Tetsurô Tanba

Tetsurō Tamba (丹波哲郎) was a highly regarded Japanese actor whose career spanned over half a century. Born as Shozaburo Tanba on July 17, 1922, in Tokyo, Japan, Tamba successfully made a name for himself in the acting industry, contributing his talents to nearly 300 film and television productions, both in lead and supporting roles. Renowned for his versatility, he worked with numerous prominent directors such as Kinji Fukasaku, Shōhei Imamura, Masaki Kobayashi, Masahiro Shinoda and Takashi Miike. Tamba's performances added significant weight to the Japanese New Wave movement. His international recognition rose following his portrayal of Tiger Tanaka in the 1967 James Bond Film You Only Live Twice. In addition to his acting career, Tamba engaged in authorship and became a spokesperson for the Risshō Kōsei Kai religious movement. He continued to work in the film industry until his death in 2006. In his early life, Tamba worked as an interpreter for the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers before venturing into acting. He joined the Shintoho company in 1951 and debuted with Satsujinyogisha. His breakout role came a decade later in the film Bridge to the Sun directed by Etienne Périer. Tamba's success in Western films, the Japanese police dramas Key Hunter and G-Men '75, as well as his roles in many jidaigeki television dramas, solidified his standing as one of Japan's most highly-respected actors. He voiced the 'Cat King' in the original Japanese version of Studio Ghibli anime film The Cat Returns. In 1981, Tamba received the Japan Academy Prize for the Best Actor in a Supporting Role in The Battle of Port Arthur. He maintained a dynamic career until his death in 2006.