Acting
Tsurube Shofukutei
Born December 23, 1951 · Osaka, Japan (age 74)
No biography available.
Known For
The Boxfish and the Sea of Minamata · 2024The Boxfish and the Sea of Minamata
2024
MovieAnimationAdventure
Hakofugu (Black spotted boxfish) lacks confidence and always stays alone by the rocks, watching other fish and feeling envious. Then, one day, upon meeting Himetatsu (Korean seahorse), who has lost the way and is said to be from the sea of Minamata, Boxfish's very first adventure begins. This film is based on the picture book "The Boxfish's Wish" (published by Kodansha), written by Sakana-kun (Fish Guy) — a Japanese marine biologist, TV personality, and illustrator.
What a Wonderful Family! 2 · 2017What a Wonderful Family! 2
★ 7.02017
MovieComedy
Several years after Shuzo settled his wife’s birthday-surprise divorce proposal (What a Wonderful Family, 40th), the Hirata family faces new problems. Ignoring his family’s worry that he is too old to drive, Shuzo takes his old schoolmate for a spin after carousing. Soon, a new disturbance arises for the Hirata family. Veteran director Yamada Yoji continues his comedy about the “perfect“ Japanese family turned upside down in chaos, laughters and understanding. This time, with an additional taste of death.
The Friends · 1994The Friends
★ 7.11994
MovieDrama
A delightful and moving coming-of-age story. One summer, three young boys take an increasing interest in an eccentric old man who lives alone in a house surrounded by an overgrown garden. The boys form a bond with the recluse and set about weeding and replanting the garden.
The Great War of Archimedes · 2019The Great War of Archimedes
★ 6.72019
MovieWarAction
It is the early 1930s and the command of the Japanese Imperial Navy determines to construct the world's biggest and most formidable battleship, Yamato. One of the admirals, Yamamoto Isoroku, disagrees. He recruits the upstart and mathematics' expert Tadashi Kai who discovers there are discrepancies between the official cost estimates and the actual figures. They soon find out that they have stumbled upon a conspiracy.
What a Wonderful Family! · 2016What a Wonderful Family!
★ 7.32016
MovieComedyFamily
A husband and wife have been married for 50 years. For her birthday, the husband asks the wife what she wants for her birthday present. She replies that she wants a divorce. The wife's divorce announcement sends the entire family into chaos.
Kabei: Our Mother · 2008Kabei: Our Mother
★ 7.42008
MovieFamilyDrama
Set in Tokyo in 1940, the peaceful life of the Nogami Family suddenly changes when the father, Shigeru, is arrested and accused of being a Communist. His wife Kayo works frantically from morning to night to maintain the household and bring up her two daughters with the support of Shigeru's sister Hisako and Shigeru's ex-student Yamazaki, but her husband does not return. WWII breaks out and casts dark shadows on the entire country, but Kayo still tries to keep her cheerful determination, and sustain the family with her love. This is an emotional drama of a mother and an eternal message for peace.
Noel's Fantastic Trip · 1983Noel's Fantastic Trip
★ 6.01983
MovieAnimationAdventure
The film is centered around Noel, a young girl and her dog, Pup, who both live on the Planet Noel. While relaxing, Noel comes up with the idea to deliver ice cream to the sun. The two fly off and make their way toward the sun.
Kaza-hana · 2001Kaza-hana
★ 5.62001
MovieDrama
A government employee meets a hostess of a "pink club," and together they set out on a journey.
Movies
The Boxfish and the Sea of Minamata · 2024The Boxfish and the Sea of Minamata
2024
MovieAnimationAdventure
Hakofugu (Black spotted boxfish) lacks confidence and always stays alone by the rocks, watching other fish and feeling envious. Then, one day, upon meeting Himetatsu (Korean seahorse), who has lost the way and is said to be from the sea of Minamata, Boxfish's very first adventure begins. This film is based on the picture book "The Boxfish's Wish" (published by Kodansha), written by Sakana-kun (Fish Guy) — a Japanese marine biologist, TV personality, and illustrator.
What a Wonderful Family! 2 · 2017What a Wonderful Family! 2
★ 7.02017
MovieComedy
Several years after Shuzo settled his wife’s birthday-surprise divorce proposal (What a Wonderful Family, 40th), the Hirata family faces new problems. Ignoring his family’s worry that he is too old to drive, Shuzo takes his old schoolmate for a spin after carousing. Soon, a new disturbance arises for the Hirata family. Veteran director Yamada Yoji continues his comedy about the “perfect“ Japanese family turned upside down in chaos, laughters and understanding. This time, with an additional taste of death.
