Born on April 1, 1920, in Qingdao, China, he became a legendary Japanese actor renowned for his collaborations with director Akira Kurosawa. He starred in iconic films like "Rashomon," "Seven Samurai," and "Yojimbo," earning international acclaim for his dynamic and intense performances. Known for his commanding screen presence, he portrayed a wide range of characters, from samurai to businessmen. Over his career, he appeared in over 150 films. He passed away on December 24, 1997, leaving a lasting legacy in cinema.