Ken Takakura
Date of birth: 1931-02-16
Place of birth: Nakama, Fukuoka, Japan
Known for: Acting
Also known as: Goichi Oda, 高仓健, Кэн Такакура, کن تاکاکورا, 小田剛一, Takeichi Oda
Biography
Ken Takakura (高倉 健, Takakura Ken), born Gouichi Oda (February 16, 1931, in Kitakyūshū, Fukuoka, Japan), was a Japanese actor best known for his brooding style and the stoic presence he brings to his roles. Takakura gained his streetwise swagger and tough-guy persona watching yakuza turf battles over the lucrative black market and racketeering in postwar Fukuoka. This subject was covered in one of his most famous movies, Showa Zankyo-den (Remnants of Chivalry in the Showa Era), in which he played an honorable old-school yakuza among the violent post-war gurentai. A graduate of Meiji University in Tokyo Takakura happened by an audition in 1955 at the Toei Film Company, and decided to look in. Toei found a natural in Takakura as he debuted with Denko Karate Uchi (Lightning Karate Blow) in 1956. Japan experienced a boom in gangster films in the 1960s as the Japanese people struggled with the generational differences between those raised in pre-war and post-war Japan and these were Takakura's stock and trade. His breakout role would be in the 1965 film Abashiri Prison, and its sequel Abashiri Bangaichi: Bokyohen (Abashiri Prison: Longing for Home, also 1965), in which he played an ex-con antihero. By the time Takakura would leave Toei in 1976, he had appeared in over 180 films. Takakura gained international recognition after starring in the 1970 war film Too Late the Hero as the cunning Imperial Japanese Major Yamaguchi, the 1975 Sydney Pollack sleeper hit The Yakuza with Robert Mitchum and is probably best known in the West for his role in Ridley Scott's Black Rain (1989) where he surprises American cops played by Michael Douglas and Andy García with the line, "I do speak fucking English". He again proved himself bankable to Western audiences with the 1992 Fred Schepisi comedy Mr. Baseball starring Tom Selleck. While he has slowed down a bit in his older years, he is still active. His most recent film was the 2005 Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles by Chinese director Zhang Yimou. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ken Takakura, licensed under CC-BY-SA,full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Movie Credits
The Longest Tunnel
1982-10-16
After a passenger ship sinks in 1954, Go Akutsu devises a life-saving project in the form of a tunne
Black Rain
1989-09-22
Two New York cops get involved in a gang war between members of the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia. They
Operation Diamond
1962-12-09
The Yellow Handkerchief
1977-09-30
A convict, newly released from prison for murder, joins two strangers on a road trip through Hokkaid
47 Ronin
1994-10-22
Kon Ichikawa's retelling of the classic true story of Samurai honor. When a young clan lord is force
Tokyo Gang vs. Hong Kong Gang
1964-01-01
South Pacific Waves Are High
1962-01-09
1962 Japanese movie
A Dead Drifter
1959-05-13
A Dead Drifter / Hyoryû shitaî
Never Give Up
1978-10-07
Special forces officer Ajisawa leaves his paramilitary group to take care of his newly-adopted daugh
Rogue
1968-10-12
Coal miner Isamu Oba is forced to quit his village and leave his mother and siblings behind. Mining
The Yakuza
1974-12-21
When George Tanner does business with high-ranking Yakuza Tono, Tono kidnaps his daughter, and Georg
Men Fighting Whales
1957-07-09
A film about the rivalry between Captain Gondo and the harpooner Yosuke Yamagami, working on the bes
Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles
2005-12-22
Takada, a Japanese fisherman has been estranged from his son for many years, but when the son is dia
Tokyo Untouchable
1965-03-11
The Kamikaze Guy
1966-06-04
An elaborate criminal tango based around treasure hidden during WWII.
Antarctica
1983-07-23
Two Japanese scientists, Ushioda and Ochi, develop a bond with their sled dogs while on an expeditio
The Bullet Train
1975-07-05
A Japanese bullet train is threatened with a bomb that will explode automatically if the train slows
Mannen Taro and His Feminine Colleagues
1961-10-07
Mr. Baseball
1992-10-01
Jack Elliot, a one-time MVP for the New York Yankees is now on the down side of his baseball career.