The Friends · 1994The Friends
★ 7.11994
MovieDrama
A delightful and moving coming-of-age story. One summer, three young boys take an increasing interest in an eccentric old man who lives alone in a house surrounded by an overgrown garden. The boys form a bond with the recluse and set about weeding and replanting the garden.
The Great War of Archimedes · 2019The Great War of Archimedes
★ 6.72019
MovieWarAction
It is the early 1930s and the command of the Japanese Imperial Navy determines to construct the world's biggest and most formidable battleship, Yamato. One of the admirals, Yamamoto Isoroku, disagrees. He recruits the upstart and mathematics' expert Tadashi Kai who discovers there are discrepancies between the official cost estimates and the actual figures. They soon find out that they have stumbled upon a conspiracy.
What a Wonderful Family! · 2016What a Wonderful Family!
★ 7.32016
MovieComedyFamily
A husband and wife have been married for 50 years. For her birthday, the husband asks the wife what she wants for her birthday present. She replies that she wants a divorce. The wife's divorce announcement sends the entire family into chaos.
Kabei: Our Mother · 2008Kabei: Our Mother
★ 7.42008
MovieFamilyDrama
Set in Tokyo in 1940, the peaceful life of the Nogami Family suddenly changes when the father, Shigeru, is arrested and accused of being a Communist. His wife Kayo works frantically from morning to night to maintain the household and bring up her two daughters with the support of Shigeru's sister Hisako and Shigeru's ex-student Yamazaki, but her husband does not return. WWII breaks out and casts dark shadows on the entire country, but Kayo still tries to keep her cheerful determination, and sustain the family with her love. This is an emotional drama of a mother and an eternal message for peace.
Noel's Fantastic Trip · 1983Noel's Fantastic Trip
★ 6.01983
MovieAnimationAdventure
The film is centered around Noel, a young girl and her dog, Pup, who both live on the Planet Noel. While relaxing, Noel comes up with the idea to deliver ice cream to the sun. The two fly off and make their way toward the sun.
Kaza-hana · 2001Kaza-hana
★ 5.62001
MovieDrama
A government employee meets a hostess of a "pink club," and together they set out on a journey.
Grapevine · 2003Grapevine
2003
MovieDramaFamily
Katagiri Naoki and Kyoko are happily married when they find out that they cannot have children of them own. They decide to go with the adoption, but end up being foster parents: they will take care of children who have their own parents yet due to circumstances are unable to live as a whole family. Most of the time children have difficult childhood traumas that follow them throughout their lives. Kyoko and Naoki do everything they can to give lots of love to their foster children and prove that people do not have to be related by blood to be one united loving family.
The Black Swindler · 2008The Black Swindler
★ 5.82008
MovieCrimeDrama
There are three kinds of swindler. One, called the "WHITE SWINDLER", finds a mark and steals money. The "RED SWINDLER" preys on the other sex and steals a mark's body and soul. Then there is the "BLACK SWINDLER". Ignoring ordinary marks, targeting only the white and red swindlers, and preying on their flesh grown fat and corrupt with the money they have stolen, he is the worst of them all. There is a boy who once became a victim of a swindler and lost his family. Later, he turns into the most hideous "black swindler" to deceive only other swindlers. His name is Kurosaki. This time, he is requested by Reiko, whose daughter is sick, to hunt down a swindler named Ishigaki, who has defrauded her of money. But, behind Ishigaki, there is actually a bigger swindle which has even destabilized the Japanese economy…
Dreams for Sale · 2012Dreams for Sale
★ 7.22012
MovieDramaCrime
After losing their restaurant in a fire, a husband and wife come up with a strange plan to rebuild their shattered finances: marrying the husband off to a series of lonely women and defrauding them.
Aiko 16-sai · 1983Aiko 16-sai
★ 8.51983
MovieDramaRomance
Aiko 16 years old is a novel by Akemi Hotta, set in Nagoya this story depicts the school life of Aiko Mita, a high school student who belongs to the Japanese archery club.
Black Widow Business · 2016Black Widow Business
★ 8.52016
MovieComedy
Kozo Nakase attends meetings for single widowers looking to remarry. He meets Sayoko Takeuchi and eventually marries her. Not longer after their marriage, Kozo Nakase suddenly collapses and dies. Kozo Nakase leaves everything to Sayako. The rest of his family are left out of his will including his daughter Tomomi. Tomomi hires a private investigator, Honda, to find out more about Sayoko.
Moving · 1993Moving
★ 7.51993
MovieDrama
Physically separated from her father and at odds with her distraught mother, a girl must negotiate her own passage to maturity.
Family of Strangers · 2019Family of Strangers
★ 7.62019
MovieDrama
Three patients of different backgrounds, illnesses and stages are being treated at a psychiatric clinic in Nagano Prefecture. Their cases range from the criminal to merely asocial. That should be that, but soon matters take a darker turn when a corpse turns up and a murder has occurred. The culprit fingered is one of the patients.
