1. Overview
Yoshisada Sakaguchi (坂口 芳貞Sakaguchi YoshisadaJapanese, October 2, 1939 - February 13, 2020) was a prominent Japanese actor, voice actor, and theatre director from Tokyo. He was 69 in (175 cm) tall. Throughout his extensive career spanning from the 1960s to 2019, he became a distinguished member of the Bungakuza Theatre Company and served as a professor at J. F. Oberlin University. Sakaguchi was widely recognized for his versatile performances in stage plays, television dramas, and films. In voice acting, he was particularly acclaimed for his prolific work in dubbing Morgan Freeman into Japanese, becoming the actor's primary voice. He also lent his voice to numerous characters in Japanese animation, video games, and dubbed foreign films and television series, including notable roles such as Inspector Japp in Agatha Christie's Poirot.
2. Life
Yoshisada Sakaguchi's life journey was deeply intertwined with his artistic pursuits, from his early education to his final years battling illness while continuing his work.
2.1. Birth and Early Life
Yoshisada Sakaguchi was born on October 2, 1939, in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan, which is now Tokyo. Details of his early childhood are not extensively documented, but his path into the performing arts began during his university years.
2.2. Education and Early Career
Sakaguchi attended Gakushuin High School before enrolling in the Faculty of Letters at Hokkaido University. His introduction to theater came during his first year of university, around May, when a high school classmate who was passionate about theater and a member of the drama club asked him to help with stage setup, citing Sakaguchi's physical strength. Although he initially agreed simply to assist with physical tasks, he was then asked to read a play. Despite clarifying that he was not there to act, he was persuaded to read, which sparked his interest and marked the beginning of his involvement in theater.
2.3. Debut and Career Beginnings
In 1963, Sakaguchi joined the Bungakuza Theatre Research Institute as a third-generation trainee. Four years later, in 1967, he became a full member of the Bungakuza company. His professional stage debut was in `友絵の鼓Tomoe no TsuzumiJapanese`, a play written by Kakuhiko Hitomi. His career as an actor and voice actor steadily grew from this point, encompassing a wide range of roles across various media. In 2011, he was appointed director of the Bungakuza Theatre Research Institute, a position he held while continuing his artistic and academic endeavors.
2.4. Health and Final Years
In 2016, Sakaguchi was diagnosed with colon cancer. Despite his illness, he continued to work actively in the performing arts during his later years. His health deteriorated towards the end of 2019. Yoshisada Sakaguchi passed away on February 13, 2020, at 10:09 AM, at his home in Tokyo, due to colon cancer. He was 80 years old. His final voice acting role was in the film The Poison Rose, a film starring Morgan Freeman, which he recorded in late October 2019. He was unable to participate in the dubbing of Angel Has Fallen, released the following month, due to his recuperation. The role was subsequently taken over by Masaru Ikeda, who also frequently dubbed Morgan Freeman, in addition to his role as Clay Banning, played by Nick Nolte.
3. Career
Yoshisada Sakaguchi's career was marked by remarkable versatility, encompassing acting on stage, television, and film, extensive voice acting work, and significant contributions to academia as a professor and director.
3.1. Acting Career
Sakaguchi's acting career showcased his ability to inhabit diverse characters across different platforms, from the intimate setting of the stage to the broader reach of television and film.
3.1.1. Stage Performances
Sakaguchi had a distinguished career in theater, primarily with the Bungakuza company. His notable stage roles include Hikojirō Ōkubo in `東京原子核クラブTōkyō Genshikaku ClubJapanese` (2006, performed at Haiyūza), and roles in productions such as `定年ゴジラTeinen GodzillaJapanese`, `城ShiroJapanese`, `くたばれハムレットKutabare HamletJapanese`, `月がとっても蒼いからTsuki ga Tottemo Aoi KaraJapanese`, `人が恋しい西の窓Hito ga Koishii Nishi no MadoJapanese`, and `ホームバディ/カブールHomebody/KabulJapanese`. In 2011, he played Dr. Meade in Gone with the Wind at the Imperial Theatre. His final stage appearance was in `棲家SūkaJapanese` (2019) in Sapporo. Beyond acting, he also contributed as a director, notably for a production of `三人姉妹Three SistersJapanese` in 2012 at Kinokuniya Hall.
