Masao Shimizu

Masao Shimizu (清水将夫, Shimizu Masao) was a prolific Japanese actor whose career spanned four decades, beginning with his debut starring role in Momoiro no Yuwaku in 1931 and concluding in the early 1970s. Born on 5 October 1908 in Tokyo, Japan, he quickly became a fixture of the Japanese silver screen, appearing in more than two hundred and fifty films and earning a reputation for his versatility and commanding screen presence. Shimizu’s early work demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhabit both heroic and villainous characters, a skill that later attracted the attention of renowned directors such as Akira Kurosawa, with whom he collaborated on classics like Drunken Angel (1948), Stray Dog (1949), Ikiru (1952), Sansho the Bailiff (1954), and Sanjuro (1962). In addition to his film work, he co‑founded the Mingei Theatre Company in 1947, contributing significantly to Japan’s post‑war theatrical renaissance and showcasing his talent on stage as well as on screen. Throughout his career, Shimizu demonstrated an uncanny ability to adapt to the evolving tastes of Japanese audiences, seamlessly moving from period dramas such as The 47 Ronin (1941) to contemporary social commentaries like No Regrets for Our Youth (1946). His marriage to fellow actress Yumi Takano formed a prominent acting partnership, and together they were regarded as one of Japan’s most distinguished entertainment couples. Shimizu’s legacy endures through the numerous iconic roles he embodied, his influence on subsequent generations of actors, and his contributions to both cinema and theatre. He passed away on his 67th birthday, 5 October 1975, leaving behind a rich tapestry of performances that continue to be celebrated by film scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.