The World's Most Noble Guy: Taro's Whirlwind
1961-02-14
The third film in the Taro series, following "The World's Most Noble Guy: Taro's Eternity" and "The
Railroad Man
1999-06-05
A railway stationmaster at a dying end-of-the-line village in Hokkaido is haunted by memories of his
Blackmail
1963-09-14
Red Peony Gambler
1968-09-14
Ryuko was raised by her father, a gambler named Senzo Yano in Kumamoto, Kyushu, after her mother die
Manhunt
1976-02-11
A tough prosecutor is falsely accused of theft and goes on the run to clear his name. He is assisted
Main Street in the Underworld
1964-04-25
An Outlaw
1964-04-05
Assassin Nanjo goes on a solitary mission to take revenge on the man who trapped him into a complica
A Distant Cry from Spring
1980-03-15
The quiet life of a mother and her young son living on a farm in Hokkaido is changed by the arrival
Golgo 13
1973-12-29
Live-action adaptation of the hit manga. Golgo 13, also known by the pseudonym Duke Togo, is a profe
Hell's Companion
1959-06-01
Red Peony Gambler: Flower Cards Game
1969-02-01
The third chapter of the ‘Red Peony Gambler’ saga depicts the happiness and sadness of Red Peony Ory
The Outsiders
1958-11-26
A drama about relations between Japanese immigrants and the indigenous Ainu on Hokkaido, the most no
Tokyo's Business District
1962-08-29
Brave Red Flower of the North
1970-01-09
An exciting tale of action on the distant northern island of Hokkaido around the beginning of the 20
Miyamoto Musashi V: Musashi vs Kojiro
1965-09-04
The fifth and final installment with the build up of the epic battle between Sasaki Kojiro and Miyam
Mount Hakkoda
1977-06-04
Two infantry regiments of the Imperial Japanese Army—210 men overall—tackled Mt. Hakkoda in the wint
Buddies
1989-11-03
Based on a celebrated book by Kuniko Mukoda, this film directed by Yasuo Furuhata tells of a close f
Station
1981-11-07
A detective goes out of his way to crack the case of a serial killer who specialises in murdering po
A Fugitive from the Past
1965-01-15
Three robbers escape with loot from a heist before one of them kills the others. Their corpses wash
Dearest
2012-08-25
The posthumous wish of Eiji's wife is for her ashes to be scattered in the ocean near her hometown.
Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
1966-01-13
Hidejiro is a wandering yakuza with a ‘karashi botan’ (Chinese lion and peony) tattoo. Owing a favor
Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: The Lone Wolf
1966-07-09
The karashi Botan returns in the third chapter of the incredible Showa Zankoden series. This time le
Demon
1985-08-31
Shuji was once a feared member of the Yakuza crime syndicate, but he's reformed his ways, abandoned
Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
1967-07-08
Fierce war breaks out when Shujiro’s rival clan attempts to sabotage his lucrative construction busi
Manchurian Sunset
1956-09-18
A film adaptation of the original novel by Kazuo Dan. This exciting film, set in Asia on the eve of
Brutal Tales of Chivalry 5: Man With The Karajishi Tattoo
1969-03-06
Hidejirō is sent to prison after killing the boss of a rival family. After being released, he discov
Brutal Tales of Chivalry 7: Hell Is a Man's Destiny
1970-09-22
Young yakuza Shujiro Hanada goes to prison after losing his cool in a rigged gambling game and slash
Brutal Tales of Chivalry
1965-10-01
After World War II, their town was a pile of rubble. Gennosuke, the second generation boss of the Ka
Showdown in Blood
1957-08-28
Hayata and his best friend Ushijima came to Tokyo to become champions. Hayata repeatedly sought to j
If You're Man Enough
1960-11-29
Abashiri Prison
1965-04-18
Abashiri Prison is located in the coldest place in Japan. Two men, handcuffed together have escaped
Wolves, Pigs & Men
1964-08-26
Sabu and his pals hold a pauper's funeral for Sabu's mother. His brother Jiro arrives home, fresh ou
All Rascals
1962-03-21
Ishihama is planning a casino robbery with his wife and mother-in-law. They meet a man named Tsuneda
The Man
1971-12-03
Japanese movie.
