Takashi Shimura

Born:March 12, 1905

Place of Birth:Ikuno, Hyogo, Japan

Died:February 11, 1982

Known For:Acting

Biography

Takashi Shimura, a legendary Japanese actor, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with his remarkable talent and versatile performances. Born on March 12, 1905, Shimura graced the silver screen in over 200 films spanning nearly five decades, showcasing his immense range and depth as an actor. His collaboration with renowned director Akira Kurosawa in 21 films solidified his status as a cinematic icon, with standout roles in classics such as "Drunken Angel" (1948), "Rashomon" (1950), "Ikiru" (1952), and "Seven Samurai" (1954).

One of Shimura's most memorable roles was as Professor Kyohei Yamane in the original "Godzilla" (1954) and its sequel "Godzilla Raids Again" (1955), where he brought a sense of gravitas and humanity to the monster movie genre. His ability to convey deep emotions and inner turmoil through his performances set him apart as a truly exceptional actor, earning him accolades and recognition both in Japan and internationally.

Throughout his illustrious career, Shimura's dedication to his craft and his commitment to portraying complex characters with authenticity earned him the admiration of audiences and critics alike. His contribution to the arts was further honored by the Japanese government, who awarded him the prestigious Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1974 and the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1980, recognizing his significant impact on Japanese cinema.

On February 11, 1982, Takashi Shimura passed away in Tokyo, Japan, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with film lovers around the world. His influence on generations of actors and filmmakers is immeasurable, with his work serving as a testament to the power of storytelling and the art of acting. Shimura's effects were entrusted to the Film Centre of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, ensuring that his memory and contributions to cinema endure for years to come.

In a career that spanned over five decades, Takashi Shimura's talent, dedication, and passion for his craft shone brightly in every role he portrayed. His collaborations with Akira Kurosawa and other visionary directors left an indelible mark on the history of cinema, with his performances standing the test of time as true masterpieces of the silver screen. As a trailblazer in Japanese cinema, Shimura's legacy lives on through his iconic films and his profound influence on the art of acting.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Seven Samurai

Kambei Shimada

1954

A samurai answers a village's request for protection after he falls on hard times. The town needs protection from bandits, so the samurai gathers six others to help him teach the people how to defend themselves, and the villagers provide the soldiers with food.

Rashomon

Woodcutter

1950

Brimming with action while incisively examining the nature of truth, "Rashomon" is perhaps the finest film ever to investigate the philosophy of justice. Through an ingenious use of camera and flashbacks, Kurosawa reveals the complexities of human nature as four people recount different versions of the story of a man's murder and the rape of his wife.

Ikiru

Kanji Watanabe

1952

Kanji Watanabe is a middle-aged man who has worked in the same monotonous bureaucratic position for decades. Learning he has cancer, he starts to look for the meaning of his life.

High and Low

Chief of Investigation Section

1963

In the midst of an attempt to take over his company, a powerhouse executive is hit with a huge ransom demand when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped by mistake.

Godzilla

Kyohei Yamane

1954

Japan is thrown into a panic after several ships are sunk near Odo Island. An expedition to the island led by Dr. Kyohei Yamane soon discover something far more devastating than imagined in the form of a 50 meter tall monster whom the natives call Gojira. Now the monster begins a rampage that threatens to destroy not only Japan, but the rest of the world as well.

The Bullet Train

JNR President

1975

A Japanese bullet train is threatened with a bomb that will explode automatically if the train slows below 80 km/h, unless a ransom is paid. Police race to find the bombers so the train crew can learn how to defuse the bomb.

Yojimbo

Tokuemon, sake brewer

1961

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.

Kagemusha

Taguchi Gyobu

1980

Akira Kurosawa's lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. When Shingen dies, his generals reluctantly agree to have the impostor take over as the powerful ruler. He soon begins to appreciate life as Shingen, but his commitment to the role is tested when he must lead his troops into battle against the forces of a rival warlord.

Throne of Blood

Noriyasu Odagura

1957

Returning to their lord's castle, samurai warriors Washizu and Miki are waylaid by a spirit who predicts their futures. When the first part of the spirit's prophecy comes true, Washizu's scheming wife, Asaji, presses him to speed up the rest of the spirit's prophecy by murdering his lord and usurping his place. Director Akira Kurosawa's resetting of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in feudal Japan is one of his most acclaimed films.

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

Dr. Tsukamoto

1964

After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat.

Kwaidan

Head Priest (segment "Hoichi the Earless")

1965

Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.

Godzilla, King of the Monsters!

Dr. Yamane

1956

During an assignment, foreign correspondent Steve Martin spends a layover in Tokyo and is caught amid the rampage of an unstoppable prehistoric monster the Japanese call 'Godzilla'. The only hope for both Japan and the world lies on a secret weapon, which may prove more destructive than the monster itself.

Red Beard

Tokubei Izumiya

1965

Aspiring to an easy job as personal physician to a wealthy family, Noboru Yasumoto is disappointed when his first post after medical school takes him to a small country clinic under the gruff doctor Red Beard. Yasumoto rebels in numerous ways, but Red Beard proves a wise and patient teacher. He gradually introduces his student to the unglamorous side of the profession, ultimately assigning him to care for a prostitute rescued from a local brothel.

The Hidden Fortress

General Izumi Nagakura

1958

In feudal Japan, during a bloody war between clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, soldiers of a defeated army, stumble upon a mysterious man who guides them to a fortress hidden in the mountains.

Mothra

News Editor

1961

Shipwreck survivors found on the presumably uninhabited Infant Island leads to a scientific expedition that discovers a surviving native population along with the Shobijin, tiny twin fairy priestesses of the island's mythical deity called Mothra. After the fairies are kidnapped by an exploitative businessman named Clark Nelson, Mothra sets out to rescue them.

Sanshiro Sugata

Hansuke Murai, Sayo's father

1943

The story of Sanshiro, a strong stubborn youth, who travels into the city in order to learn Jujutsu. However, upon his arrival he discovers a new form of self-defence: Judo. The main character is based on Shiro Saigo, a legendary judoka.

Stray Dog

Det. Sato

1949

A bad day gets worse for young detective Murakami when a pickpocket steals his gun on a hot, crowded bus. Desperate to right the wrong, he goes undercover, scavenging Tokyo’s sweltering streets for the stray dog whose desperation has led him to a life of crime. With each step, cop and criminal’s lives become more intertwined and the investigation becomes an examination of Murakami’s own dark side.