3.1.2. Television Dramas
Sakaguchi appeared in numerous Japanese television dramas throughout his career, often in supporting but memorable roles. His notable appearances include:
- Kinenju (1966) - Brother, Father (episode 8)
- Taiga drama series (NHK):
- Haru no Sakamichi (1971) - Magouemon
- Kunitori Monogatari (1973) - Mototada Torii
- Katsu Kaishū (1974) - Chizaemon Gunji
- Ōgon no Hibi (1978) - Kumigashira
- Kusa Moeru (1979) - Yukikage Ki
- Shishi no Jidai (1980) - Narrator
- Tobu ga Gotoku (1990) - Yūtoku Seki
- Hachidai Shogun Yoshimune (1995) - Nagashige Ogasawara
- Aoi (2000) - Kazu'uji Nakamura
- Kōmyō ga Tsuji (2006) - Village headman
- Gunshi Kanbei (2014)
- Saturday Woman Series Tenshi ga Kiete Iku (1973, NTV)
- Hasshū Hankachō (1974, CX) - Inn Official (episode 7)
- Kakushi Metsuke Sanjō (1976, TBS)
- Oretachi no Tabi (1976, NTV) - (episode 24)
- Taiyō ni Hoero! (NTV):
- (1976) - (episode 194)
- (1978) - (episode 322)
- (1980) - (episode 411)
- Saturday Drama / Matsumoto Seichō Series: Iraisha (1977, NHK) - Young Lawyer
- Seishun Domannaka! (1978, NTV) - Muneo Kagayama
- Tokusō Saizensen (1979, ANB) - (episode 116)
- Kamen Rider Super-1 (1980, MBS) - Umino (episode 8)
- Oyakado Kawasemi (1980, NHK) - Head Clerk (episode 1)
- Honjitsu mo Seiten Nari (1981-1982) - Police Officer Higashijima
- G-Men '82 (1982, TBS) - Loan Shark Manager (episode 6)
- Momoko Series 1: Jūninenkan no Uso Chichi to Mitsu no Nagareru Chi yo (1982, TBS) - Turkish Bath Manager
- Chichi no Wabijō (1986, NHK) - Physical Education Teacher
- Zenigata Heiji (Kazama Morio) (1987, NTV) - Tatsuzō Tomisaka (episode 16)
- Hyōten (1989, ANB)
- Tuesday Suspense Theater / Satsujin Sōsa (1992, NTV)
- Ude ni Oboe Ari 2 (1992, NHK) - Chief Priest
- Matsumoto Seichō Ikki Tokubetsu Kikaku: Aru "Kokura Nikki" Den (1993, TBS) - Narration
- Saturday Wide Theater / Matsumoto Seichō Botsugo 10-nen Kikaku: Giwaku (2003, ANB) - Tamotsu Kinoshita
- Metropolitan Police Department Investigation First Division Chief (2018) - Yasuharu Muramoto
3.1.3. Films
Sakaguchi's filmography includes a selection of Japanese feature films:
- Kaibatsu 0 Meter (1964)
- Eros + Massacre (1970)
- War and Human Part I: The Prelude to Destiny (1970)
- War and Human Part II: Rivers of Love and Sorrow (1971)
- Portrait of Brothers (2019)
3.2. Voice Acting Career
Yoshisada Sakaguchi was a prolific voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to characters in animated series, films, video games, and, most notably, in the Japanese dubs of foreign productions.
3.2.1. Television Animation
His roles in Japanese animated television series include:
- Lupin the 3rd Part II (1979) - Wolf
- Rurouni Kenshin (1996) - Tashi, Yohei Senbonya, Toshimichi Ōkubo
- Alexander Senki (1999) - Philip II of Macedon
- Shūkan Story Land (1999) - Demon, Secretary of State
- Detective Conan (1999) - Mitsuru Mamiya
- Hakai Ma Sadamitsu (2001) - Ido
- Monster (2005) - Colonel Karel Lanke
- Mushishi (2006) - Mujika
- Humanoid Monster Bem (2nd series) (2006) - Art Dealer
- Shigurui (2007) - Naritsugu Torii
- Tegami Bachi Reverse (2010) - Old Man
- Lupin the 3rd Part IV (2016) - Martin
- Baki (2018) - Gary Strydom (1st voice)
3.2.2. Animated Films
Sakaguchi also contributed to animated feature films:
- World Masterpiece Fairy Tales: Aladdin and the Magic Lamp (1982) - Genie of the Ring
- Six God Combination Godmars: The Movie (1982) - Baaru
- Run Melos! (1992) - Alex
- Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (2000) - Hachiroh Tohbe, Narrator
- Nasu: Summer in Andalusia (2003) - Director
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood (2007) - Tonpetty
- The Tibetan Dog (2012) - Tyring
- A Letter to Momo (2012) - Great Uncle (Sachio Sadahama)
3.2.3. Original Video Animation (OVA)
His OVA roles include:
- Appleseed (1988) - Briareos Hecatonchires
- Record of Lodoss War (1990) - Ghim
- Ankokushin Denshō Bushin (1992) - Sojo
- Sekai no Hikari Shinran Shōnin (1992) - Benkū
- Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers Again (1992) - Exxegran Supreme Commander
- Black Jack (1995) - Ernesto
- Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden: Spiral Labyrinth (2000) - Admiral Kosel
- Bionicle: Mask of Light (2003) - Turaga Vakama
- Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui (2004) - Turaga Vakama
- Nasu: Migratory Bird with Suitcase (2007) - Paopao Beer Director
3.2.4. Video Games
Sakaguchi also provided voices for video game characters:
- Record of Lodoss War: The Gray Witch (1988) - Ghim
- Record of Lodoss War II: The Five-Colored Evil Dragon (1991) - Ghim
- Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning? (2001) - Leon
- Final Fantasy XII (2006) - Elder Ubal-Ka
3.2.5. Dubbing Roles
Sakaguchi was highly regarded for his extensive work in dubbing foreign films and television series into Japanese, often becoming the designated voice for particular actors.
