Yasuaki Kurata

Yasuaki Kurata

79 · Born: Mar 20, 1946

Personal Details

Official Socials
Height5' 8"
BornMar 20, 1946 Niihari, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

Biography

Yasuaki Kurata, professionally also recognized as David Kurata, is a highly acclaimed and accomplished Japanese actor, whose remarkable career has primarily been centered within the action movie genre. He was born on March 20, 1946, and has developed a unique set of skills, which include proficiency in various martial arts disciplines.

As a testament to his dedication and passion for martial arts, Kurata has earned dan ranks in three distinct disciplines, showcasing his exceptional mastery. Specifically, he holds a 5th-degree dan rank in karate, a 3rd-degree dan rank in judo, and a 2nd-degree dan rank in aikido.

Kurata's enduring fame can be largely attributed to his electrifying on-screen duel against the renowned martial artist Jet Li in the action-packed film Fist of Legend, which showcased his remarkable combat skills and left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Furthermore, Kurata's impressive acting range was demonstrated through his portrayal of a cunning villain in the movie So Close, highlighting his ability to effortlessly transition between different roles and genres.

Moreover, Kurata's proficiency in Cantonese is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his willingness to push himself outside of his comfort zone, thereby further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer.

Here is the rephrased text:

Kurata's life story commences in the picturesque town of Sakura-mura, nestled within the boundaries of Niihari District, Ibaraki, a region that has since been absorbed into the sprawling metropolis of Tsukuba.

This individual's fascination with the performing arts was first kindled during their formative years at Nihon University, where they pursued their passion for the craft.

Their academic endeavors were complemented by a stint at Toei Theater School, an institution renowned for its rigorous training programs in the art of theatrical performance.

Kurata's professional acting career began to take shape in the late 1960s, a period marked by great upheaval and transformation in the world of entertainment.

In 1971, Kurata made his mark on the Hong Kong film industry by appearing in the Shaw Brothers Studio production of Angry Guest, a kung-fu movie that showcased his impressive martial arts skills to a global audience.

Notable figure, Kurata, has made a significant impact in the world of action cinema, boasting an impressive array of film and television credits to his name. Beyond his accomplishments as an actor, Kurata has also ventured into entrepreneurial pursuits, founding and operating the esteemed stunt agency, Kurata Promotion, in 1976. Initially established under the moniker Kurata Action Club, this venture has enabled Kurata to share his expertise with a wider audience.

Moreover, Kurata has also taken on a role as an educator, teaching at the University of Creation, Art, Music & Social Work. Furthermore, he has also been appointed as the chief advisor to the prestigious All Japan Nunchaku League, a testament to his influence and authority within the martial arts community.

Kurata, a renowned expert in the realm of action cinema, published a comprehensive book in the year 2004, aptly titled "Hong Kong Action Star Kōyūroku", which eloquently showcased his vast knowledge and expertise accumulated over the years, offering a unique glimpse into the world of action cinema.

Kōyūroku, the Hong Kong Action Star:

Born in the vibrant city of Hong Kong, Kōyūroku has always been fascinated by the world of action cinema. From a young age, he spent countless hours watching and studying the works of renowned action directors, honing his skills and knowledge.

With a passion that knows no bounds, Kōyūroku has dedicated his life to the study and appreciation of action cinema. He has traveled extensively, attending film festivals and workshops, and has even had the privilege of meeting and learning from some of the greatest action directors in the industry.

Through his extensive research and analysis, Kōyūroku has developed a deep understanding of the art of action filmmaking, and has written extensively on the subject. His book, "Hong Kong Action Star Kōyūroku", is a testament to his expertise and dedication to the field.

In "Hong Kong Action Star Kōyūroku", Kōyūroku delves into the world of action cinema, exploring the history, evolution, and impact of this beloved genre. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the subject matter, he offers a comprehensive overview of the world of action cinema, highlighting the key players, films, and trends that have shaped the genre.

