Born in Tokyo, he became a prominent Japanese actor known for his work in the 1950s and 1960s. He began his career with Nikkatsu, a major film studio, where he quickly gained recognition for his roles in youth-centric films during the Japanese New Wave era. His performances often portrayed rebellious and complex characters, contributing to his reputation as a versatile actor. Beyond acting, he also ventured into film production and direction, leaving a lasting impact on Japanese cinema.