Karate Cop
1982-04-17
A martial arts master/detective investigates a series of murders and helps a deaf bathhouse attendan
Tokyo Untouchable: Escape
1963-03-15
The Kanto Scarlet Cherry Gang
1972-03-04
The Ni Family is the most well know and respected group of firefighters in the Kanto region. When t
Uragirimono wa jigoku daze
1962-12-23
1962 Japanese movie
Winter's Flower
1978-06-17
Kanno is a Yakuza. He had to kill Matsuoka who betrayed their boss. Kanno knew Matsuoka had a 3-year
The Firefly
2001-05-01
Shūji Yamaoka was a suicide pilot during the war who somehow survived Japan's surrender. After decad
G-men of Japan 4: Special Armed Unit Mobilization
1956-07-25
The fourth installment of G-men of Japan
Robert Mitchum: The Reluctant Star
1991-03-10
A retrospective on the career of Robert Mitchum through interviews with friends and co-workers, scen
The Domain
1964-08-13
The feud between two rival delivery companies, Kibamasa and Okiyama, heats up as the head of Kibamas
The Homeless
1974-10-09
Two inmates are simultaneously released from jail, but go their separate ways, only to cross paths a
A Portrait of the Author
1984-08-26
Actor Takakura Ken visits Santa Cruz in Portugal and traces the footsteps of the writer Dan Kazuo, w
Too Late the Hero
1970-05-20
A WWII film set on a Pacific island. Japanese and allied forces occupy different parts of the island
Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: Forbidden Love
1971-10-27
The story of a lone wolf struggling with human compassion and duty.
Lightning Karate Blow
1956-01-29
Ken Takakura's screen debut, following his admission into Toei ranks via the studio's annual New Fac
Prison Boss
1968-04-18
Rival gangs fight over ownership of bicycle race track.
Choji Snack Bar
1983-11-12
Eiji lives a quiet life running a small Izakaya with his wife. He spends his days cooking for and se
The Day the Sun Rose
1968-11-23
Shinkichi, a peasant employed as a cloth-dyer, has a dream: in the midst of the civil war which rava
The Path of the King
1971-03-06
When the aging leader of the yakuza gang Maeda-gumi decides to retire, many of the gang members have
The Deep Blue Sea
1957-07-30
To fulfill a friend’s dying wish, a young sailor Kenji takes on the task of delivering an heirloom t
Classmates
1967-06-03
A story of young students trained to become Kamikaze pilots in World War II.
The Last Kamikaze
1970-10-29
With World War II is coming to its end and Japan nearing defeat, Japanese military leaders step up s
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha Part 2
1960-03-01
Young geisha Kohana scrambles to realize her dream of bringing back her grandmother’s restaurant bus
The Revolt
1980-01-15
When a young soldier is killed while trying to prevent his younger sister, Kaoru, from being sold in
With Songs in My Heart
1958-09-10
Sayuri, a young woman born to a simple life on a farm, moves to Tokyo to pursue a life long dream of
The Sand City in Manchuria
1960-08-24
When the plague threatens a small town in Manchuria, a young doctor finds himself struggling to save
Prison Walls of Abashiri 4
1965-12-31
A gripping tale of friendship set against the backdrop of Hokkaido. Shinichi sets out to earn a few
New Prison Walls of Abashiri
1968-12-28
Former soldier, Suehiro Katsuji, fights violent gangs and powerful Chinese merchants during the post
Flower, Storm and Gangster
1961-06-23
A gang of bank robbers plan a big robbery, but they all plot to betray each other after the heist fo
Romance Freestyle
1958-04-30
The love between young college students Toki and the handsome Takaga is tested when Takaya's parents
Four Hours of Terror
1959-09-30
Airline captain saves passengers from a brutal murderer on a plane during four hours of terror.
