Born in Tokyo in 1926, he was initially involved in organized crime before turning to acting. His yakuza past informed his roles, often portraying gangsters in Japanese cinema during the 1970s. He became a symbol of the genre, embodying the gritty realism of Japan's underworld. Despite a limited filmography, his performances left a significant mark on the industry. After retiring from acting, he pursued writing and business ventures. His life story continues to intrigue fans of yakuza films.