Kotaro Shiga

Acting

Kotaro Shiga

Born August 31, 1948 · Hyogo, Japan

Died April 20, 2020 · aged 71

Kotaro Shiga (志賀 廣太郎, Shiga Kōtarō, August 31, 1948 – April 20, 2020) was a Japanese actor and theater educator who was active since the 1990s until around 2020. Kotaro was born in Hyogo, Japan. He was a part-time lecturer at Toho Gakuen College of Art, majoring in theater. He was a member of Japanese theater company Seinen-dan (青年団). He was affiliated with l'être.

Known For

OdayakaOdayaka · 2012
Odayaka
5.72012
MovieDrama
Saeko and Yukako live together in a small apartment complex in Tokyo. After the Tohoku earthquake in 2011, both live in a state of unease. Saeko, who is in a divorce, is worried that her daughter is exposed to radiation. Yukako is also afraid of radiation and tries to convince her husband to move. The two become friends after Yukako tries to save Saeko after a suicide attempt.
The SanMei-sama: 5 seconds before they go wow.The SanMei-sama: 5 seconds before they go wow. · 2009
The SanMei-sama: 5 seconds before they go wow.
2009
Movie
The seventh in a series of sitcoms in which Matsun, Mickey and Jumbo dabble in family restaurants. Mickey receives a warning email! He has to forward it to someone within an hour... What will Mickey do?? Includes 10 complete short stories, including ‘I don't care’.
The Taste of TeaThe Taste of Tea · 2004
The Taste of Tea
7.52004
MovieComedyDrama
A spell of time in the life of the five-piece Haruno family in rural Tochigi Prefecture. Yoshiko is not an ordinary housewife, instead working on an animated film project. Uncle Ayano, a successful music producer, is looking to get his head together after living in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Sachiko is concerned with why she seems to be followed by a giant version of herself. As the lazy days pass by, each member of the family is followed in a series of episodic vignettes.
Funky Forest: The First ContactFunky Forest: The First Contact · 2005
Funky Forest: The First Contact
6.42005
MovieComedyScience Fiction
An outrageous collection of surreal, short attention span non-sequiturs largely revolving around Guitar Brother, his randy older sibling, and the pair's portly Caucasian brother.
The SanMei-sama Spin-off: Seven quotes from the parfait old man to save you in life's pinch.The SanMei-sama Spin-off: Seven quotes from the parfait old man to save you in life's pinch. · 2008
The SanMei-sama Spin-off: Seven quotes from the parfait old man to save you in life's pinch.
4.02008
Movie
A family restaurant late at night. The customers visiting the restaurant are faced with a variety of shurahas: marital quarrels, break-ups, love triangles, and so on. In the awkward atmosphere, Parfait Oyaji looks at the seats where life's drama unfolds. And for every parfait, he mumbles one sobering quote.
Kamen Teacher: The MovieKamen Teacher: The Movie · 2014
Kamen Teacher: The Movie
4.02014
MovieAction
Set in the near future of Japan with the educational system nearing collapse. To rehabilitate the lawlessness at public schools and its troubled students, the government sends Kamen Teacher to designated schools.
I Give My First Love to YouI Give My First Love to You · 2009
I Give My First Love to You
7.42009
MovieDramaRomance
Takuma knows that his life is shorter than the others and he feels that his demise is getting near. He chose to stay away from the girl that he loves so that she can easily move on. What he didn't know is that he is under-estimating her.
Saraba Itoshi no DaitoryoSaraba Itoshi no Daitoryo · 2010
Saraba Itoshi no Daitoryo
2010
Movie
With the recession still occurring in Japan and the area of Osaka thought to be hit hardest by the economic downtown, Osaka's gubernatorial election occurs. The surprise winner of the election is Sekai no Nabeatsu (Atsumu Watanabe). Three months into his gubernatorial term and with little help from national government, Sekai no Nabeatsu declares Osaka an independent country and takes office as its first President. The Osaka Police then receives a message warning of an impending assassination attempt on the President of Osaka. Police Detectives Hayakawa (Daisuke Miyagawa) and Banba (Kendo Kobayashi) then set out to search for the criminal group. Can the bumbling detectives protect the president? Will there be a future for the country?