Thirteen Steps · 2003Thirteen Steps
★ 6.42003
MovieDramaThriller
A released inmate is hired to solve a murder case.
Gold Medal Man · 2016Gold Medal Man
★ 5.52016
MovieComedy
Senichi was born in 1964, when the entire nation was excited about the Tokyo Olympics. As an elementary student, Senichi won a footrace and got a taste of what winning felt like. Since then, Senichi takes part in various competitions including drawing and usually wins. He keeps struggling to win gold medals at competitions.
About Her Brother · 2010About Her Brother
★ 6.42010
MovieComedyDrama
Ginko's younger brother Tetsuro, a failed comedian, is the oddball of the family. Embarrassing, loud and plain inappropriate at times causes Ginko to disown him. The two reunite when she discovers Tetsuro is terminally ill. Tetsuro’s impending death marks the beginning of love and toleration.
THE MYSTERY DAY · 2023THE MYSTERY DAY
★ 5.02023
MovieMystery
What a Wonderful Family! 3 · 2018What a Wonderful Family! 3
★ 7.62018
MovieDramaComedy
At the Hirata home, three generations of their family live together. A crisis ensues when one afternoon, housewife Fumie falls asleep and wakes up to find a thief has stolen her secret money she kept hidden in the refrigerator.
99.9 Criminal Lawyer: The Movie · 202199.9 Criminal Lawyer: The Movie
★ 6.52021
MovieDramaComedy
Hiroto Miyama works with rookie lawyer Honoka Kono on a team specializing in criminal cases for Madarame Law Firm. Atsuhiro Sada has recently become director. One day, the firm receives a request about a case that took place 15 years ago—concerning a poisonous wine incident.
Dear Doctor · 2009Dear Doctor
★ 6.62009
MovieDrama
Osamu Ino is a great doctor who is beloved in his rural village. His knowledge and dedication make an equally strong impression on his reluctant medical intern, Keisuke Soma. But, Soma and the villagers reconsider their opinion when they learn about a shameful incident from Dr. Ino's past. Now the once-respected doctor must account for his past actions.
Cape Nostalgia · 2014Cape Nostalgia
★ 6.32014
MovieDrama
Etsuko's café in her peaceful little seaside town is where everyone gathers to gossip and taste her famous brew. But the winds of change are beginning to blow.
Sakura Guardian in the North · 2018Sakura Guardian in the North
★ 7.52018
MovieDrama
The film follows the relationship between a mother and her son. In 1945, the mother played by Sayuri Yoshinaga fled with her two sons from the Russians to Hokkaido. In 1972, her son played by Masato Sakai returns to Japan after finding success in the U.S.
TV Shows
Furuhata Ninzaburo · 1994Furuhata Ninzaburo
★ 8.81994
SeriesDramaCrime
Furuhata Ninzaburō is a Japanese television series that ran periodically on Fuji Television from 1994 until its final episodes in 2006. It was written by Japanese playwright Kōki Mitani and is often referred to as the Japanese version of Columbo.
The series is a police detective drama starring actor Masakazu Tamura as Furuhata Ninzaburo and Masahiko Nishimura as his stereotypically bumbling sidekick, Shintaro Imaizumi. The program aired weekly and featured a guest villain each time, usually a famous talent in Japan. Pop-stars like SMAP, television hosts like Sanma Akashiya and even sports figures like Ichiro Suzuki have been featured on this program. It was one of the most popular television dramas in the history of Japanese television, having spawned several seasons and TV specials.
Jun-chan's Cheering Song · 1988Jun-chan's Cheering Song
★ 7.01988
SeriesDramaFamily
The year is 1947, August. Ono Junko's family is being evacuated to Wakayama and the father is going to war. A few years later, the father has returned from Manchuria but he also brought a boy that had been abandoned by his mother. The boy is Yuta and the family will adopt him.
99.9 Criminal Lawyer · 201699.9 Criminal Lawyer
★ 6.92016
SeriesCrime
Hiroto Miyama is an unconventional young lawyer who dances to his own tune and gets a little obsessive. For one thing, he’s only interested in criminal cases, and he will never give up in his pursuit of the truth even if offers only a 0.1% chance of being discovered. Japan’s 99.9% criminal case conviction rate leads the world, attesting to a “highly reliable” judicial system. In other words, once a crime suspect is indicted, prosecutor arguments tend to be accepted hook, line and sinker. In the face of those 99.9% odds, there’s no money in being a defense lawyer specializing in criminal cases, but for Miyama, that’s where the interest and kernels of truth lie. From unexpected places, the mold-breaking Miyama stakes his reputation on a prayer of a chance as he clashes with hotshot lawyers who’ll go to any lengths to win in this gloriously fun, legal mystery.