Devil's Nursery Rhyme
1961-11-15
1961 Toei adaptation of Yokomizo's novel.
Jet Air Base 101
1957-12-15
The first batch of flight control officer candidates, full of yearning for the sky, are assembled at
Sister with Sister
1958-12-09
Yoshiko finds new life and love interests when she takes a new job as an office worker.
Detective Duel
1958-08-06
A friendly rivalry turns into romance for Yukiko, an elite female detective, and a handsome private
A Fishwife's Tale
1961-05-31
Hibari Misora plays Yoshiko, the popular daughter of a fish market owner. After discovering that she
Glorious Fights
1966-10-29
A young leader of the Yamazaki family of Nagasaki, Takida (Ken Takakura) is an A-bomb survivor. He f
Hishakaku and Kiratsune: A Tale of Two Yakuza
1968-10-25
With his penultimate film, Uchida revisited one of his popular prewar titles, 1936’s Theatre of Life
The International Gang of Kobe
1975-10-14
In 1947, in Kobe, Japan, a local street gang fights for their survival when its turf is overrun by U
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
1962-02-07
A geisha helps a runaway who looks just like her.
Ken San
2016-08-20
KEN SAN pieces together the puzzle of the life and legacy of Japan's mythical acting icon, Ken Takak
365 Nights
1962-09-09
A touching drama about a love triangle between a young architect, Koroku, and two women, Ranko and T
Feisty Edo Girl Nakanori-san
1961-10-22
Daughter of a lumber shop in Edo strives to protect her family business from the competitor. Sado Ma
The World's Most Noble Guy: Taro's Rush
1960-07-13
An upstanding young man’s racy adventure filled with conspiracies and love.
Tales of President Mito
1962-04-04
Mr. Mito, a former president of an instant food company, with two young men’s help, solves the quali
No Advice Taken
1958-01-03
A comical love story between two college students — Hitomi, a strong-willed girl, and Shogo, a hands
Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
1960-05-10
Sheriff Goro goes undercover to investigate drug smugglers.
Patience Has An End
1971-06-25
Young coal miner Takeda leaves Kyushu in search of a better job in Tokyo, only to fall into the lucr
The Bullet and the Horse
1966-04-23
A number of recently released prisoners become involved in a racket with a rancher who is a rival to
House of Gamblers
1970-03-29
Ken Takakura stars as Ryoji one of the Aramasa family's loyal lieutenants whao takes the burden of h
The Pledge
1972-07-30
When Omuro Yahachi of the Omuro family is selected as Mutsumikai Soke's successor, the conflict betw
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha, Part 4
1961-01-09
A comedy of a high-spirited geisha, Koharu, who is at risk of being trapped in a conspiracy to take
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha, Part 3
1960-08-07
Popular geisha Koharu suspects that Yusaku, a handsome stranger she falls in love with, is involved
Black Rain: Making The Film
2006-10-10
A documentary on the making of the film, Black Rain, which actually encompasses 4 parts, Production,
Eleven Gangsters
1963-01-15
Two men head a team who steal a factory payroll valued at 500 million yen. Then a hoodlum gang goes
The Second Bullet is Marked
1960-01-27
Tsunokichi and Ken face off against a rival yakuza in Kyushu.
Brutal Tales of Chivalry 6
1969-11-28
This is the sixth film in the Brutal Tales of Chivalry series
Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: The Traitor Shall Die
1972-12-30
The ninth and final film in the Contemporary Tales of Chivalry series.
The Chivalrous Life
1967-05-30
Ryoma is a former military man who gets to know the leader of a yakuza group and begins to work with
New Prison Walls of Abashiri 2
1969-08-13
Suehiro Katsuji, a prisoner of Abashiri, is sent to Shikoku to work at a dock where a fierce turf ba
Prison Walls of Abashiri 3
1965-10-31
Upon returning to his hometown of Nagasaki, recently released prisoner Tachibana Shinichi must rejoi
Jakoman and Tetsu
1964-02-08
In a village subsisting on its herring fishery, a one-eyed criminal named Jakoman terrorizes the inh
Samurai Geisha
1969-07-31
Popular geisha Shinji (Fuji Junko) must defy a gang who plot to steal a lucrative coal business fro
Miyamoto Musashi: Birth of Two Sword Style
1963-08-14
In the third installment of Yoshikawa's novel Musashi, things continue from the 2nd film at the end
Miyamoto Musashi IV: The Duel at Ichijo-ji Temple
1964-01-01
In the fourth installment, Musashi's potentially greatest opponent Kojiro jumps in and out of the st
A Story from Abashiri Prison—Duel in Snow Storm
1967-12-23
Convict son revenges innocent father's death.
