Born on December 28, 1941, in Hyogo, Japan, he rose to prominence in the 1960s as a charismatic actor in yakuza films, particularly under Nikkatsu studio. His breakthrough role came with "Tokyo Drifter" (1966), directed by Seijun Suzuki. Known for his rugged charm and versatility, he starred in numerous films and TV dramas, including the long-running series "Abunai Deka." Beyond acting, he served as president of Ishihara Promotion. He passed away on August 10, 2020.