Movies

OdayakaOdayaka · 2012
Odayaka
5.72012
MovieDrama
Saeko and Yukako live together in a small apartment complex in Tokyo. After the Tohoku earthquake in 2011, both live in a state of unease. Saeko, who is in a divorce, is worried that her daughter is exposed to radiation. Yukako is also afraid of radiation and tries to convince her husband to move. The two become friends after Yukako tries to save Saeko after a suicide attempt.
The SanMei-sama: 5 seconds before they go wow.The SanMei-sama: 5 seconds before they go wow. · 2009
The SanMei-sama: 5 seconds before they go wow.
2009
Movie
The seventh in a series of sitcoms in which Matsun, Mickey and Jumbo dabble in family restaurants. Mickey receives a warning email! He has to forward it to someone within an hour... What will Mickey do?? Includes 10 complete short stories, including ‘I don't care’.
The Taste of TeaThe Taste of Tea · 2004
The Taste of Tea
7.52004
MovieComedyDrama
A spell of time in the life of the five-piece Haruno family in rural Tochigi Prefecture. Yoshiko is not an ordinary housewife, instead working on an animated film project. Uncle Ayano, a successful music producer, is looking to get his head together after living in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Sachiko is concerned with why she seems to be followed by a giant version of herself. As the lazy days pass by, each member of the family is followed in a series of episodic vignettes.
Funky Forest: The First ContactFunky Forest: The First Contact · 2005
Funky Forest: The First Contact
6.42005
MovieComedyScience Fiction
An outrageous collection of surreal, short attention span non-sequiturs largely revolving around Guitar Brother, his randy older sibling, and the pair's portly Caucasian brother.
The SanMei-sama Spin-off: Seven quotes from the parfait old man to save you in life's pinch.The SanMei-sama Spin-off: Seven quotes from the parfait old man to save you in life's pinch. · 2008
The SanMei-sama Spin-off: Seven quotes from the parfait old man to save you in life's pinch.
4.02008
Movie
A family restaurant late at night. The customers visiting the restaurant are faced with a variety of shurahas: marital quarrels, break-ups, love triangles, and so on. In the awkward atmosphere, Parfait Oyaji looks at the seats where life's drama unfolds. And for every parfait, he mumbles one sobering quote.
Kamen Teacher: The MovieKamen Teacher: The Movie · 2014
Kamen Teacher: The Movie
4.02014
MovieAction
Set in the near future of Japan with the educational system nearing collapse. To rehabilitate the lawlessness at public schools and its troubled students, the government sends Kamen Teacher to designated schools.
I Give My First Love to YouI Give My First Love to You · 2009
I Give My First Love to You
7.42009
MovieDramaRomance
Takuma knows that his life is shorter than the others and he feels that his demise is getting near. He chose to stay away from the girl that he loves so that she can easily move on. What he didn't know is that he is under-estimating her.
Saraba Itoshi no DaitoryoSaraba Itoshi no Daitoryo · 2010
Saraba Itoshi no Daitoryo
2010
Movie
With the recession still occurring in Japan and the area of Osaka thought to be hit hardest by the economic downtown, Osaka's gubernatorial election occurs. The surprise winner of the election is Sekai no Nabeatsu (Atsumu Watanabe). Three months into his gubernatorial term and with little help from national government, Sekai no Nabeatsu declares Osaka an independent country and takes office as its first President. The Osaka Police then receives a message warning of an impending assassination attempt on the President of Osaka. Police Detectives Hayakawa (Daisuke Miyagawa) and Banba (Kendo Kobayashi) then set out to search for the criminal group. Can the bumbling detectives protect the president? Will there be a future for the country?
After LifeAfter Life · 1999
After Life
7.21999
MovieFantasyDrama
On a cold Monday morning, a group of counselors clock in at an old-fashioned social services office. Their task is to interview the recently deceased, record their personal details, then, over the course of the week, assist them in choosing a single memory to keep for eternity.
Survive Style 5+Survive Style 5+ · 2004
Survive Style 5+
7.32004
MovieMysteryComedy
Five bizarre stories with no apparent connection to one another eventually become intertwined, resulting in surreal circumstances.
Smap Short FilmsSmap Short Films · 2001
Smap Short Films
2001
MovieComedyScience Fiction
Short films by top CM directors and CG creators: MUSIC POWER GO! GO! ダモン君の巻; BUS PANIC!!!; GAME SHINGO; 治療; Good-bye, cruel world; ROLLING BOMBER SPECIAL; 菅原さん ・コンセント ・トイレ ・のれない ・脱出不可能. Produced for and aired together as TV special of SMAPxSMAP
Kiki's Delivery ServiceKiki's Delivery Service · 2014
Kiki's Delivery Service
6.02014
MovieFantasyAdventure
A young girl named Kiki must leave her home for a year to begin training in witchcraft. She leaves on her broom, but first says goodbye to her friends and family. Kiki then begins her new life with her trusted cat Jiji.
