo Yoshida
• Uguisu-jô no hanayome (鶯城の花嫁_{Uguisu-jō no Hanayome}^Japanese) (1958) - Shinichiro Matsudaira
• Hana no bojô (花の慕情_{Hana no Bojō}^Japanese) (1958) - Fukuzô Yanami
• The Hidden Fortress (隠し砦の三悪人_{Kakushi Toride no San Akunin}^Japanese) (1958) - Tahei
• Kurama Tengu (鞍馬天狗_{Kurama Tengu}^Japanese) (1959) - Kichibei of Kurohime
• Abare Daimyo (あばれ大名_{Abare Daimyō}^Japanese) (1959) - Rokusuke
• Sengoku gunto-den (戦国群盗伝_{Sengoku Guntō-den}^Japanese) (1959) - Jibu Sukenaga
• Naniwa no koi no monogatari (浪花の恋の物語_{Naniwa no Koi no Monogatari}^Japanese) (1959) - Hachiemon Tambaya
• Anyakôro (暗夜行路_Anyakōro^Japanese) (1959) - Nobuyuki Tokito
• The Human Condition Part IV (人間の條件 第四部_{Ningen no Jōken Dai-Yonbu}^Japanese) (1959) - Private Onodera
• Tonosama Yajikita (殿さま弥次喜多_{Tonosama Yajikita}^Japanese) (1960) - Gonbei Kakiuchi
• Tokudane Sanjijikan: Hakuchu no Kyohaku (特ダネ三十時間 白昼の脅迫_{Tokudane Sanjū-jikan: Hakuchū no Kyōhaku}^Japanese) (1960) - Ikeshima
• Gozonji Irezumi Hangan (御存じいれずみ判官_{Gozonji Irezumi Hangan}^Japanese) (1960) - Ushimatsu
• Shinran (親鸞_Shinran^Japanese) (1960) - Seizenbo
• Mito Komon (水戸黄門_{Mito Kōmon}^Japanese) (1960) - Jihee
• Yôtô monogatari: hana no Yoshiwara hyakunin-giri (妖刀物語 花の吉原百人斬り_{Yōtō Monogatari: Hana no Yoshiwara Hyakunin-giri}^Japanese) (1960) - Jôsuke
• Wakasama Samurai Torimonocho (若さま侍捕物手帖_{Wakasama Samurai Torimonochō}^Japanese) (1960) - Shunsaku Sasajima
• Wakasama Samurai Torimonocho: Kuroi Tsubaki (若さま侍捕物帖 黒い椿_{Wakasama Samurai Torimonochō: Kuroi Tsubaki}^Japanese) (1961) - Genbee Oshima
• Shin'go Nijubanshobu (新吾二十番勝負_{Shingo Nijūban Shōbu}^Japanese) series (1961-1963) - Rokuheita Rokushaku
• Gen to fudômyô-ô (ゲンと不動明王_{Gen to Fudōmyō-ō}^Japanese) (1961) - Occhan
• Hadakakko (はだかっ子_Hadakakko^Japanese) (1961) - Sandwich man's master
• Hibari Chiemi no Yaji Kita Dochu (ひばり・チエミの弥次喜多道中_{Hibari Chiemi no Yajikita Dōchū}^Japanese) (1962) - Gunbee Katayama
• Wakaki Hi no Jirochô: Tokaido no Tsumujikaze (若き日の次郎長 東海道のつむじ風_{Wakaki Hi no Jirōchō: Tōkaidō no Tsumujikaze}^Japanese) (1962) - Katawa no Gon
• The Inheritance (からみ合い_Karamiai^Japanese) (1962) - Junichi Fujii
• Ohimesama to Hige Daimyo (お姫さまと髭大名_{Ohimesama to Hige Daimyō}^Japanese) (1962) - Naizen Higashino
• Sarariman Isshin Tasuke (サラリーマン一心太助_{Sararīman Isshin Tasuke}^Japanese) (1962) - Section Chief Takada
• Chiisakobe (ちいさこべ_Chiisakobe^Japanese) (1962) - Dairoku
• Kigeki: Detatoko shôbu - 'Chinjarara monogatari' yori (喜劇 でたとこ勝負 -チンジャラ物語より-_{Kigeki: Detatoko Shōbu - 'Chinjarara Monogatari' Yori}^Japanese) (1962) - Tarô Yamada
• Hibari Chiemi no oshidori senryô gasa (ひばり・チエミのおしどり千両傘_{Hibari Chiemi no Oshidori Senryō Gasa}^Japanese) (1963) - Shinzaemon Dobashi
