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Tetsuro Tamba

Known for: Acting

Born 17/07/1922

Died 2006-09-24

Place of birth Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

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.

Filmography

Series ★ 9,5

Yonimo Kimyou na Monogatari Tokubetsuhen

1990

Series

G-Men '75

黒木警視

1975

Series

Hashiran ka!

前田米吉

1995

Film ★ 6,6

You Only Live Twice

Tiger Tanaka

1967

Film ★ 8,5

Harakiri

Hikokuro Omodaka

1962

Series

HOTEL

Ohara Tetsutaro

1990

Series ★ 8,3

Yoshitsune

Minamoto no Yorimasa (Gen-ji)

2005

Series

Ōgon no Hibi

Imai Sōkyū

1978

Film ★ 7,1

The Cat Returns

Cat King (voice)

2002

Series ★ 6,8

Marco Polo

Vasaio

1982

Series ★ 7,0

Key Hunter

黒木鉄也

1968

Series ★ 8,3

Toshiie and Matsu

Tarozaemon Iguchi

2002

Series ★ 6,0

Masked Blade

1983

Series

Inochi

Takahara Masamichi

1986

Film ★ 7,8

The Twilight Samurai

Tozaemon Iguchi

2002

Series

Matsudaira Ukon Jikencho

1982

Film ★ 6,9

Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky

Master Zhang

1991

Film ★ 7,7

Kwaidan

Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")

1965

Series ★ 8,0

Sanada Taiheiki

Sanada Masayuki

1985

Series ★ 8,0

Gokenin Zankuro

1995

Series

水曜ドラマ宮本武蔵

平田無二斎

1984

Film ★ 6,0

Giant Rumble

1964

Film ★ 6,4

Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs

Nagumo

1974

Film ★ 7,3

The Castle of Sand

Detective Eitaro Imanishi

1974

Film ★ 6,5

Crayon Shin-chan: Explosion! The Hot Spring's Feel Good Final Battle

Tamba (voice)

1999

Film ★ 5,3

The Bushido Blade

Lord Yamato

1981

Series

Life of St. Blue Eyes

Takeyoshi Takagi

1984

Series

The Tale of Genji

1991

Film ★ 6,9

The Bullet Train

Sunaga

1975

Series ★ 5,7

The Ginger Tree

Hirushi Tsushima

1989

Series

Tokugawa Chronicles: Ambition of the 3 Branches

Naruse Hayatonosho

1986

Film ★ 6,6

The 5-Man Army

Samurai

1969

Film ★ 5,9

Samurai Reincarnation

Muramasa

1981

Series

新幹線物語'93夏

黒木哲也

1993

Film ★ 7,0

Submersion of Japan

Prime Minister Yamamoto

1973

Film ★ 6,8

The Water Margin

Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I

1972

Film ★ 7,5

Goyokin

Rokugo Tatewaki

1969

Film ★ 7,3

Four Days of Snow and Blood

Jinzaburi Shinzaki

1989

Film ★ 6,6

Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight

Shino

1973

Series

Yumemiru Budo

2003

Film ★ 7,4

Port Arthur

Gentaro Kodama

1980

Film ★ 5,6

Fireflies in the North

Ishikura

1984

Series ★ 8,0

The Great White Tower

Professor Ukai

1990

Film ★ 6,8

Gozu

2003

Series

Byakkotai

Jinbo Kuranosuke

1986

Film ★ 7,0

Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy

Ogasawara Gensinsai

1978

Film ★ 7,0

All Men Are Brothers

Lu Chun I

1975

Film ★ 7,3

Battles Without Honor and Humanity

1973

Film ★ 5,9

Message from Space

Ernest Noguchi

1978

Series ★ 9,0

The Veteran Trio

Inui Sanshiro

1999

Film ★ 8,0

Twilight Saloon

Morimoto

1955

Film ★ 3,7

Night Train

Isaburo Tamura

1987

Film ★ 7,1

Pigs and Battleships

Slasher Tetsuji

1961

Film ★ 6,3

Graveyard of Honor

Tetsuji Tokura

2002

Film ★ 7,8

The Battle of Okinawa

Lieutenant General Isamu Cho

1971

Film ★ 6,7

Violent Streets

Shimamura

1974

Film ★ 5,6

The Geisha

Kochi Notable

1983

Film ★ 6,6

Deadly Outlaw: Rekka

Sanada

2002

Series

Coming Home

Shirota Fukuzo

1994

Film ★ 6,3

Shogun's Ninja

Tozawa Hakuunsai

1980

Film ★ 7,2

Silence

Cristóvão Ferreira

1971