GintamaGintama · 2017
Gintama
6.82017
MovieActionComedy
In an era where aliens have invaded and taken over feudal Tokyo, a young samurai finds work however he can.
Tales of the Bizarre: 35th Anniversary SpecialTales of the Bizarre: 35th Anniversary Special · 2025
Tales of the Bizarre: 35th Anniversary Special
2025
MovieMysteryThriller
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the popular omnibus drama "Tales of the Unusual," in which Tamori serves as the storyteller, "Tales of the Tales of the Unusual 35th Anniversary Special: Legendary Masterpieces One Night Only Revival Edition" will be broadcast on Fuji TV's "Saturday Premium" slot (Saturday 9pm) on May 31st. The program will feature five of Tamori's most famous works from the series' past. The programs that will be broadcast on the 31st are as follows: "BLACK ROOM" (broadcast in 2001, starring Takuya Kimura) "The Night Train Man" (broadcast in 2002, starring Ren Osugi) "Locker" (broadcast in 1990, starring Yuji Oda) "Bijokan" (broadcast in 2005, starring Satoshi Tsumabuki) "Memories of Love, Don't Stop" (broadcast in 2019, starring Yuki Saito)
Rose Color's BukoRose Color's Buko · 2014
Rose Color's Buko
7.42014
MovieComedy
Sachiko is an university student. Her nickname is Buko, because she has been negative about everything since she was young. Sachiko believes someday she will meet a man like in a romance manga. Her university life is boring and she spends her time reading romance manga in her room. One day, on Twitter, she meets a man who uses the user ID of Sparrow. He likes reading manga and looks like Johnny Depp. Sachiko makes a date to meet the man. She tries to change herself, but it's not so easy due to various unexpected incidents.
HirugaoHirugao · 2017
Hirugao
5.42017
MovieDramaRomance
Set 3 years after the drama series. Kitano Yuichiro comes to give a lecture in the town where divorcee Sasamoto Sawa now lives quietly. The two meet again and their love story continue.
Tales of the Bizarre: 2013 Autumn SpecialTales of the Bizarre: 2013 Autumn Special · 2013
Tales of the Bizarre: 2013 Autumn Special
6.02013
Movie
Sing My LifeSing My Life · 2016
Sing My Life
7.02016
MovieComedyFantasy
Katsu (Mitsuko Baisho) is a 73-years-old woman. She often makes trouble with her biting remarks. While raising a daughter alone, Katsu was unable to live the life she wished for. One day, Katsu goes to a photo studio and takes a picture. She leaves the photo studio, but finds that she is now 20-years-old (Mikako Tabe) again. Katsu changes out of her grandmother clothes, picks out a more youthful style and names herself Setsuko Otori. Later, Katsu decides to take part in a singing contest held in a shopping district. Her singing fascinates the audience and she wins the contest. Katsu begins to move closer to her past dream of becoming a singer.
Mameshiba Ichiro 3DMameshiba Ichiro 3D · 2012
Mameshiba Ichiro 3D
2012
MovieComedy
Introvert Jiro Shiba (Jiro Sato) who came out of his shell a bit with the help of a cute puppy faces a crisis, when he loses his pet due to being accused of exploiting it for economic purposes...
Au revoir l'étéAu revoir l'été · 2014
Au revoir l'été
6.32014
MovieDrama
After failing her university entrance exam, Sakuko is invited by her aunt Mikie to spend summer vacation in a beautiful seaside town. Sakuko gets to know the people of the town, including Takashi, a shy relative of her childhood friend.
Seicho Matsumoto's Black GospelSeicho Matsumoto's Black Gospel · 2014
Seicho Matsumoto's Black Gospel
5.82014
MovieTV MovieCrime
In 1959, a body of a flight attendant of an international airline is found, strangled. Detective Rokuro Fujisawa takes charge of the investigation with a young detective Ichimura and his investigations lead him to Father Tolbeck as a suspect. But the police are forced to move very discreetly as the time was right after the Second World War, when a sensitive situation that involves Western people and religion is likely to become an international issue. The investigation leads to an unexpected discloser of a shadowy business behind the church that reflects the uncertainty of the time.
Judge!Judge! · 2014
Judge!
7.22014
MovieComedy
After taking the blame for another disastrous advertising campaign, Ota Kiichiro is asked by his arrogant boss Otaki Ichiro to take his place as a judge at the world's biggest advertising competition in Los Angeles.
Unfair: Code BreakingUnfair: Code Breaking · 2006
Unfair: Code Breaking
6.92006
MovieActionThriller
Mameshiba Cubbish PuppyMameshiba Cubbish Puppy · 2009
Mameshiba Cubbish Puppy
6.52009
MovieDrama
Jiro (Jiro Sato) is a 32-year-old man who doesn't have a job. He lives at his parents' house and doesn't go outside or socialise with people. After the death of his father, Jiro's mother runs away and leaves behind a 6 month dog named Ichiro and some clues for Jiro. To find his mother, Jiro has to venture out into the world.