• High and Low (天国と地獄_{Tengoku to Jigoku}^Japanese) (1963) - Journalist
• Hatamoto Yakuza: Gonin no Abaremō (旗本やくざ 五人のあばれ者_{Hatamoto Yakuza Gonin no Abaremō}^Japanese) (1963) - Jinbee Yokoi
• Brave Records of the Sanada Clan (真田風雲録_{Sanada Fūunroku}^Japanese) (1963) - Sanada Yukimura
• Umon Torimonochō: Janomegasa no Onna (右門捕物帖 蛇の目傘の女_{Umon Torimonochō: Janomegasa no Onna}^Japanese) (1963) - Yosuke Kakurai
• Gobanchô yûgirirô (五番町夕霧楼_{Gobanchō Yūgirirō}^Japanese) (1963) - Jinzo Takematsu
• Barikan Oyabun (ばりかん親分_{Barikan Oyabun}^Japanese) (1963) - Ginpei Ebina
• Samé (鮫_Same^Japanese) (1964) - Shirosa
• Kono sora no aru kagiri (この空のある限り_{Kono Sora no Aru Kagiri}^Japanese) (1964) - Ryûtarô Nogami
• Taking The Castle (城取り_Shirotori^Japanese) (1965) - Sanai
• Hiya-meshi to Osan to Chan (冷飯とおさんとちゃん_{Hiyameshi to Osan to Chan}^Japanese) (1965) - Hachirobe Nakagawa (episode 1)
• Zero faita dai kûsen (ゼロ・ファイター 大空戦_{Zero Faitā Dai Kūsen}^Japanese) (1966) - Air Corps Commander
• The Face of Another (他人の顔_{Tanin no Kao}^Japanese) (1966) - Apartment Superintendent
• Lake of Tears (湖の琴_{Mizuumi no Koto}^Japanese) (1966) - Kidayu Momose
• Hatamoto yakuza (旗本やくざ_{Hatamoto Yakuza}^Japanese) (1966)
• Ai no Sanka (愛の讃歌_{Ai no Sanka}^Japanese) (1967) - The Ship-master
• Sei no kigen (性の起原_{Sei no Kigen}^Japanese) (1967) - Girl's father
• Nippon ichi no danzetsu otoko (日本一の断絶男_{Nippon Ichi no Danzetsu Otoko}^Japanese) (1969) - Director Shimizu
• Yoru no isoginchaku (夜のいそぎんちゃく_{Yoru no Isoginchaku}^Japanese) (1970) - Pastor Wada
• Karafuto 1945 Summer Hyosetsu no mon (樺太1945年夏 氷雪の門_{Karafuto 1945 Natsu Hyōsetsu no Mon}^Japanese) (1974) - Kenji Uenaka, the Planter
• Kyojin-gun monogatari: Susume eikô e (巨人軍物語 進め!!栄光へ_{Kyojin-gun Monogatari: Susume Eikō e}^Japanese) (1977) - Dormitory Manager Takemiya
• Tokugawa ichizoku no houkai (徳川一族の崩壊_{Tokugawa Ichizoku no Hōkai}^Japanese) (1980) - Shishioinmiya
• Gray Sunset (Hana Ichimonme (花いちもんめ_{Hana Ichimonme}^Japanese)) (1985) - Fuyukichi Takano
• Don Matsugorô no daibôken (ドン松五郎の大冒険_{Don Matsugorō no Daibōken}^Japanese) (1987) - Amenomori Seikai (final film role)

8.2. Television

• Fufu Hyakkei (夫婦百景_{Fūfu Hyakkei}^Japanese) (Nippon TV)
  • "Most Excellent Wife" (最優秀女房_{Saiyūshū Nyōbō}^Japanese) (1959)
  • "Mrs. Must-Win Strategy" (奥サン必勝の決め手_{Oku-san Hisshō no Kimete}^Japanese) (1962)
  • "Drinking Wife" (晩酌女房_{Banshaku Nyōbō}^Japanese) (1966)
  • "Spring Sunshine" (春うらら_{Haru Urara}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Pig, Pearl, and Couple" (豚と真珠と夫婦_{Buta to Shinju to Fūfu}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Sequel: Pig, Pearl, and Couple" (続豚と真珠と夫婦_{Zoku Buta to Shinju to Fūfu}^Japanese) (1967)