Throughout the book, Kōyūroku shares his personal insights and experiences, offering a unique perspective on the world of action cinema. With his extensive knowledge and passion for the subject, he has created a book that is both informative and entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the world of action cinema.

Career

{"id":230470,"title":"Black Fox: Age of the Ninja","year":"2019","character":"Hyoe Isurugi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/black-fox-age-of-the-ninja","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_230470.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_230470.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
{"id":220908,"title":"Iceman: The Time Traveller","year":"2018","character":"Bei Tiao","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/iceman-the-time-traveller","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/c2gmvm3v24o0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/c2gmvm3v24o0.jpg"},"released":1}
2018
{"id":221406,"title":"Golden Job","year":"2018","character":"Morimoto","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/golden-job","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/69itcl50kc90.jpeg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/69itcl50kc90.jpeg"},"released":1}
Golden Job
Golden Job as Morimoto
{"id":113818,"title":"Manhunt","year":"2017","character":"Hideo Sakaguchi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/manhunt-2017","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6inodv9c0sg0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6inodv9c0sg0.jpg"},"released":1}
2017
Manhunt
Manhunt as Hideo Sakaguchi
{"id":122202,"title":"God of War","year":"2017","character":"Kumasawa","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/god-of-war-2017","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5didunl4cqa0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5didunl4cqa0.jpg"},"released":1}
God of War
God of War as Kumasawa
{"id":225895,"title":"The Brink","year":"2017","character":"Chen Ding-Kui","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-brink-2017","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/jcp7vnhqbjc0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/jcp7vnhqbjc0.jpg"},"released":1}
The Brink
The Brink as Chen Ding-Kui
{"id":9950,"title":"The Wrath of Vajra","year":"2013","character":"Amano Kawao","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-wrath-of-vajra","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_9950.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_9950.jpg"},"released":1}
2013
The Wrath of Vajra
The Wrath of Vajra as Amano Kawao
{"id":15245,"title":"The Last Tycoon","year":"2012","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-last-tycoon-2012","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_15245.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_15245.jpg"},"released":1}
2012
{"id":15942,"title":"Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen","year":"2010","character":"Chikaraishis Vater","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2pa3q44ics20.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2pa3q44ics20.jpg"},"released":1}
2010
{"id":26636,"title":"Shinjuku Incident","year":"2009","character":"Taro Watagawa","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/shinjuku-incident","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/19fnr077nup0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/19fnr077nup0.jpg"},"released":1}
2009
Shinjuku Incident
Shinjuku Incident as Taro Watagawa
{"id":8983,"title":"Blood: The Last Vampire","year":"2009","character":"Kato Takatora","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/blood-the-last-vampire","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5ab2rqni02a0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5ab2rqni02a0.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":16980,"title":"So Close","year":"2002","character":"Master","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/so-close","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/704p2abq51i0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/704p2abq51i0.jpg"},"released":1}
2002
So Close
So Close as Master
{"id":225378,"title":"Samoura\u00efs","year":"2002","character":"Fujiwara Morio","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/samourais","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_225378.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_225378.jpg"},"released":1}
Samouraïs
Samouraïs as Fujiwara Morio
{"id":47565,"title":"Fist of Legend","year":"1994","character":"Fuimo Funakoshi","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/fist-of-legend","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/37rfhel4u95g.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/37rfhel4u95g.jpg"},"released":1}
1994
Fist of Legend
Fist of Legend as Fuimo Funakoshi
{"id":159113,"title":"Above the War","year":"1989","character":"Cook","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/above-the-war","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_159113.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_159113.jpg"},"released":1}
1989
{"id":60443,"title":"Fainaru faito - Saigo no ichigeki","year":"1989","character":"Masahiko Kai","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/fainaru-faito-saigo-no-ichigeki","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_60443.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_60443.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":60378,"title":"Eastern Condors","year":"1987","character":"Vietnamese Captain","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/eastern-condors","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_60378.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_60378.jpg"},"released":1}
1987
Eastern Condors
Eastern Condors as Vietnamese Captain
{"id":123348,"title":"Huan le long hu bang","year":"1986","character":"Yamashita sensei","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/huan-le-long-hu-bang","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_123348.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_123348.jpg"},"released":1}
