🎬Tetsuro Tamba

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 Allied Powers' Supreme Commander. Graduating from Chuo University in 1948, he later joined Shintoho company, making his debut in the film Satsujin Yougishain in 1951.

Tamba's impact on Western audiences extended beyond Bond, with standout performances in films like Bridge to the Sun and The 7th Dawn. He earned acclaim in Japan as well, most notably as the lead in police dramas like Key Hunter and G-Men '75.

His talents weren't confined to the screen alone. Tamba lent his voice to characters like the Cat King in Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns and graced historical roles in television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on period pieces.

In 2005, Tamba faced health challenges but continued to contribute until the end. Sadly, he passed away in Tokyo at 84 due to pneumonia on September 24, 2006. His legacy lives on through his son, actor Yoshitaka Tamba, while his last appearances in the 2005 Taiga drama Yoshitsune and the 2006 film Sinking of Japan remain a testament to his enduring impact on Japanese cinema and beyond.

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Recent movies

#	Name	Character	Rating
1	Yakuza Demon (2003)	Michitane Tendou		6
2	Gozu (2003)	-		4
3	The Twilight Samurai (2002) Oscars 2004	Tozaemon Iguchi		8.1
4	Deadly Outlaw: Rekka (2002)	Sanada	-	-
5	The Cat Returns (2002)	Cat King (voice)		7.6
6	Graveyard of Honor (2002)	Tetsuji Tokura		6
7	The Happiness of the Katakuris (2002)	Granpa Jinpei Katakuri		6.4
8	Heat Wave (1991)	Denkichi Tsuzaki	-	-
9	Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1991)	Master Zhang		7.4
10	Four Days of Snow and Blood (1989)	Jinzaburi Shinzaki	-	-
11	A Taxing Woman's Return (1988)	Sadohara		3
12	Tokyo Pop (1988)	Mr. Dota	-	-
13	Samurai Reincarnation (1981)	Muramasa		5
14	The Imperial Navy (1981)	Jisaburo Ozawa		8
15	Port Arthur (1980)	Gentaro Kodama	-	-
16	Shogun's Ninja (1980)	Tozawa Hakuunsai		6
17	Battles Without Honor and Humanity: The Complete Saga (1980)	Tatsuo Akashi	-	-
18	Hunter in the Dark (1979)	Okitsugu Tanuma		7
19	Message from Space (1978)	Ernest Noguchi		8
20	Shogun's Samurai (1978)	Ogasawara Gensinsai		6.5
21	The Fall of Ako Castle (1978)	Yanagisawa		5
22	Bandits vs. Samurai Squadron (1978)	Kichibei		5
23	Mount Hakkoda (1977)	Colonel Kojima		5
24	The Castle of Sand (1974)	Detective Eitaro Imanishi		3
25	Violent Streets (1974)	Shimamura		6
26	Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973)	-		7
27	Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War (1973)	Tatsuo Akashi		5.5
28	Under the Flag of the Rising Sun (1972)	Sergeant Katsuo Togashi		10
29	Silence (1971)	Cristóvão Ferreira		5.3
30	The Battle of Okinawa (1971)	Lieutenant General Isamu Cho	-	-
31	The Scandalous Adventures of Buraikan (1970)	Soshun Kochiyama		4
32	The 5-Man Army (1969)	Samurai	-	-
33	Black Lizard (1968)	Kuroki		4
34	Portrait of Chieko (1967)	Kotaro Takamura		5
35	You Only Live Twice (1967)	Tiger Tanaka		6.9
36	Sazen Tange and The Secret of the Urn (1966)	Lord Tsushima Yagyu		5
37	Kwaidan (1965)	Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")		7
38	Samurai Spy (1965)	Sakon Takatani		8
39	Three Outlaw Samurai (1964)	Sakon Shiba		7
40	Assassination (1964)	Hachiro Kiyokawa		5
41	Revenge (1964)	Shume Okuno		6
42	13 Assassins (1963)	Doi Ōkō Toshi		6.5
43	Harakiri (1962)	Hikokuro Omodaka		8.9
44	The Ceiling at Utsunomiya (1956)	Kurozumi Tenzen		5