Daisuke Katô

Daisuke Katō (born Tokunosuke Katō, February 18, 1911 – July 31, 1975) was a towering figure in Japanese cinema whose career spanned nearly four decades and more than two hundred films. Born in Asakusa, Tokyo, into a theatrical family, he was the younger brother of celebrated actor Kunitarō Sawamura and actress Sadako Sawamura, and his early immersion in the performing arts set the stage for a lifelong dedication to the screen. After joining the Zenshinza Theatre Company in 1933, he debuted on film under the stage name Enji Ichikawa, appearing in early classics such as Sadao Yamanaka’s Humanity and Paper Balloons and Kenji Mizoguchi’s The 47 Ronin. The interruption of World War II saw him serve in New Guinea, but upon his return he signed with Daiei Film and adopted the name Daisuke Katō, quickly becoming a favored supporting actor for luminaries like Akira Kurosawa, Yasujirō Ozu, Mikio Naruse, and Kenji Mizoguchi.

Katō’s versatility shone in both jidaigeki (period) and modern shōshimin‑eiga (lower‑class drama) roles, earning him a reputation as the quintessential "everyman" with a cherubic charm that Toho studio exploited in countless promotional campaigns. His most iconic performances include the gruff farmer Shichirōji in Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, the weary policeman in Rashomon, the loyal samurai in Yojimbo, and the poignant office clerk in Ikiru. Beyond acting, Katō authored the memoir Minami no shima ni yuki ga furu (1961), recounting his wartime experiences; the work was adapted into a film, a television drama, and a stage play, underscoring his cultural impact. His talent was recognized with multiple awards, such as the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actor (1952, 1954) and the Mainichi Film Concours. In his personal life, he fathered a son, Haruyuki Katō, who married Kazuko Kurosawa, linking the Katō legacy to the celebrated director Akira Kurosawa. Daisuke Katō’s enduring influence is reflected in the continued reverence for his performances and the posthumous honors, including his feature in the 2008 Seven Supporting Characters film festival.