A distinguished Japanese actor, he gained international fame for his role in the 1959 French film "Hiroshima mon amour," directed by Alain Resnais. Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1920, he initially pursued a career in agriculture before turning to acting. Over his career, he appeared in a variety of films, both in Japan and abroad, including "Woman in the Dunes," which received critical acclaim. His performances were noted for their depth and subtlety, contributing significantly to the global appreciation of Japanese cinema.