Born in 1920 in Japan, he gained prominence as a film actor during the mid-20th century. He is best known for his role as Gorobei Katayama in Akira Kurosawa's classic film "Seven Samurai" (1954). His career spanned various genres, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft. He continued to work in the Japanese film industry, contributing to both cinema and television until his passing in 1998. His performances left a lasting impact on Japanese cinema.