Tetsuro Tamba

Acting

Tetsuro Tamba

Born July 17, 1922 · Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Died September 24, 2006 · aged 84

Tetsuro Tamba (July 17, 1922 – September 24, 2006) was a distinguished Japanese actor known for his versatile talent across five decades. Recognized globally for his portrayal of Tiger Tanaka in the iconic 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice," Tamba's cinematic journey was a remarkable blend of cultural bridges. Before embarking on his acting career, Tamba worked as an interpreter for the A…

Known For

HarakiriHarakiri · 1962
Harakiri
★ 8.51962
MovieActionDrama
Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.
You Only Live TwiceYou Only Live Twice · 1967
You Only Live Twice
★ 6.61967
MovieActionThriller
A mysterious spacecraft captures Russian and American space capsules and brings the two superpowers to the brink of war. James Bond investigates the case in Japan and comes face to face with his archenemy Blofeld.
The Cat ReturnsThe Cat Returns · 2002
The Cat Returns
★ 7.12002
MovieAdventureFantasy
Young Haru rescues a cat from being run over, but soon learns it's no ordinary feline; it happens to be the Prince of the Cats.
The Twilight SamuraiThe Twilight Samurai · 2002
The Twilight Samurai
★ 7.82002
MovieDramaRomance
Seibei Iguchi leads a difficult life as a low ranking samurai at the turn of the nineteenth century. A widower with a meager income, Seibei struggles to take care of his two daughters and senile mother. New prospects seem to open up when the beautiful Tomoe, a childhood friend, comes back into he and his daughters' life, but as the Japanese feudal system unravels, Seibei is still bound by the code of honor of the samurai and by his own sense of social precedence. How can he find a way to do what is best for those he loves?
Riki-Oh: The Story of RickyRiki-Oh: The Story of Ricky · 1991
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
★ 6.91991
MovieActionScience Fiction
In 2001, where all correctional facilities have been privatized, martial artist Ricky finds himself victim to the corrupt system, found "guilty" of the manslaughter of an infamous crime boss.
KwaidanKwaidan · 1965
Kwaidan
★ 7.71965
MovieHorrorFantasy
Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.
The Castle of SandThe Castle of Sand · 1974
The Castle of Sand
★ 7.31974
MovieCrimeMystery
Two detectives are tasked to investigate the murder of an old man, found bludgeoned to death in a Tokyo rail yard.
Zero Woman: Red HandcuffsZero Woman: Red Handcuffs · 1974
Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs
★ 6.41974
MovieThrillerAction
Agent Zero is a cop that uses her own methods for dealing with criminals. After she unlawfully kills a rapist in a violent fashion, she is sent to prison and stripped of her badge. But very soon after, a rich politician's daughter is kidnapped by a ruthless gang. Agent Zero is let out of prison with the mission of going undercover to find the politician's daughter and return her safely. Using her deadly red handcuffs, she disposes of the criminals one by one.

Filmography

Sort
The Battle of OkinawaThe Battle of Okinawa · 1971
The Battle of Okinawa
★ 7.81971
MovieWarHistory
The Americans are swiftly closing on Okinawa, an island just south of the Japanese mainland. The Imperial command sends top generals and several army divisions to defend it at all costs. The mission quickly degenerates as vital resources and troops are diverted to other islands. After a civilian evacuation ends in tragedy most of non-combatants are forced to remain on the island. Many convert to soldier status. Tokyo sends mixed messages that squander time and resources, as when they order the defenders to build an airstrip for aircraft that never come. The truth soon becomes obvious: the high command decides that the island cannot be held and effectively abandons the Okinawan defenders. When the Americans land many troops are deployed in the wrong places. As the slaughter mounts, a suicidal attitude takes hold. Okinawa becomes a death trap, for civilian volunteers and non-combatants as well.

Lieutenant General Isamu Cho

G-Men '75G-Men '75 · 1975
G-Men '75
1975
SeriesCrimeDrama
G-Men '75 was a long-running prime-time television detective series in Japan. It aired on Saturday nights in the 9:00–9:54 p.m. time slot on the Tokyo Broadcasting System network from May 24, 1975 to April 3, 1982. A sequel, G-Men '82, followed, as did various specials. With several updates and cast changes, it included 355 episodes. The story revolved around an investigative organ, the G-Men. The principal character, who spanned the entire series, was Superintendent Kuroki. Portrayed by Tetsuro Tamba, Kuroki directed the members of the group. The original cast also included Yasuaki Kurata as Detective Kusano, trained in karate. Gō Wakabayashi joined in Episode 105, and remained to the end of the series. His character, Lieutenant Tachibana, replaced a detective who was written out of the script. Many more actors and actresses took regular roles in the series over the years. Gō Ibuki, Maria Mori, Mari Natsuki, Hiroshi Miyauchi, Takeshi Kaga, Bunjaku Han, and Kyōko Enami were among them. Shunsuke Kikuchi wrote the opening theme songs. Various artists, including some cast members, wrote and performed the closing songs. Among the actresses who sang were Mari Natsuki, Bun-jaku Han, and Kyōko Enami. For most years, the lyrics were by Junya Sato, set to music by Shunsuke Kikuchi. Veteran announcer Takayuki Akutagawa narrated the series.

黒木警視

Key HunterKey Hunter · 1968
Key Hunter
★ 7.01968
SeriesDrama
Key Hunter is a prime-time Japanese television detective series. It aired on Saturday nights in the 9:00–9:56 p.m. time slot on the Tokyo Broadcasting System network from April 6, 1968 to April 7, 1973. There were a total of 262 episodes, and it was one of the most popular action dramas in Japan at the time. The story involved "Key Hunter", a special clandestine unit of the International Police, which endeavored to solve various crimes. "Key Hunter" was a unique TV show, which started out as a grand scale spy thriller never before seen in Japan. The episodes were individually themed on global crimes and political strife. The initial hardboiled theme later evolved to include intellectual elements involving action, and occasionally with comical elements as well. Tetsuro Tamba starred in the 1967 film You Only Live Twice as Japanese Secret Service agent Tiger Tanaka, an ally of James Bond. This role greatly influenced his image in "Key Hunter".

黒木鉄也