The Domain: Flower and Dragon
1969-05-31
New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Snowbound Deserter
1971-12-29
Life of Hishakaku
1963-03-16
After eloping with a prostitute named Otoyo, Hishakaku takes refuge in the Kogane family’s turf. Ind
Song of Kagoshima
1962-05-01
Yumemi, the president of Shirayuri Tours, visits Kagoshima in an attempt to save the contract with S
The Drifting Avenger
1968-06-14
Ken, son of a former samurai settles with his family in the west from Japan. Soon his family is kill
Yakuza of the Present
1973-10-27
In the roaring 1970s, a man who has left the world of the yakuza to become the owner of a sushi rest
Beyond the Seasonal Wind
1958-06-10
Japanese drama film.
Memoir of Japanese Assassinations
1969-10-16
This anthology film consists of nine incidents in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when assass
Prison Walls of Abashiri, Part 2
1965-07-10
Two convicts just released from prison find a green bauble filled with diamonds — and try to prove t
Third Generation Boss
1974-08-10
Based on Kazuo Taoka's autobiography, this film follows a Kobe gangster as he builds the small Yamag
New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stormy Cape
1971-08-13
Former inmate Katsuji gets involved in the horse gambling business while lending a helping hand to a
Brothers Serving Time
1969-05-03
While imprisoned, Tatsu encounters Danshi, a man who is a big honcho in the prison pecking order. Af
Gambler's Legacy
1969-12-27
A yakuza member embarks on a trail of revenge for his murdered boss. Senzo, the successor of the Mit
Bloodiest Flower
1971-04-03
A dramatic captivating tale tells of widowed Tei (Junko Fuji), she has become a coalmine operator an
Red Peony Gambler: Second Generation Ceremony
1969-04-10
The industrial revolution comes to Japan with the introduction of the railroad system. This led to c
Man of Thirteen Eyes
1958-01-15
Japanese mystery film.
Mother Peacock
1956-12-05
Japanese drama film.
The Escape
1962-03-14
Film about the 2-26 Incident.
The Biggest Gamble
1969-04-19
When Honjo is selected as Kansai district's chairman, Iwasa of the rival gang asks Itsuki to do ever
The Prickly-Mouthed Geisha Goes to Sado
1961-08-05
Koharu, a flamboyant geisha, unexpectedly wins a trip to Sado Island in a TV contest. She is accompa
The World's Most Noble Guy: Taro's Eternity
1960-01-21
An upstanding young man who is popular with the ladies takes on a corrupt group of men in his compan
The Happy Family
1959-01-28
Japanese family drama.
The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
1965-08-12
Third part of Nihon Kyokakuden series is set in Kanto in 1924. Ken Takakura playing a ship's mate be
Gang Loyalty and Vengeance
1963-10-20
A modern gang version of Chushingura, chronicling almost scene for scene the Brave 47 Ronin story, t
Great Jailbreak
1975-04-05
A group of prisoners attempts to break the Abashiri prison. This film can be considered a sequel to
The Japan Derby Race
1970-05-13
A story about a man who stakes his life on horse racing.
The Big Boss
1963-04-12
A shooting incident occurs at the Asahina family gambling hall in Tokyo's Joto district. It is the w
Lullaby for a Tough Guy
1972-04-01
A ruffian joins the ranks of the emperor’s guards.
The Bastards of Lawless Town
1959-01-28
An action-packed, dramatic gangster film.
Storm Party
1964-10-21
Many outlaws are gathered at the front line of the Japanese Army in a shock troop.
