Akira Nakao
Akira Nakao was a Japanese actor, television personality, and artist from Kisarazu, Chiba. He was represented by the Furutachi Project agency.
Biography
Nakao attended Chiba Prefectural Kisarazu High School from 1958, and entered Musashino Art University from 1961. Also in 1961, he was selected in the "5th Nikkatsu New Face" talent competition.In 1963, he left Musashino Art University to study in Paris, France. On returning to Japan in 1964, he enrolled in the Mingei theatre company, where he studied under Jūkichi Uno. In 1971, he left the Mingei theatre group to work as a freelance actor.
In 1978, he married actress Shino Ikenami, the daughter of rakugo comedian Kingentei Basho. They received the "Nice Couple Award" in 2008.
In 1988, he started studying ceramics under Masaaki Kosugi in Karatsu, Saga.
Death
Akira Nakao died from heart failure on May 16, 2024, at the age of 81.Acting career
Nakao has appeared in jidaigeki and contemporary dramas on television and film, as well as variety shows. Fans of Abarenbō Shōgun immediately recognize him as the scheming Tokugawa Muneharu, arch-rival of the eighth shogun Yoshimune. He played the role for twenty years. Film appearances include five episodes in the series Gokudō no Onna-tachi and six Godzilla movies. He also acted in the 1992 Juzo Itami film Minbo: the Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion.In 2015, Nakao won the award for best supporting actor of Tokyo Sports Film Award for his role in Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen.
Filmography
Film
The Vampire Doll Death at an Old Mansion Kaerazaru hibi Nihon no Fixer Shikake-nin Baian Ninja Wars Haru no Kane Minbo: the Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Takaki AsoGodzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla, Takaki AsoGodzilla vs. Destoroyah, Takaki AsoHissatsu! Shamisenya no Yuji Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, Hayato IgarashiGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., Hayato IgarashiGodzilla: Final Wars, original Gotengo captainAchilles and the Tortoise, art collectorHagetaka: The Movie Inu to Anata no Monogatari Outrage Beyond, gangsterHeroine Shikkaku, HimselfRyuzo and the Seven Henchmen, MokichiTonde Saitama Ninkyō Gakuen Let's Talk About the Old Times, himselfTelevision
- Shin Heike Monogatari - Taira no Tadanori
- Castle of Sand
- Tokyo Megure Keishi Ai no Arashi, Saegusa Den'emon Homura Tatsu - Emperor Go-ShirakawaShonan Junai-gumi! - Principal Dokudai TokiaritsuneHideyoshi - Shibata KatsuieGreat Teacher Onizuka - Hiroshi UchiyamadaYoshitsune - Kajiwara KagetokiTenchijin - Mōri TerumotoRyōmaden - Shigeta IchijirōClouds Over the Hill - - Hidaka SōnojōSanctuary, Kumada-''oyakata''
Video games
Judge Eyes - Ryuzo Genda Lost Judgment - Ryuzo GendaAwards
- 1980: Bronze Award at Le Salon exhibition in France
- 1981: Grand Prix at Le Salon exhibition in France
- 1982: International Award at Le Salon exhibition in France