Akira Terao

Akira Terao, born on **May 18, 1947** in *Yokohama, Kanagawa*, Japan, is the son of noted actor and director Jūkichi Uno, which placed him at the crossroads of entertainment and artistry from an early age. He attended Wako Gakuen and Hosei University Daini Senior High School before graduating from Bunka Gakuin, a vocational institute that nurtured his multifaceted talents. In 1966, Terao entered the music scene as the bassist for the group‑sounds band The Savage, marking the start of a prolific recording career that would later see him release his solo debut album in 1970. His 1981 single "Ruby no Yubiwa" and the accompanying album *Reflections* became cultural landmarks, selling over 1.6 million copies and cementing his reputation as a distinguished *musician* and *singer*. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Terao balanced his dual identities, continually evolving his sound while cultivating a charismatic stage presence distinguished by his signature sunglasses and a contemplative, often nihilistic, public persona.

Parallel to his musical success, Terao forged an illustrious *acting* career beginning with his debut in Kei Kumai’s *The Sands of Kurobe* (1968). He achieved international prominence through collaborations with legendary director Akira Kurosawa, appearing as Ichimonji Taro Takatora in *Ran* (1985) and embodying the enigmatic “I” in *Dreams* (1990). His talent earned him a historic distinction as the only male actor to receive both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Academy Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, a feat highlighted by his Best Actor win at the 47th Blue Ribbon Awards for *Half a Confession*. Beyond the screen, Terao’s personal life includes a brief marriage to actress Bunjaku Han (1973‑1974) and his enduring partnership with Mayumi Hoshino. Recognized for his contributions to Japanese culture, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2008 and the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, in 2018, underscoring a legacy that spans music, cinema, and national honor.