TV Shows

Solitary GourmetSolitary Gourmet · 2012
Solitary Gourmet
8.92012
SeriesDrama
Centered around typical Japanese food, a solitary salesman travelling through the country for business purposes, eats at its various establishments and experiences the various delicacies of Japanese cuisine.
Yonimo Kimyou na Monogatari TokubetsuhenYonimo Kimyou na Monogatari Tokubetsuhen · 1990
Yonimo Kimyou na Monogatari Tokubetsuhen
9.51990
SeriesMysterySci-Fi & Fantasy
Time Limit InvestigatorTime Limit Investigator · 2006
Time Limit Investigator
6.72006
SeriesComedyCrime
Shūichirō Kiriyama works at the Limitation Task Force, the place where the cases which have reached the statute of limitations are destroyed. Getting bored of his job, he decides to find a hobby, because it seems important to him to have a hobby. So he decides to puzzle out the unsolved cases on his free time, helped by his coworker Mikazuki, who seems to have a crush on him.
The Brave 'Yoshihiko'The Brave 'Yoshihiko' · 2011
The Brave 'Yoshihiko'
7.62011
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyComedy
The story is set in an ancient time, when the whole country was covered in thick forests. A mysterious plague breaks out, resulting in countless deaths. A pure young man named Yoshihiko becomes chosen as a hero, and he sets out on a journey in order to save a village. He has two goals – to bring back the legendary plant that can cure the plague, and to rescue his father Teruhiko who left to find the plant but never returned.
Midnight Diner: Tokyo StoriesMidnight Diner: Tokyo Stories · 2016
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
7.92016
SeriesDrama
In an otherwise mundane diner open from midnight to 7 a.m., there is no menu – but the chef cooks anything his customers want. Each episode is about different a different customer, as they find simple yet profound connections with one another based on their shared love of a particular dish.
Tokyo DogsTokyo Dogs · 2009
Tokyo Dogs
7.42009
SeriesDramaComedy
Kanade Takakura is an elite detective from the New York Police department. He has a very keen sense of judgement but is cold and inflexible. Kanade lost his father in a murder as a young boy, which drove him to become a detective. Maruo Kudo is a former motorcycle gang member now special detective with the Japanese police department. These two opposite characters team up on a case in which secrets are held by a young lady named Yuki Matsunada.
What Did You Eat Yesterday?What Did You Eat Yesterday? · 2019
What Did You Eat Yesterday?
7.02019
SeriesComedy
Lawyer Shiro pours his heart into home-cooked meals for his partner, hairstylist Kenji, as they navigate life as a middle-aged gay couple in Tokyo.
dinnerdinner · 2013
dinner
7.52013
SeriesDrama
This drama follows the staff of an Italian restaurant and their everyday struggles. “Roccabianca” is a famous and popular Italian restaurant, but their head chef and owner Tatsumi suddenly collapses and the restaurant loses its unique flavor. The number of customers rapidly declines, but the owner’s daughter and deputy manager Saori happens to find another chef named Ezaki through an online job market who learned cooking at the same place her father did. Ezaki becomes the new head chef of this restaurant and while nobody can deny that he is a gifted chef, it’s his extreme rationalism that doesn’t exactly go well with the restaurants attempt to save its traditional flavor.
Innocence, Fight Against False ChargesInnocence, Fight Against False Charges · 2019
Innocence, Fight Against False Charges
7.22019
SeriesDramaMystery