3.2.6. Narration and Voiceover
Sakaguchi's voice was also featured in various narration and voiceover projects:
- NHK Special (NHK General):
- "Japan's Navy: 400 Hours of Testimony" (2009)
- "Atomic Bombing: Secret Information Not Utilized" (2011)
- Shin Eizō no Seiki (New Century of Images) Episode 1: "The Century of Tragedy Began Here" (2015) - Reading for Fritz Haber
- Eizō no Seiki Premium (Century of Images Premium) Episode 2: "War: The Sins and Courage of Scientists" (2016) - Reading for Sigmund Freud
- "Unit 731: How Human Experimentation Expanded / The True Faces of the Unit Members" (2018)
- NHK Document:
- "Journey of Wild Discovery: Lions and Anthony Hopkins" - Narrating for Anthony Hopkins
- The Nightmare Room (NHK edition) - Japanese opening narration
- Mystery Goosebumps (NHK edition) - Japanese opening narration
3.3. Directing Career
Beyond his acting roles, Sakaguchi also ventured into theatre direction. He directed the play `三人姉妹Three SistersJapanese` in 2012. Furthermore, he held the position of director of the Bungakuza Theatre Research Institute from 2011.
3.4. Academic Career
Yoshisada Sakaguchi was also an esteemed academic. He served as a professor in the Faculty of Comprehensive Culture at J. F. Oberlin University, where he also headed the drama major. Later, he was honored with the title of Honorary Professor at the same university.
4. Evaluation and Impact
Yoshisada Sakaguchi's contributions to Japanese entertainment, particularly in voice acting and his dedication to the stage, left a significant mark on the industry.
4.1. Critical and Public Reception
Sakaguchi's acting and voice acting were well-received by critics and the public. He was known for his distinctive husky voice, which he humorously noted often led him to be cast in "rough roles." Despite this, he recalled his one-time experience dubbing Alain Delon in The Adventurers as particularly memorable, a departure from his usual character types. When asked in an interview which actor he would like to dub in the future, Sakaguchi expressed a desire to voice Nicolas Cage "when he gets much older," adding, "Until then, I want to live long and do my best." This statement reflected his enduring passion for his craft and his commitment to his career until his final days.
4.2. Successors and Role Inheritance
Following Sakaguchi's illness and passing, several voice actors took over his prominent roles, ensuring the continuity of the characters he had brought to life. For instance, Kenyu Horiuchi also took on the role of dubbing Morgan Freeman in Comeback to Hollywood!!, a role previously held by Sakaguchi. The table below lists some of the key roles and their successors:
| Successor | Character Name | Original Work | Successor's First Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masaru Ikeda | President Allan Trumbull | Olympus Has Fallen series | Angel Has Fallen |
| Takaya Hashi | Gary Strydom | Baki | Hanma Baki |
| Takayuki Sugō | Elliot Mason | MACGYVER | Season 4, Episode 19 |
| Kenyu Horiuchi | \ | Silas Ramsbottom | Minions: The Rise of Gru |
| Hiroshi Iwasaki | Silas Ramsbottom | Despicable Me series | Despicable Me 4 |
| Keisuke Ishida | Powell | Die Hard | Star Channel additional recording |