• Mama Chotto Kite (ママちょっと来て_{Mama Chotto Kite}^Japanese) (1959, Nippon TV) - Papa
• Sasame-yuki (細雪_Sasame-yuki^Japanese) (1959, NET)
• Hyakuman-nin no Gekijo (百万人の劇場_{Hyakuman-nin no Gekijō}^Japanese) "Good-Natured Couple" (好人物の夫婦_{Kōjinbutsu no Fūfu}^Japanese) (1960, Fuji TV)
• Haiiro no Series (灰色のシリーズ_{Haiiro no Shirīzu}^Japanese) "Bad Person" (悪い人_{Warui Hito}^Japanese) (1960, NHK General TV)
• Okashi to Watashi (お菓子と私_{Okashi to Watashi}^Japanese) (1961, Nippon TV) - Chiharu Asakura
• Nissan Star Gekijo (日産スター劇場_{Nissan Sutā Gekijō}^Japanese) (Nippon TV)
  • "Doko e" (何処へ_{Doko e}^Japanese) (1964) - Chotaro Noguchi
  • "Oyaji mo Jukensei" (オヤジも受験生_{Oyaji mo Jukensei}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Soyokaze to Aitsu" (そよ風とあいつ_{Soyokaze to Aitsu}^Japanese) (1967)
• Niji no Sekkei (虹の設計_{Niji no Sekkei}^Japanese) (1964, NHK General TV)
• Mominoki wa Nokotta (樅の木は残った_{Mominoki wa Nokotta}^Japanese) (1964, Tokyo 12ch)
• Kai de Miru Yuki (甲斐で見る雪_{Kai de Miru Yuki}^Japanese) (1965, TBS)
• Shionogi TV Gekijo (シオノギテレビ劇場_{Shionogi Terebi Gekijō}^Japanese) / Sakuma Yoshiko Hour: "Kitano Odori" (北野踊り_{Kitano Odori}^Japanese) (1965, Fuji TV)
• Hikaru Umi (光る海_{Hikaru Umi}^Japanese) (1965, TBS)
• Mama to Ofukuro (ママとおふくろ_{Mama to Ofukuro}^Japanese) (1965-1966, Nippon TV) - Yuzo Akita
• Kiiroi Fudo (黄色い風土_{Kiiroi Fūdo}^Japanese) (1965-1966, NET) - Shohachi Murata
• The Guardman (ザ・ガードマン_{Za Gādoman}^Japanese) (TBS / Daiei TV Room)
  • "Unbelievable Season" (とんでもない季節_{Tondemonai Kisetsu}^Japanese) (1966)
  • "Now, The Woman's Revenge Begins" (さあ女の復讐が始まるわ_{Saa Onna no Fukushū ga Hajimaru wa}^Japanese) (1970)
• Ai no Ikka (愛の一家_{Ai no Ikka}^Japanese) (1966, NHK General TV)
• Sanbiki no Samurai (三匹の侍_{Sanbiki no Samurai}^Japanese) "Secret Treasure" (秘宝_Hihō^Japanese) (1967, Fuji TV)
• Shichinin no Keiji (七人の刑事_{Shichinin no Keiji}^Japanese) (TBS)
  • "Ginza for Two" (二人だけの銀座_{Futari Dake no Ginza}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Second Life" (第二の人生_{Daini no Jinsei}^Japanese) (1968)
  • "Escaping" (逃げる_Nigeru^Japanese) (1969)
  • "Death Row 300 Meters Above Ground" (地上300メートルの死刑台_{Chijō Sanbyaku Mētoru no Shikeidai}^Japanese) (1969)
• Toshiba Nichiyo Gekijo (東芝日曜劇場_{Tōshiba Nichiyō Gekijō}^Japanese) (TBS)
  • "Yellow Umbrella" (黄色い雨傘_{Kiiroi Amagasa}^Japanese) (1967)
  • "Woman and Miso Soup Part 36" (女と味噌汁 その36_{Onna to Misoshiru Sono Sanjūroku}^Japanese) (1978)
  • "Woman and Miso Soup Part 37" (女と味噌汁 その37_{Onna to Misoshiru Sono Sanjūnanako}^Japanese) (1979)
