Akiji Kobayashi was a Japanese actor who is best known for Ultraman: A Special Effects Fantasy Series, Ultraman, and Harakiri. He was born on September 6, 1930, in Tokyo, Japan, and passed away on August 27, 1996.
Personal and Family Life
Akiji Kobayashi was born into a family in Tokyo. He had a passion for acting from a young age and pursued it throughout his life. Notably, he provided the voice for Western actor John Wayne in Japanese dubbed versions of his films.
Career
Kobayashi’s career included significant roles in television and film, especially in the genre of tokusatsu (special effects) shows. He became popular for his work in Ultraman series and contributed to various iconic Japanese films over the decades.
Death and Legacy
Akiji Kobayashi died from lung cancer on August 27, 1996. His work is still remembered by fans of Japanese cinema and television. He left a lasting impact, particularly in the world of dubbing Japanese versions of Western films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 怪談 (Kaidan) | 1965-01-06 | (segment “In a Cup of Tea”) (uncredited) |
| ゴジラvsキングギドラ (Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah) | 1991-12-14 | Yuzo Tsuchiashi |
| 野獣の青春 (Beast Youth) | 1963-04-21 | Tatsuo Nomoto |
| ゴジラvsモスラ (Godzilla vs. Mothra) | 1992-12-12 | Yuzo Tsuchiashi |
| みんな〜やってるか! (Minna – Yatteru ka!) | 1995-02-11 | Chief of World Defence Force |
| 子連れ狼 三途の川の乳母車 (Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx) | 1972-04-22 | Ozunu Kurokuwa |
| 幸せ (Happiness) | 1981-10-10 | |
| ウルトラマン (Ultraman) | 1966-07-17 | Captain ‘Cap’ Toshio Muramatsu |
| 帰ってきたウルトラマン (Return of Ultraman) | 1971-12-12 | Captain Takamura |
| 仮面ライダー (Kamen Rider) | 1971-04-03 | Tobei Tachibana |