Kō Nishimura

Kō Nishimura

Deceased · Born: Jan 25, 1923 · Died: Apr 29, 1997

1970
1968
1967
1960

Personal Details

BornJan 25, 1923 Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Biography

Kō Nishimura, a Japanese thespian of extraordinary skill and versatility, etched a lasting impression on the cinematic landscape with his remarkable range and breadth of talent. Born on January 25, 1923, Nishimura embarked on a storied acting career that spanned a multitude of iconic films, including Akira Kurosawa's revered and critically acclaimed masterpieces, such as "The Bad Sleep Well" and "Yojimbo".

Notably, alongside his esteemed collaborations with the illustrious Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, Toshiro Nishimura also made notable appearances in the cinematic oeuvre of Kihachi Okamoto, specifically in the gritty and intense film "Sword of Doom", which masterfully showcased his extraordinary ability to convincingly convey a profound sense of danger and intensity on the silver screen.

Furthermore, his remarkable versatility as an actor was subsequently demonstrated in the crime drama "Zero Focus", directed by the renowned filmmaker Yoshitaro Nomura, which effectively highlighted his remarkable capacity to convincingly convey a sense of gravitas and emotional depth, thereby solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished thespian.

Toshiro Nishimura's Biography:

Born on December 1, 1925, in Tokyo, Japan, Toshiro Nishimura was a renowned Japanese actor who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Throughout his illustrious career, he appeared in numerous films, often collaborating with some of Japan's most celebrated directors, including Akira Kurosawa and Kihachi Okamoto.

Nishimura's early life and education remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is known that he began his acting career in the early 1950s, initially working in the Japanese theater scene before transitioning to film.

Throughout his illustrious career, Nishimura appeared in a wide range of films, showcasing his remarkable versatility as an actor. His collaborations with Kurosawa, including "Seven Samurai" and "Yojimbo", cemented his status as one of Japan's most respected actors, while his appearances in films like "Sword of Doom" and "Zero Focus" further demonstrated his remarkable range and capacity to convey complex emotions on screen.

Toshiro Nishimura passed away on December 23, 1999, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of actors and filmmakers to this day.

Noted Japanese thespian Akira Nishimura made a lasting impression in Kon Ichikawa's critically acclaimed cinematic masterpiece, "The Burmese Harp", a poignant and powerful film that cemented his status as a versatile and accomplished actor.

Throughout his illustrious and storied career, Ken Nishimura has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his craft, meticulously honing his skills to bring to life an array of intricate and multidimensional characters on the silver screen, thereby earning him a reputation as one of Japan's most esteemed and revered actors.

As a testament to his enduring legacy, film enthusiasts and scholars from far and wide continue to celebrate and pay homage to his remarkable body of work, which has left an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of Japanese cinematic history.

His impressive canon of films serves as a poignant reminder of his unwavering dedication to his craft, as well as his remarkable ability to captivate and inspire audiences with his unforgettable performances.

In the years that have followed, Nishimura's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of Japanese cinema, ensuring that his name and legacy will continue to be revered and celebrated for generations to come.

As a shining exemplar of Japanese cinematic excellence, Nishimura's remarkable body of work remains an integral part of Japan's cultural heritage, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of film and the countless lives he has touched through his unforgettable performances.

January 25, 1923, marked the day of arrival for Kō Nishimura, a pioneering figure in Japanese cinema, whose life was a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity.

Throughout his illustrious career, Nishimura left an indelible mark on the world of Japanese cinema, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire and influence generations to come.

April 29, 1997, saw the passing of this remarkable individual, whose passing was met with a profound sense of loss and gratitude for the countless contributions he made to the world of Japanese cinema.

Despite his physical departure, Nishimura's impact on the world of Japanese cinema remains as strong as ever, a testament to the enduring power of his art and the lasting impression he left on those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Career

