Born on August 16, 1933, in Sendai, Japan, he was a prominent actor known for his roles in yakuza films during the 1970s. Rising to fame with the "Battles Without Honor and Humanity" series, he became synonymous with gritty, hard-boiled characters. Over his career, he appeared in over 100 films, showcasing versatility across genres. Beyond acting, he was a voice actor, notably in Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away." He passed away on November 28, 2014, leaving a lasting impact on Japanese cinema.