Utaemon Ichikawa

    Utaemon Ichikawa

    February 11, 1904 (121 years old) in Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan

    Utaemon Ichikawa was a Japanese film actor famous for starring roles in Jidaigeki from the 1920s to the 1960s. Trained in kabuki from childhood, he made his film debut in 1925 at Makino Film Productions under Shōzō Makino. Quickly gaining popularity, he followed the example of Makino stars such as Tsumasaburō Bandō in starting his own independent production company, Utaemon Ichikawa Productions, in 1927. It was there he first began the "Idle Vassal" (Hatamoto taikutsu otoko) series, which would become his signature role. When his company folded in 1936 as sound film came to the fore, he moved to Shinkō Kinema and then Daiei Studios before helping form the Toei Company after World War II. He served on the board of directors along with fellow samurai star Chiezō Kataoka. Utaemon appeared in over 300 films during his career. His son, Kin'ya Kitaōji, is also a famous actor in film and television.

    Known For

    The 47 RoninThe 47 Ronin
    Sanada YukimuraSanada Yukimura
    The Bored SamuraiThe Bored Samurai
    The Diary of Chuji's TravelsThe Diary of Chuji's Travels
    Tokugawa Chronicles: Ambition of the 3 BranchesTokugawa Chronicles: Ambition of the 3 Branches

    Credits