Employee Full of Fight
1957-03-13
New Prison Walls of Abashiri: The Vagrant Comes to a Port Town
1969-12-27
Katsuji takes revenge on evil Tamaru who forcefully took control of the fishery business run by Kats
Japan's Top Gangster
1973-08-11
A boy born in a poor village in Tokushima spends his days idly until a chance meeting sets him on th
Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido
1967-04-20
The Boss
1965-01-03
Teruo Ishii portrays the bitter conflict over the right to develop land in a gripping and humorous w
Abashiri Prison: Duel in the South
1966-08-13
This is the sixth film in the "Abashiri Series," based on an original idea by Hajime Ito, and writte
Abashiri Prison: Duel in the Snow Country
1966-12-31
Based on Ito Hajime's original story, this is the seventh installment in the "Bangaichi" series, ada
New Prison Walls of Abashiri: High Stakes at Abashiri
1970-08-14
Prisoner Katsuji must fend for himself and his prison mates in the fierce battle involving a family
New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
1970-12-30
New Abashiri Prison Story: Honor and Humanity, Ammunition That Attracts the Storm
1972-08-12
Abashiri Prison: Challenge to the Evil
1967-08-12
Lady Sen and Hideyori
1962-03-25
From the late 1500's through the founding of the Tokugawa Shogunate many battles were fought as the
The Domain: Rising Dragon
1970-12-03
The Domain: Rising Dragon
The Domain: The Naniwa Story
1965-01-30
Second film of Makino's Nihon Kyokakuden series set in Osaka's harbor. The series also known as "The
Showdown of Men
1966-07-01
Part one.
Dagger
1971-04-28
The Domain: White Blade
1967-01-28
The Domain: White Blade
The Domain: Severed Relations
1968-02-22
The Domain: Severed Relations
The Domain: Where The Blade Enters
1967-09-15
The Domain: Where The Blade Enters
The Domain: Duel at Thunder Gate
1966-09-17
The life of entertainers in Asakusa’s pleasure quarters. An exciting yakuza story with superb action
The Domain: Kanda Festival Showdown
1966-02-03
The Domain: Kanda Festival Showdown
Path of Japanese Chivalry: Story of All-Out Attack
1975-01-15
Toei studios last ninkyo eiga of the 70's.
Umi e, See You
1988-05-18
Team DANKAI are set to compete in the Paris-Dakar Rally, an off-road endurance race spanning thousan
A Hoodlum At The Risk Of His Life
1970-05-01
A reporter is framed for murder while investigating organized crime. Upon being released from prison
The Great Road
1960-03-08
The story of a certain engineer from his youth until he retired from the Japanese National Railways
Hell's Juggler
1961-01-15
Duel of the Underworld
1963-07-13
Hell's Kitchen
1962-10-12
Histories of the Chivalrous
1968-08-01
A Kansai gang is up to conquer the whole country under the mask of a patriotic group. However after
The Chop Professor
1956-04-04
Junpei Kihara, a young president of the University's wrestling club, is nicknamed "Mr. Chop". One da
Yukyo-retsuden
1970-07-04
A street vendor who eloped with his girlfriend and injured her brother loses her to illness, and now
Gambler Biography
1968-12-28
Historical Yakuza gangster film set the early years of the Showa era.
The detective whose path was crossed by a snake
1995-07-01
Starring Ken Takakura, this TV special depicts a detective (Akira Hayasaka) who lives in a harsh lif
Meteor Karate Strike
1956-01-29
Sequel to the movie Denko karate uchi.
A Man's Dark Finger
1959-02-10
A touching action film about a young yakuza who becomes infected with evil because he has the abilit
The Counterfeiters
1959-11-22
続べらんめぇ芸者
1960-03-01
Monsoon Son
1958-03-11
1958 Toei movie.
Monsoon Son Pt.2
1958-03-18
1958 Toei movie
Midair Circus
1958-08-12
1958 Toei movie.
侠客の掟
1967-10-10
Delinquent Angel
1960-03-15
One of the earliest of sukeban / girl boss type eiga
His Pistol is Hell
1958-06-15
"Masayoshi Ryanko" jumps into the den of the underworld swirling with smuggling and murder, and defe
Defeat the Boss
1963-06-22
Film directed by Ishii Teruo
恐怖の空中殺人
1956-12-26