  • "Indigo Town" (藍色の街_{Aiiro no Machi}^Japanese) (1979)
  • "Woman and Miso Soup Part 38" (女と味噌汁 その38_{Onna to Misoshiru Sono Sanjūhachi}^Japanese) (1980)
• Toboketa Yatsura (とぼけた奴ら_{Toboketa Yatsura}^Japanese) (1967-1968, NET) - Daizo Kaneko
• Keiji-san (刑事さん_Keiji-san^Japanese) "The Man Who Died Twice" (二度死んだ男_{Nido Shinda Otoko}^Japanese) (1968, NET)
• Kimottama Kaasan (肝っ玉かあさん_{Kimottama Kaasan}^Japanese) (1968-1972, TBS) - Yasufumi Kiyota
• Ōoku (大奥_Ōoku^Japanese) (1968, Kansai TV) - Michiku Narushima
• Maruta to Bocho (丸太と包丁_{Maruta to Bōchō}^Japanese) (1968-1969, Nippon TV)
• Kon'nichiwa! Soyokaze-san (こんにちは!そよ風さん_{Kon'nichiwa! Soyokaze-san}^Japanese) (1969, TBS) - Michisuke Nishikata
• Inu to Asa-chan (犬と麻ちゃん_{Inu to Asa-chan}^Japanese) (1969, NET) - Kohei Nomura
• Aa Chushingura (あゝ忠臣蔵_{Aa Chūshingura}^Japanese) (1969, Kansai TV) - Tohee
• Dokushin no Sukyatto (独身のスキャット_{Dokushin no Sukyatto}^Japanese) (1970, TBS) - Nakanishi Sangyo President
• Chiba Shusaku Kendo Masshigura (千葉周作 剣道まっしぐら_{Chiba Shūsaku Kendō Masshigura}^Japanese) (1970-1971, TBS)
• Ofukuro no Aji (おふくろの味_{Ofukuro no Aji}^Japanese) (Nippon TV)
  • Season 1 (1970) - Tsunehito Natsumura
  • Season 2 (1972) - Kintaro Kamimura
• Kimero! Finish (決めろ!フィニッシュ_{Kimero! Finisshu}^Japanese) (1972, TBS) - Jiro's Father
• Taiga drama (大河ドラマ_{Taiga Dorama}^Japanese) (NHK General TV)
  • Kunitori Monogatari (国盗り物語_{Kunitori Monogatari}^Japanese) (1973) - Oda Nobuhide
  • Shishi no Jidai (獅子の時代_{Shishi no Jidai}^Japanese) (1980) - Muneyuki Kariya
• Taiyo ni Hoero! (太陽にほえろ!_{Taiyō ni Hoero!}^Japanese) "Children's Treasure, Adult's Dream" (子供の宝・大人の夢_{Kodomo no Takara Otona no Yume}^Japanese) (1973, Nippon TV) - Umeda Toy Company President
• Ginga TV Shosetsu (銀河テレビ小説_{Ginga Terebi Shōsetsu}^Japanese) / Sanshiro (三四郎_Sanshirō^Japanese) (1974, NHK General TV)
• Kazoku Awase (家族あわせ_{Kazoku Awase}^Japanese) (1974, TBS) - Kenji Watabe
• Dōshinbeya Goyōchō Edo no Senpu (同心部屋御用帳 江戸の旋風_{Dōshinbeya Goyōchō Edo no Senpū}^Japanese) (1975, Fuji TV) - Shigedayu Hayami
• Kayo Gekijo (火曜劇場_{Kayō Gekijō}^Japanese) (Nippon TV)
  • Hohoemi (微笑_Hohoemi^Japanese) (1975) - Yutaro Konno
  • Yorokobi mo Kanashimi mo Ikutoshi Tsuki (喜びも悲しみも幾歳月_{Yorokobi mo Kanashimi mo Ikutoshi Tsuki}^Japanese) (1976)
  • Honoo no Karute (炎のカルテ_{Honoo no Karute}^Japanese) (1976)
  • "Kaerazaru Tabiji" (帰らざる旅路_{Kaerazaru Tabiji}^Japanese) (1979) - Professor Yamamura
  • "Akogare Baby" (あこがれベビー_{Akogare Bebī}^Japanese) (1981) - Shinzo Ura
• G-Men '75 (Gメン'75_{Jī-Men Nana-jūgo}^Japanese) "Detective Declared with Cancer" (ガンを宣告された刑事_{Gan o Senkoku Sareta Keiji}^Japanese) (1977, TBS) - Detective Inomata
