Ken Takakura

Often compared to Clint Eastwood, Ken Takakura is the exceptional Japanese film star who can still draw crowds to the theater as the leading star at the age of 75. Born in 1931, his early success as an actor was gangster movie genre, such as "Abashiri Bangaichi (Abashiri Prison)". Later he is better known with his quiet but tough and hard-working guy roles, in such films as "Hotaru" and "Railroad Man". He is also know internationally in his Hollywood movies such as Sidney Pollack's "The Yakuza", Ridley Scott's "Black Rain" and To Selleck's "Mr. Baseball". He is a rare Japanese actor who only works in movies, with no appearance in TV dramas or talk shows.

Not only he has proven himself with his superb track records, such as the most number of wins in Japan Academy Awards (4 times), he also is known for his good manner and considerate character, and is widely considered the most respected actor in Japan.

Japan Academy Award Best Actor
Won: 2000 ("Railroad Man"), 1982 ("Station"), 1981 ("Doran"), 1978 ("Yellow Handkerchief")
Nominated: 2002 ("Hotaru", declined by himself), 1995 ("47 Assassins")