Tomisaburô Wakayama was an American actor best known for his roles in Black Rain (1989), Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972), and Shogun Assassin (1980). He was born on September 1, 1929, in Tokyo, Japan, and passed away on April 2, 1992, in Kyoto, Japan.
Personal and Family Life
Tomisaburô Wakayama was born as Masaru Okumura. He had a strong background in martial arts, holding a 4th degree (4th Dan) in Judo. He was the brother of Shintaro Katsu, another prominent actor known for his own work in samurai films. Wakayama was trained in multiple martial arts, including Kenpo, Iaido, Kendo, and Bojutsu, to prepare for his film roles.
Death and Legacy
Wakayama died of a heart attack on April 2, 1992. He left a lasting impact on the film industry, particularly in the samurai genre, through his iconic portrayal of Ogami Itto in the Lone Wolf and Cub series. His contributions to martial arts and film continue to be celebrated by fans and filmmakers alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 忍びの者 | 1962-12-01 | Oda Nobunaga |
| 座頭市千両首 | 1964-03-14 | Jushiro (as Jo Kenzaburo) |
| 子連れ狼 死に風に向う乳母車 | 1972-09-02 | Ogami Itto |
| Shogun Assassin | 1980-11-11 | Ogami Itto |
| 悪魔の手毬唄 | 1977-04-02 | Insp. Isokawa |