• Nihon no Sengo (日本の戦後_{Nihon no Sengo}^Japanese) "Morning of Retreat" (退陣の朝_{Taijin no Asa}^Japanese) (1977, NHK General TV) - Tetsu Katayama
• Hare no chi Hare (晴れのち晴れ_{Hare nochi Hare}^Japanese) (1977, TBS) - Tetsuma Yamaoki
• Kazoku (家族_Kazoku^Japanese) (1977, TBS) - Imai
• Sora wa Nanatsu no Koi no Iro (空は七つの恋の色_{Sora wa Nanatsu no Koi no Iro}^Japanese) (1978, Yomiuri TV) - Shoichiro Mikumo
• Shingo Torimonochō (新五捕物帳_{Shingo Torimonochō}^Japanese) "Love's Compassion, Tears of Jutte" (恋情け涙の十手_{Koijōke Namida no Jutte}^Japanese) (1979, Nippon TV / Union Eiga) - Risuke Kitahonjo
• Keiji Teppei (刑事鉄平_{Keiji Teppei}^Japanese) (Kansai TV)
  • "Elegy of an Old Detective" (老刑事の挽歌_{Rō Keiji no Banka}^Japanese) (1979)
  • "Song of Departure" (出発の歌_{Shuppatsu no Uta}^Japanese) (1979)
• Hi wa Mata Noboru (陽はまた昇る_{Hi wa Mata Noboru}^Japanese) "Sunset Clouds" (夕焼け雲_{Yūyake Gumo}^Japanese) (1979, Fuji TV) - Gizo Fujii
• Hiraiwa Yumie Drama Series (平岩弓枝ドラマシリーズ_{Hiraiwa Yumie Dorama Shirīzu}^Japanese) / "Onnatachi no Ie" (女たちの家_{Onnatachi no Ie}^Japanese) (1980, Fuji TV)
• Mokuyo Gold Drama (木曜ゴールデンドラマ_{Mokuyō Gōrudodorama}^Japanese) / Ikiru Nari (生きるなり_{Ikiru Nari}^Japanese) (1980, Yomiuri TV)
• Onyado Kawasemi (御宿かわせみ_{Onyado Kawasemi}^Japanese) "Falling Paulownia Flowers" (桐の花散る_{Kiri no Hana Chiru}^Japanese) (1980, NHK General TV) - Kichiemon Tadayado
• Sekigahara (関ヶ原_Sekigahara^Japanese) (1981, TBS) - Yamauchi Kazutoyo
• Zenigata Heiji (銭形平次_{Zenigata Heiji}^Japanese) "Man and Woman's Journey" (男と女の旅路_{Otoko to Onna no Tabiji}^Japanese) (1981, Fuji TV / Toei) - Tahei Izutsuya
• Asakiyumemishi (あさきゆめみし_{Asakiyumemishi}^Japanese) (1982, NHK General TV)
• Drama Ningen Moyō (ドラマ人間模様_{Dorama Ningen Moyō}^Japanese) / Taiyo no Ko (太陽の子_{Taiyō no Ko}^Japanese) (1982, NHK General TV) - Grandpa
• Kinō, Kanashibetsu de (昨日、悲別で_{Kinō, Kanashibetsu de}^Japanese) (1984, Nippon TV) - Shinkichi Futaguchi
• Alsace no Aoi Sora (アルザスの青い空_{Arusasu no Aoi Sora}^Japanese) (1985, Fuji TV) - Yusuke Fujikawa
• Osan no Koi (おさんの恋_{Osan no Koi}^Japanese) (1985, NHK General TV) - Seibei
• Ginga TV Shosetsu (銀河テレビ小説_{Ginga Terebi Shōsetsu}^Japanese) (NHK General TV)
  • Hachiju-nichime da namo (八十日目だなも_{Hachijūnichime da Namo}^Japanese) (1988) - Hikozou Fujishima
• Sasurai Keiji Ryojō-hen (さすらい刑事旅情編_{Sasurai Keiji Ryojō-hen}^Japanese) (1988, TV Asahi)
• Oitaru Chichi to (老いたる父と_{Oitaru Chichi to}^Japanese) (1990, Nippon TV)
• Tōbōsha (逃亡者_Tōbōsha^Japanese) (1992) (1992, Fuji TV)
• Aki no Eki (秋の駅_{Aki no Eki}^Japanese) (1993, Fuji TV)
• Doyo Drama (土曜ドラマ_{Doyō Dorama}^Japanese) / Gokuraku Yuenchi (極楽遊園地_{Gokuraku Yūenchi}^Japanese) (1997, NHK General TV)