This work is a human drama that attorney, Taku Kurokawa challenges reversal play with weapons, passion, and science as a weapon to cause "miracle" to clear false charges. Kurokawa who plays Sakaguchi actively opposes fake crime defense, which is said to be impossible, reproduces the events that occurred on the scene in an experiment and tries to elucidate the incident. In addition, Naoki Fujiki appears as a new American lawyer, Kazuaki Wakakura who is swayed by the pioneer, Haruna Kawaguchi , a scientist who lends power to Taku, Kyoichiro Akiro .
UnfairUnfair · 2006
Unfair
7.02006
SeriesDramaCrime
A no-nonsense detective with a reputation for pushing limits investigates a rash of brutal murders connected by a series of cryptic short stories.
RikuohRikuoh · 2017
Rikuoh
7.62017
SeriesDrama
A CEO struggling to maintain his small sock business risks the company's future with a new challenge — creating a line of running shoes.
Gintama 2: The Exceedingly Strange Gintama-chanGintama 2: The Exceedingly Strange Gintama-chan · 2018
Gintama 2: The Exceedingly Strange Gintama-chan
7.02018
SeriesComedy
The adventures of the Yorozuya gang and their friends.
AntarcticaAntarctica · 2011
Antarctica
8.32011
SeriesDrama
Set in the 1950's, a Japanese Antarctic research exploration team and 19 dogs that accompanied the team are stationed at the Showa Base in Antarctica. After a year, the exploration team is ordered to withdraw from the Antarctic station due to severe weather conditions. The dogs have to be left behind. The following year, the next team arrives at the Showa Base station and a miraculous reunion occurs between a dog handler accompanying the new tean and two dogs, Taro and Shiro, that are brothers.
Power of LovePower of Love · 2002
Power of Love
6.02002
SeriesDrama
Toko (Fukatsu Eri), decides after she turns 30 that she is all but ready to give up on any future career hopes or romance, so she turns to the bottle for comfort. She knows that this isn't the best thing, but can't find the strength right now to do anything except choose the easy way to do things. This causes her to start getting down on herself. Luckily though, she doesn't give up hope completely, and tries to take things as they come. Which proves to help to some degree. Suddenly one day, a guy by the name of Kotaro (Tsutsumi Shinichi) comes along. Like Toko, Kotaro hasn't had much luck at work either. Even so, this is still the same guy that Toko liked when she was younger.
Hana's Lazy MealsHana's Lazy Meals · 2012
Hana's Lazy Meals
7.52012
SeriesDrama
The story is about the daily life of a 30-year-old new wife, Hana, who cooks “Zubora Meshi”, while her husband is on a job transfer away from home. ”Zubora-Meshi” is the corner-cutting and easy cooking people usually cook only for themselves to eat.
ReverseReverse · 2017
Reverse
7.02017
SeriesMystery
Kazuhisa Fukase graduated from a prestigious university, but he leads a boring life. His only strength is making delicious coffee. Whenever he makes coffee, he is reminded of his friend Yoshiki Hirosawa. He was friends with Yoshiki Hirosawa back in their university days, but Yoshiki Hirosawa died on a snowboarding trip 10 years ago. One day, he meets Mihoko Ochi at a coffee shop. He is strongly attracted to her. Kazuhisa Fukase goes to a professor’s retirement celebration at a university. There, he meets Kosuke Asai who went snowboarding with Yoshiki Hirosawa on that fateful trip. Journalist Toshio Ogasawara also appears there. He has been investigating Yoshiki Hirosawa's death.
幼獣マメシバ幼獣マメシバ · 2009
幼獣マメシバ
6.02009
Series
Evil PeopleEvil People · 2007
Evil People
7.02007
SeriesMystery