{"id":219573,"title":"Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo","year":"1978","character":"Mamo (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/lupin-the-3rd-the-mystery-of-mamo","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6co66ccbfo00.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6co66ccbfo00.jpg"},"released":1}
1978
{"id":119372,"title":"Under the Blossoming Cherry Trees","year":"1975","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/under-the-blossoming-cherry-trees","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_119372.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_119372.jpg"},"released":1}
1975
{"id":134245,"title":"Razor 3: Who's Got the Gold?","year":"1974","character":"Magobei 'Snake' Ohnishi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/razor-3-whos-got-the-gold","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_134245.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_134245.jpg"},"released":1}
1974
Razor 3: Who's Got the Gold?
Razor 3: Who's Got the Gold? as Magobei 'Snake' Ohnishi
{"id":64114,"title":"Jack and the Beanstalk","year":"1974","character":"Old-Bean Seller","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/jack-and-the-beanstalk-1974","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_64114.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_64114.jpg"},"released":1}
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack and the Beanstalk as Old-Bean Seller
{"id":221277,"title":"Hanzo the Razor: The Snare","year":"1973","character":"Magobei \"Snake\" Onishi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hanzo-the-razor-the-snare","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_221277.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_221277.jpg"},"released":1}
1973
Hanzo the Razor: The Snare
Hanzo the Razor: The Snare as Magobei "Snake" Onishi
{"id":110655,"title":"Lady Snowblood","year":"1973","character":"Priest Dokai","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/lady-snowblood","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4stdetlflii0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4stdetlflii0.jpg"},"released":1}
Lady Snowblood
Lady Snowblood as Priest Dokai
{"id":221278,"title":"Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice","year":"1972","character":"Magobei 'Snake' Onishi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hanzo-the-razor-sword-of-justice","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_221278.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_221278.jpg"},"released":1}
1972
Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice
Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice as Magobei 'Snake' Onishi
{"id":98599,"title":"Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival","year":"1970","character":"Migi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/zatoichi-goes-to-the-fire-festival","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_98599.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_98599.jpg"},"released":1}
1970
{"id":225385,"title":"Samaritan Zatoichi","year":"1968","character":"S\u00f4suke Saruya","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/samaritan-zatoichi","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_225385.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_225385.jpg"},"released":1}
1968
Samaritan Zatoichi
Samaritan Zatoichi as Sôsuke Saruya
{"id":120091,"title":"Zatoichi Breaks Jail","year":"1967","character":"Ky\u00fbshiro Suga","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/zatoichi-breaks-jail","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_120091.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_120091.jpg"},"released":1}
1967
Zatoichi Breaks Jail
Zatoichi Breaks Jail as Kyûshiro Suga
{"id":35050,"title":"The Sword of Doom","year":"1966","character":"Shichibei, Omatsu's 'uncle'","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-sword-of-doom","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_35050.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_35050.jpg"},"released":1}
1966
The Sword of Doom
The Sword of Doom as Shichibei, Omatsu's 'uncle'
{"id":133651,"title":"The Pornographers","year":"1966","character":"Sanada and Detective","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-pornographers","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_133651.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_133651.jpg"},"released":1}
The Pornographers
The Pornographers as Sanada and Detective
{"id":225025,"title":"Red Beard","year":"1965","character":"Chief retainer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/red-beard","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_225025.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_225025.jpg"},"released":1}
1965
Red Beard
Red Beard as Chief retainer
{"id":133647,"title":"Intentions of Murder","year":"1964","character":"Koichi Takahashi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/intentions-of-murder","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_133647.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_133647.jpg"},"released":1}
1964
Intentions of Murder
Intentions of Murder as Koichi Takahashi
{"id":220543,"title":"J\u00fbsan-nin no shikaku","year":"1963","character":"Kujuro Hirayama","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/jusan-nin-no-shikaku","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_220543.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_220543.jpg"},"released":1}
1963
Jûsan-nin no shikaku
Jûsan-nin no shikaku as Kujuro Hirayama
{"id":108535,"title":"High and Low","year":"1963","character":"Third Creditor","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/high-and-low","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4d3e3rs94gh0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4d3e3rs94gh0.jpg"},"released":1}
High and Low
High and Low as Third Creditor
{"id":218774,"title":"Ninja, a Band of Assassins","year":"1962","character":"Kizaru","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ninja-a-band-of-assassins","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_218774.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_218774.jpg"},"released":1}
1962
{"id":82254,"title":"Zero no sh\u00f4ten","year":"1961","character":"Sotar\u00f4 Uhara","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/zero-no-shoten","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82254.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82254.jpg"},"released":1}
1961
Zero no shôten
Zero no shôten as Sotarô Uhara
{"id":66067,"title":"Pigs and Battleships","year":"1961","character":"Yajima","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pigs-and-battleships","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66067.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66067.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":10444,"title":"Yojimbo","year":"1961","character":"Kuma","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/yojimbo","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2mm66gvrhtqg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2mm66gvrhtqg.jpg"},"released":1}
Yojimbo
Yojimbo as Kuma
{"id":100611,"title":"Intimidation","year":"1960","character":"Matakichi Nakaike","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/intimidation","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_100611.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_100611.jpg"},"released":1}
1960
Intimidation
Intimidation as Matakichi Nakaike
{"id":35090,"title":"The Bad Sleep Well","year":"1960","character":"Contract Officer Shirai","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-bad-sleep-well","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_35090.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_35090.jpg"},"released":1}
The Bad Sleep Well
The Bad Sleep Well as Contract Officer Shirai
{"id":227430,"title":"The Sleeping Beast Within","year":"1960","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-sleeping-beast-within","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_227430.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_227430.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":119373,"title":"Ballad of Narayama","year":"1958","character":"One of the villagers who Teaches Narayama's Manners (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ballad-of-narayama","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_119373.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_119373.jpg"},"released":1}
1958
Ballad of Narayama
Ballad of Narayama as One of the villagers who Teaches Narayama's Manners (uncredited)
{"id":30344,"title":"The Burmese Harp","year":"1956","character":"Baba","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-burmese-harp","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_30344.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_30344.jpg"},"released":1}
1956