Kitaro (Japanese Actor)

Kitaro (born August 25, 1948) is a Japanese actor known for his extensive work in film and television dramas. With a career spanning several decades, he has appeared in numerous supporting roles across various genres, ranging from historical period pieces to contemporary television series.

Portrait of Japanese actor Kitaro — Japanese actor Kitaro

Selected Filmography

Kitaro's film career includes appearances in notable Japanese films across multiple decades, working with various directors and production teams.

A Taxing Woman 2 (1988) - Sadao
Minbo no onna (1992) - Odokasareru otoko
Railroad Man (1999) - Milkman
Red Shadow (2001) - Roushi, Mura no chourou
The Chef of South Polar (2009) - Taicho
Tenchi: The Samurai Astronomer (2012)
A Story of Yonosuke (2013) - Yozo Yokomichi
The Magnificent Nine (2016) - Jubee Kokudaya
Romance Doll (2020) - Kinji Aikawa
A Man (2022) - Ito
Sayuri (2024) - Shozo Kamiki

Television Series

In addition to his film work, Kitaro has maintained a consistent presence in Japanese television dramas (dorama), often appearing in guest roles or supporting capacities.

Keibuho Furuhata Ninzaburo (Fuji TV / 1994)
Bayside Shakedown (Fuji TV / 1997) - episode 5
Ikebukuro West Gate Park (TBS / 2000)
Samurai Banners (NHK / 2007)
Maou: (TBS / 2008)
Solitary Gourmet Season 8 (TV Tokyo / 2019) - Yoshio Uchida (ep. 10)
Radiation House II (Fuji TV / 2021) - Tetsuhira Yanagita (ep. 2)
Draft King (WOWOW / 2023) - Ichita Higa
Hey Detective, Your Backpack is Open (TV Asahi / 2026) - Tobizaru