Min Tanaka

Min Tanaka (born March 10, 1945) is a prominent Japanese dancer and actor. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the avant-garde dance movement, specifically Butoh, and for his extensive career in film and television.

Acting Career

Tanaka began his acting career in the early 21st century, gaining critical acclaim for his performance in the 2002 film The Twilight Samurai, directed by Yoji Yamada. His portrayal of Zenemon Yogo earned him both the "Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role" and "Rookie of the Year" awards at the 26th Japan Academy Prize in 2003.

Since his debut, he has appeared in numerous films and television dramas, often portraying complex, authoritative, or mysterious characters. Notable film credits include The Hidden Blade (2004), La Maison de Himiko (2005), The Eternal Zero (2013), and the Rurouni Kenshin film series, where he played the character Nenji Kashiwazaki.

Selected Filmography

• The Twilight Samurai (2002)
• The Hidden Blade (2004)
• La Maison de Himiko (2005)
• Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno (2014)
• The Eternal Zero (2013)
• Hokusai (2021)
• Father Of The Milky Way Railroad (2023)

Television Appearances

Tanaka has maintained a consistent presence in Japanese television, appearing in various NHK Taiga dramas and commercial network series. His television work includes roles in Hagetaka: Road to Rebirth (2007), Mare (2015), and The 13 Lords of the Shogun (2022).