Toyomi Terajima (Ryoko Yonekura) chose to become a nurse because she had no interest in marriage and wanted an occupation she could do for the rest of her life. Although she doesn't have a lot of aspirations, she does have a vague idea of wanting to work as a nurse overseas, and so she studies English. Outside of that, her life is less than ordinary and she carries out her job as a nurse without any indifference. That is, until one fateful night when she calls on Dr. Toya Shinichi (Takaya Kamikawa), director of the hospital, for help with a patient suffering from a heart attack. It is this chance encounter that brings the two together and sets the wheels in motion.
Hagetaka: Road to RebirthHagetaka: Road to Rebirth · 2007
Hagetaka: Road to Rebirth
8.72007
SeriesDrama
A Japanese bank is being targeted by Horizon, an American financial group that takes advantage of weak and struggling firms. Horizon sends the Japanese financier Masahiko Washizu to do the job with only one instruction: buy them cheap and sell them high.
Steel FrameSteel Frame · 2010
Steel Frame
6.02010
SeriesDrama
Sharply revealing the issue of Japanese construction industry where bid-rigging was a common practice among the giants. After working diligently for three years at a construction site, Heita unwillingly transfers to a sales department where he becomes a part of the illegal collusion -- to limit open competition and obtain high-price public works within the colluding parties. He is torn from conducting unlawful action to save his company, yet deep inside wishing to abide by the law to follow his justice. What will his answer be?
War of MoneyWar of Money · 2015
War of Money
7.42015
SeriesDrama
Tomio Shiraishi graduated from a prestigious university and now works for foreign securities company. He has a beautiful fiancée, Kozue Aoike, and no complaints with his life. One day, his father kills himself, leaving behind large debts. Tomio Shiraishi is liable for his father's debts. He pays what he can with his savings account, but it is not enough. He is chased by moneylenders. Tomio loses everything. His job, fiancée and savings. He then becomes homeless. Tomio Shiraishi then decides to work for Daisuke Akamatsu, who runs Akamatsu Finance. Akamatsu Finance is the company that drove Tomio Shiraishi to become homeless. The company looks like a normal finance company, but it actually lends money with high interest. Tomio Shiraishi decides to do anything, including illegal acts, to make money.
Kamen TeacherKamen Teacher · 2013
Kamen Teacher
4.62013
SeriesComedy
Gota Araki begins work at a new high school. He is assigned to the school's notorious 2nd Year, Class C as their homeroom teacher. All of the students in Class C are violent delinquents, who have no respect for authority figures. Gota Araki quickly becomes acclimated with the students during his first day. He is beaten by his students, but he doesn't fight back. Gota Araki wants to breakthrough the student's tough outer shells, but he soon discovers that the students are more wounded than he could ever imagine. Gota Araki then turns to his mask. Will it take power or heart to change his students?
You are my only MadonnaYou are my only Madonna · 2003
You are my only Madonna
2003
SeriesDramaRomance
Boku dake no Madonna, sometimes shortened to BokuMado, is a drama series that aired in Japan on Fuji TV in 2003. In English it is often called You are my only Madonna / ...and I Love Her.
The God of RiskThe God of Risk · 2015
The God of Risk
7.02015
SeriesDrama
Satoshi Saigyouji worked in crisis management for General Electric in the USA and the Japanese government. He is known as a legend in crisis management and known as "The God of Risk." To deal with numerous problems and scandals, Sunrise, the largest general trading company, hires him.