When it comes to actors of the Showa era, their presence and acting prowess have continued to move the hearts of many.
They evoke nostalgia for those who lived through the time, while offering fresh inspiration to younger generations—the legendary actors of Japan’s golden age of cinema.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide array of uniquely talented Showa-era actors.
Please take a look at these masterful performers, whose profound acting and distinctive charm continue to captivate audiences even today.
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Actors of the Showa era who performed countless iconic scenes. Introducing the legendary stars (1–10)
Masakazu Tamura
Have many of you tried imitating his distinctive voice and gestures? Let me introduce Masakazu Tamura.
Born in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, he moved to Seijo in Setagaya when he was in the fifth grade of elementary school.
Tamura appeared in a wide range of works, including the Nemuri Kyoshiro series, Kawaita Sora, and Kurokawa no Techo.
As of May 2021, he had starred in a record eight different series, establishing himself as a leading star in television dramas.
For many, the strongest impression may be from the Furuhata Ninzaburo series.
He was a wonderful actor.
Toshiro Mifune
Let me introduce Toshiro Mifune, who is also the father of Mika Mifune, a multi-talented TV personality and actress.
Born on April 1, 1920, Toshiro Mifune continued to excel as a Japanese actor, film director, and film producer.
He is regarded as one of the great actors representing Japanese cinema, and many people likely admired his performances and way of life.
He became famous as a star after appearing as one of the leads in Akira Kurosawa’s Drunken Angel (1948), the third film of his career.
Shintaro Katsu
Let us introduce Shintaro Katsu, a star known for his bold, unconventional side.
Katsu was active in many fields: actor, singer, screenwriter, film director, and producer—and even a certified shamisen instructor.
He also personally trained then–two-year novice actor Ken Matsudaira at his own production company, successfully cultivating him into a star.
He produced and starred in The Tale of Zatoichi himself, and it became hugely popular.
As a singer, he also had hit songs.
Many people likely admired the multi-talented Shintaro Katsu.
Yusaku Matsuda
Let me introduce Yusaku Matsuda, an actor and singer from Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
He became a regular cast member in the 1973 detective drama “Taiyō ni Hoero!” as the character “Jeans Detective.” His performance and the dramatic death scene drew major attention, leading to appearances in a variety of TV dramas and films.
Many people at the time also did impressions of Yusaku Matsuda, didn’t they? His three children are each active in their own right—the eldest son Ryûhei Matsuda, the second son Shota Matsuda, and the daughter Yûki Matsuda—carrying on the family’s star lineage.
Tetsuya Watari
When it comes to actors who represented Japan during the turbulent years from the Showa to the Heisei era, Tetsuya Watari stands out.
In Seibu Keisatsu, he performed flashy action scenes himself, including car chases and explosions, establishing himself as an action star.
His 1973 release Kuchinashi no Hana became a million-selling hit, and he succeeded as a singer while continuing his acting career.
After Yujiro Ishihara’s passing, he became the second president of Ishihara Promotion and, as leader of the Ishihara-gundan, devoted himself to supporting disaster-stricken areas.
Thanks to his warm character, he was an actor loved by everyone.
Kiyoshi Atsumi
When you think of Kiyoshi Atsumi, it has to be the national favorite film series “It’s Tough Being a Man,” in which he perfectly embodied Torajirō Kuruma, known as “Tora-san.” It began as a TV drama that aired for six months starting in October 1968, with the scripts written by Yamada Yōji, who would later direct the film series.
The following year, Shochiku produced a feature film that received high acclaim, leading to a long-running franchise: over 27 years, 48 films were released, making it a beloved series across Japan.
From 1961 to 1966, he also appeared on television programs such as “Let’s Meet in a Dream” and “The Season of Youth,” and he was known not only as an actor but also as the comedian Kiyoshi Atsumi.
Yujiro Ishihara
Yujiro Ishihara made his acting debut in 1956 in the film adaptation of Season of the Sun, the Akutagawa Prize–winning novel by his elder brother, Shintaro Ishihara.
He then starred in the film adaptation of his brother’s next work, Crazed Fruit, and also debuted as a singer at that time.
In 1957, films based on Yujiro’s hit songs, such as I’m Waiting and the well-known The Stormy Man, became hits.
In 1963, he founded the production company Ishihara Promotion.
In 1972, he began appearing in the TV drama Taiyo ni Hoero!, followed by Ishihara Promotion–produced series such as The Big City and Seibu Keisatsu.
Those who grew up in the television era may not be very familiar with Yujiro Ishihara as a movie star.