Born in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, he began his career as a stunt actor in the 1950s. He gained fame for his role as the original suit actor for Godzilla, portraying the iconic monster in twelve consecutive films from 1954 to 1972. Known for his dedication, he studied animal movements to bring authenticity to his performances. Beyond Godzilla, he appeared in various other kaiju and samurai films. His contributions have been celebrated by fans worldwide, cementing his legacy in cinematic history.