1986
Huan le long hu bang
Huan le long hu bang as Yamashita sensei
{"id":122534,"title":"Millionaires' Express","year":"1986","character":"Japanese Ninja","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/millionaires-express","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_122534.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_122534.jpg"},"released":1}
Millionaires' Express
Millionaires' Express as Japanese Ninja
{"id":61960,"title":"The Seventh Curse","year":"1986","character":"Captain Ho","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-seventh-curse","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_61960.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_61960.jpg"},"released":1}
The Seventh Curse
The Seventh Curse as Captain Ho
{"id":61367,"title":"Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars","year":"1985","character":"Parachute Assassin","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/twinkle-twinkle-lucky-stars","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_61367.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_61367.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars
Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars as Parachute Assassin
{"id":10363,"title":"Police Story","year":"1985","character":"Passerby (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/police-story","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/40k2ijhljur0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/40k2ijhljur0.jpg"},"released":1}
Police Story
Police Story as Passerby (uncredited)
{"id":8799,"title":"Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters","year":"1985","character":"Takei (segment \"Kyoko's House\")","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/mishima-a-life-in-four-chapters","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_8799.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_8799.jpg"},"released":1}
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters as Takei (segment "Kyoko's House")
{"id":63597,"title":"Why Not?","year":"1981","character":"Hanjiro","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/why-not","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_63597.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_63597.jpg"},"released":1}
1981
Why Not?
Why Not? as Hanjiro
{"id":14302,"title":"Heroes of the East","year":"1978","character":"Takeno","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/heroes-of-the-east","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/31622p4knem0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/31622p4knem0.jpg"},"released":1}
1978
{"id":220501,"title":"Return of the Sister Street Fighter","year":"1975","character":"Go Kurosaki","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/return-of-the-sister-street-fighter","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_220501.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_220501.jpg"},"released":1}
1975
{"id":125872,"title":"Fighting Dragon Vs. The Deadly Tiger","year":"1974","character":"Panther \/ Leopard Head","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/fighting-dragon-vs-the-deadly-tiger","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_125872.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_125872.jpg"},"released":1}
1974
{"id":223089,"title":"Chokugeki! Jigoku-ken","year":"1974","character":"Karate teacher","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/chokugeki-jigoku-ken","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_223089.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_223089.jpg"},"released":1}
Chokugeki! Jigoku-ken
Chokugeki! Jigoku-ken as Karate teacher
{"id":123187,"title":"Hen dui hen","year":"1973","character":"Yamada","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hen-dui-hen","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_123187.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_123187.jpg"},"released":1}
1973
Hen dui hen
Hen dui hen as Yamada
{"id":229421,"title":"Da xiao tong chi","year":"1973","character":"Iron Fingers","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/da-xiao-tong-chi","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_229421.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_229421.jpg"},"released":1}
Da xiao tong chi
Da xiao tong chi as Iron Fingers
{"id":229665,"title":"Shuang mian nu sha xing","year":"1973","character":"Chiau Kung","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/shuang-mian-nu-sha-xing","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_229665.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_229665.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":94289,"title":"Four Riders","year":"1972","character":"Lei Tai","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/four-riders","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_94289.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_94289.jpg"},"released":1}
1972
Four Riders
Four Riders as Lei Tai
{"id":221778,"title":"The Prodigal Boxer","year":"1972","character":"Iron Hand Tan","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-prodigal-boxer","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_221778.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_221778.jpg"},"released":1}
The Prodigal Boxer
The Prodigal Boxer as Iron Hand Tan
{"id":222074,"title":"The Angry Guest","year":"1972","character":"Katsu","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-angry-guest","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_222074.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_222074.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":232727,"title":"Enter the Clones of Bruce","year":"2023","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/enter-the-clones-of-bruce","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_232727.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_232727.jpg"},"released":1}
2023