Jun Kunimura

Jun Kunimura (國村 隼, Kunimura Jun, born Yoshihiro Yonemura (米村 喜洋, Yonemura Yoshihiro); 15 November 1955) is a highly esteemed Japanese actor who has achieved widespread recognition and acclaim for his performances in Japan, the United States, and Hong Kong. His remarkable talent earned him the Best Supporting Actor and the Popular Star Award at the 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards for his exceptional performance in the South Korean horror film The Wailing, directed by Na Hong-jin. Born Yoshihiro Yonemura in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, Jun's family relocated twice during his early childhood, first to Amagasaki, Hyōgo Prefecture, and then to Osaka. He graduated from a theatre program operated by the Osaka Broadcasting Corporation, a theatre company owned by a local NHK affiliate. His work has been heavily influenced by the renowned actor Yūsaku Matsuda. nJun's vibrant acting career began with a modest role in Shirō Moritani's 1973 disaster film Tidal Wave. His work in the TV dramas Ayu no Uta and Yôi don paved the way to his first starring role in Kazuyuki Izutsu's Gaki Teikoku. Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, he featured in several Hong Kong-produced movies, including a vital cameo in John Woo's Hard Boiled. 1989 marked his first foray into American cinema with his role in Black Rain. The Ridley Scott-directed action thriller, shot on-location in Jun's hometown of Osaka, stars his mentor Yūsaku Matsuda. He has since worked with esteemed directors such as Ridley Scott, Quentin Tarantino, and Roland Emmerich, and continues to be recognised internationally for his diverse range of performances.