Akiji Kobayashi

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.

Known For

Harakiri

Kwaidan

as (segment "In a Cup of Tea") (uncredited)

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah

as Yuzo Tsuchiashi

Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance

as Narrator

Godzilla vs. Mothra

as Yuzo Tsuchiashi

The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity

as Nonaka Shôi

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx

as Ozunu Kurokuwa

Shogun Assassin

as Lord Kurogawa

Kamen Rider SD: Strange?! Kumo Otoko

as Toubei Tachibana (voice)

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril

as Narrator