Akitake Kōno

Acting

Akitake Kōno

Born October 8, 1911 · Nagasaki, Japan

Died March 17, 1978 · aged 66

Akitake Kōno (河野 秋武 Kōno Akitake, 8 October 1911 – 17 March 1978) was a Japanese film actor. He appeared in more than sixty films from 1943 to 1973. Kōno started acting with the Zenshinza theater troupe before joining the Toho studio in 1942. Mostly a character actor, he appeared in films by directors such as Akira Kurosawa and Kenji Mizoguchi as well on television.

Known For

The Human Condition I: No Greater LoveThe Human Condition I: No Greater Love · 1959
The Human Condition I: No Greater Love
★ 8.11959
MovieWarDrama
After handing in a report on the treatment of Chinese colonial labor, Kaji is offered the post of labour chief at a large mining operation in Manchuria, which also grants him exemption from military service. He accepts and moves with his newlywed wife Michiko, but when he tries to put his ideas of more humane treatment into practice, he finds himself at odds with scheming officials, cruel foremen, and the military police.
The Most BeautifulThe Most Beautiful · 1944
The Most Beautiful
★ 5.61944
MovieDramaWar
Young women at a precision optics factory in wartime Japan push to exceed production quotas, enduring illness, injury, and personal hardship to “serve the country.” Led by Tsuru Watanabe, they fight fatigue and setbacks to keep their line moving—even when duty collides with grief.
Sansho the BailiffSansho the Bailiff · 1954
Sansho the Bailiff
★ 8.11954
MovieDrama
In 11th-century feudal Japan, following the exile of an idealistic governor, his wife and children are separated by slave traders; the children, Zushio and Anju, are sold into brutal servitude under the cruel bailiff Sansho.
No Regrets for Our YouthNo Regrets for Our Youth · 1946
No Regrets for Our Youth
★ 6.91946
MovieDrama
After her anti-fascist professor father is dismissed, Yukie navigates love, political repression, and wartime upheaval—ultimately forging her own path in pre- and post-WWII Japan.
Sanshiro SugataSanshiro Sugata · 1943
Sanshiro Sugata
★ 6.51943
MovieDrama
A hotheaded youth in 1880s Meiji Japan apprentices to judo master Shōgorō Yano, trading brute jujutsu bravado for discipline and humility. As Sanshirō matures, he proves judo’s spirit against old-guard challengers—including a deadly duel—while falling for his vanquished opponent’s daughter. Based on the novel by Tsuneo Tomita, son of Tomita Tsunejirō, the earliest disciple of judo.
Taira Clan SagaTaira Clan Saga · 1955
Taira Clan Saga
★ 6.81955
MovieDramaHistory
Japan, 1137. The Taira family, a samurai clan, becomes involved in the disputes between Emperor Toba and the monks of Mount Hiei.
Tragedy of the Coolie SamuraiTragedy of the Coolie Samurai · 1963
Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
★ 8.71963
MovieDrama
Gonza was a handsome young laborer, a footman and spear-carrier, working hard for his meager wage. All Gonza wanted was to marry his young sweetheart, but despite their mutual poverty, her status as the daughter of a samurai blocked their path to happiness. A chance opportunity to achieve samurai status would come one day, but Gonza will regret trusting the so-called honorable samurai who extended this fateful offer, and the terrible price he'd pay, fighting for his life in one of the most blood-spattered samurai battles ever filmed.
The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's TailThe Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail · 1952
The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail
★ 6.71952
MovieDramaHistory
A fugitive lord and his six retainers disguise themselves as monks to bluff their way through a hostile checkpoint.

Filmography

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