Toshiro Mifune
Toshiro Mifune is one of the most well-known Japanese actors of all time. He served as an aerial photographer in WWII, and used his camera experience to join Toho Productions in the Photography Department after the war. After Toho's actors went on strike, the company was looking for new faces, and Mifune submitted his picture and resume to the studio and he was selected to screen test. He alienated most of the board during the audition, but Kurosawa, an assistant director at the time, took a liking to him and insisted that Toho take Mifune on. The actor would go on to collaborate with Kurosawa on dozens of films, often appearing as the lead, in a career that lasted nearly 50 years. He even appeared in several films produced outside of Japan, and was an international star for much of his career.
Takashi Shimura
Takashi Shimura is a Japanese actor that appeared in more than 200 films in his 47 year career. He worked extensively with Akira Kurosawa, appearing in 21 of the master director's 30 films, and often appears alongside co-star Toshiro Mifune (Drunken Angel, by Kurosawa, was their first big film together). Shimura started in radio and theatre before gaining roles in talking pictures. He is best known for his roles in Seven Samurai, Ikiru, Drunken Angel, and Rashomon.
Daisuke Katō
Daisuke Katō appeared in 150 films during his career. He was born into a theatrical family and began working in theatre productions in 1933. He is most famous for his appearances in The 47 Ronin, Seven Samurai, Rashomon, and Yojimbo.
Isao Kimura
Isao Kimura is a Japanese actor who appeared in many of Akira Kurosawa's films including Stray Dog, High and Low and Seven Samurai. He appeared in over 70 films between 1942 and 1978. During the production of Seven Samurai, Toshiro Mifune (Kikuchiyo) joked that he was jealous of Kimura’s role because it was the one that would attract the most women. He also appeared in several television productions during his career. He died from cancer at the age of 57 in 1981.
Seiji Miyaguchi
Seiji Miyaguchi is a Japanese actor who appeared in over 100 film and television roles during his career. He worked with Akira Kurosawa on Seven Samura as well as Ikiru. His career spanned from 1945 to the year of his passing in 1985.
