Akiji Kobayashi
Actor
Biography
Akiji Kobayashi (小林昭二, Kobayashi Akiji, September 6, 1930 – August 27, 1996), sometimes credited as Shōji Kobayashi, was a Japanese actor. He attended Nihon University College of Art, but withdrew before completing his degree and joined the Haiyuza Theatre Company in 1949. He made his film debut with Satsujin Yogisha in 1952.
He is best known in the West for portraying the role of Captain Toshio Muramatsu in the 1966-1967 television series, Ultraman. From 1983-84, he appeared in the popular television detective series Seibu Keisatsu. His other notable television role was Tōbei Tachibana ("Oya-san") in several series of the Kamen Rider franchise. He was one of Kon Ichikawa's favorite actors, appearing in 12 Ichikawa films. His final film appearance was Yatsuhaka-mura as Head of a Factory directed by Kon Ichikawa in 1996. He was the official dubbing artist of John Wayne and Richard Crenna. Kobayashi died of lung cancer in Yokohama on August 27, 1996, ten days before his 66th birthday.
Filmography
Kwaidan
as (segment "In a Cup of Tea") (uncredited) 1965
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
as Yuzo Tsuchiashi 1991
Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance
as Narrator 1972
Godzilla vs. Mothra
as Yuzo Tsuchiashi 1992
The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity
as Nonaka Shôi 1959
Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx
as Ozunu Kurokuwa 1972
Shogun Assassin
as Lord Kurogawa 1980
Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril
as Narrator 1972
Kamen Rider SD: Strange?! Kumo Otoko
as Toubei Tachibana (voice) 1993
Black Rain
as Katayama 1989
Gamera 2: Attack of Legion
as Senior sergeant 1996
Youth of the Beast
as Tatsuo Nomoto 1963
Getting Any?
as Chief of World Defence Force 1995
Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice
1972
The Makioka Sisters
as Seitaro Jinba 1983
This Transient Life
1970