Hanzawa Naoki · 2013Hanzawa Naoki
★ 8.32013
SeriesDramaComedy
Hanzawa Naoki works as a loan manager at the Osaka Nishi branch of Tokyo Central Bank. One day, Hanzawa makes a loan contract for 500 million yen with Nishi Osaka Steel Company. Hanzawa didn't want to approve the loan, but he had to due to the branch manager's order. Nishi Osaka Steel Company seems financially stable, but the company actually hides massive amounts of debt through fraudulent accounts. The company is caught. Three months later, Nishi Osaka Steel Company goes bankrupt. The bank's branch manager is Asano. He is an ambitious man and tries to shift the blame to Hanzawa. Hanzawa then attends an inquiry about the loan failure at the bank's headquarters in Tokyo. Hanzawa denies fault and promises to retrieve the 500 million yen loan. He did this because it's the only way for Hanzawa to survive as a banker.
Tiger and Dragon · 2005Tiger and Dragon
★ 7.12005
SeriesDramaComedy
A young yakuza thug apprentices with an indebted comic "rakugo" performer, whose not-so-fashionable son runs a clothes shop in the Harajuku backstreets.
SanTaku · 2003SanTaku
2003
Series
SanTaku is FujiTV's annual New Year's Day special hosted by Sanma and Kimura Takuya.
Say Hello to Black Jack · 2003Say Hello to Black Jack
2003
Series
Eijiro Saito is a graduate of the prestigious Eidai Medical School and is sent to Eidai Hospital as a trainee doctor. There, under the supervision of Dr. Shiratori at the surgery department, Eijiro trains hard with Dekune and Munekata. But all they seem to do is take care of menial work for low hours and low pay. So low in fact bad that they have to do part-time work at other hospitals just to make ends meet. Eijiro picks Seido Hospital, run by Dr. Hattori, for his part-time job. The surgery is like a battleground. Eijiro is very impressed by his senior Dr. Ushida and the nurse Kaori. But one night, when he is on duty, Eijiro runs from the surgery leaving a badly injured patient behind! It is the story of an intern doctor and the various problems and contradictions of the medical industry. -- TBS
Why I borrowed money from her · 1994Why I borrowed money from her
1994
SeriesDrama
Kunihiko Yamanobe, played by Hiroyuki Sanada, owes money to Yuki Tachibana, played by Kyoko Koizumi, because of his wife's credit card bankruptcy. This is the love story of two men and a woman who are brought together by a strange bond of debt!
Shizuka-chan and Papa · 2022Shizuka-chan and Papa
★ 7.02022
SeriesComedy
Shizuka lives with her father Junsuke, who runs a photo studio in a local shopping district. Her father was born deaf and her mother, who was also deaf, died when Shizuka was little. Shizuka has been Junsuke's ears since she was a child. Therefore, she has a habit of staring at the other person and talking with gestures.
However, this habit is perceived poorly and her colleagues at the restaurant where she works part-time do not like her.
One day, Shizuka sees Keiichi, a regular customer of the restaurant, in trouble because he can't explain himself to a shopkeeper and Shizuka helps him.
Two people who are not good at communicating normally are attracted to each other...
The World's Astonishing News! · 2001The World's Astonishing News!
★ 10.02001
SeriesCrimeDrama
Popular Japanese Television series, chronicling unusual or outrageous stories from around the world, most notably the United States. Many episodes deal with infamous crimes, but there are also stories about interesting individuals, notorious moments in history, tales of heroism during disasters and notable unsolved mysteries. The episodes are filmed in Japan and the United States.
Happy! · 2006Happy!
2006
SeriesComedy
Kurama Tengu · 1990Kurama Tengu
1990
Series
ONE CHANCE 〜王者推薦 漫才No.1決定戦〜 · 2026ONE CHANCE 〜王者推薦 漫才No.1決定戦〜
2026
Series
A-STUDIO + · 2020A-STUDIO +
2020
Series
‘A-Studio’ is a live talk show in a dialogue format broadcast on the TBS network every Friday from 10 April 2009 at 23:00–23:30 (JST). It is broadcast in stereo and features closed captioning. On 3 April 2020, the programme was renamed ‘A-Studio+’ (see below).
桃色つるべ · 2015桃色つるべ
2015
Series
ヤブツル〜鶴瓶・小籔の大阪夜話〜ヤブツル〜鶴瓶・小籔の大阪夜話〜
Series
A free-form talk variety show featuring Shoufukutei Tsurube and Koyabu Kazutoyo. The show is known for its unscripted and spontaneous conversations with a humorous and relaxed approach.
HAMASHO · 1997HAMASHO
1997
Series