Tetsuro Tamba
Known for: Acting
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
Yonimo Kimyou na Monogatari Tokubetsuhen
1990
Film
Harakiri
Hikokuro Omodaka
1962
Series
Key Hunter
黒木鉄也
1968
Film
You Only Live Twice
Tiger Tanaka
1967
Film
The Cat Returns
Cat King (voice)
2002
Series
G-Men '75
黒木警視
1975
Series
Hashiran ka!
前田米吉
1995
Film
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
Master Zhang
1991
Series
Masked Blade
1983
Series
HOTEL
Ohara Tetsutaro
1990
Series
Marco Polo
Vasaio
1982
Series
Yoshitsune
Minamoto no Yorimasa (Gen-ji)
2005
Series
Inochi
Takahara Masamichi
1986
Series
Toshiie and Matsu
Tarozaemon Iguchi
2002
Series
The Tale of Genji
1991
Series
Gokenin Zankuro
1995
Series
Ōgon no Hibi
Imai Sōkyū
1978
Film
The Bullet Train
Sunaga
1975
Series
Sanada Taiheiki
Sanada Masayuki
1985
Film
The Twilight Samurai
Tozaemon Iguchi
2002
Film
Kwaidan
Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")
1965
Film
Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs
Nagumo
1974
Film
The Bushido Blade
Lord Yamato
1981
Series
水曜ドラマ 宮本武蔵
平田無二斎
1984
Film
Crayon Shin-chan: Explosion! The Hot Spring's Feel Good Final Battle
Tamba (voice)
1999
Series
新幹線物語'93夏
黒木哲也
1993
Film
The Peking Man
Osone
1997
Film
Samurai Reincarnation
Muramasa
1981
Film
Greatest Boss of the Showa Era
1966
Film
Gang vs. G-Men
Toru Tezuka
1962
Series
Matsudaira Ukon Jikencho
1982
Film
Night Train
Isaburo Tamura
1987
Film
Flames of Blood
1981
Film
The 7th Dawn
Ng
1964
Film
Blood and Law
1965
Film
All Rascals
1962
Film
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
1973
Film
Gozu
2003
Series
Life of St. Blue Eyes
Takeyoshi Takagi
1984
Film
Shinran: Path to Purity
1987
Film
Jakoman and Tetsu
Jakoman
1964
Film
Quick on the Trigger
1958
Film
Shogun's Shadow
Hotta Masamori
1989
Series
Tokugawa Chronicles: Ambition of the 3 Branches
Naruse Hayatonosho
1986
Film
Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight
Shino
1973
Film
Submersion of Japan
Prime Minister Yamamoto
1973
Film
The Water Margin
Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I
1972
Film
Gang vs. G-Men: Safe Breakers
手塚徹
1963
Film
The Gambler
1965
Film
King of the Gang
1967
Film
Informal Dress
1972
Film
The 5-Man Army
Samurai
1969
Series
The Ginger Tree
Hirushi Tsushima
1989
Film
Yakuza Skirmishes
1972
Film
The Battle of Okinawa
Lieutenant General Isamu Cho
1971
Film
Giant Rumble
1964
Film
Shogun's Samurai
Ogasawara Gensinsai
1978
Film
Rise and Fall of Chivalry
1970
Film
Fireflies in the North
Ishikura
1984
Film
Shogun's Ninja
Tozawa Hakuunsai
1980
Film
All Men Are Brothers
Lu Chun I
1975
Film
13 Assassins
Doi Ōkō Toshi
1963
Film
The Sand Boat
1980
Film
The Return of the Filthy Seven
1967
Film
Onimasa: A Japanese Godfather
Uichi Suda, The Big Boss
1982
Film
Port Arthur
Gentaro Kodama
1980
Film
Human Revolution II
1976
Film
Revenge
Shume Okuno
1964
Film
Heaven Station
1984
A Case of Murder by the Atami Station Taxi Stand
2003
Film
Heat Wave
Denkichi Tsuzaki
1991
Film
Graveyard of Honor
Tetsuji Tokura
2002
Film
The Fall of Ako Castle
Yanagisawa
1978
Film
Kim's War
1991
Film
Choshichiro's Edo Diaries: The Yagyu Conspiracy
Yagyu Munefuyu
1984
Film
Love: Starting on a Journey
1985
Film
The Castle of Sand
Detective Eitaro Imanishi
1974
Film
Sky Scraper!
1969
Film
Violent Streets
Shimamura
1974
Series
The Veteran Trio
Inui Sanshiro
1999
Series
The Great White Tower
Professor Ukai
1990
Series
Byakkotai
Jinbo Kuranosuke
1986
Film
Bandits vs. Samurai Squadron
Kichibei
1978
Film
Goyokin
Rokugo Tatewaki
1969
Film
Hot Vacation
1968
Film
The Geisha
Kochi Notable
1983
Film
Message from Space
Ernest Noguchi
1978
Film
The Happiness of the Katakuris
Granpa Jinpei Katakuri
2002
Film
Four Days of Snow and Blood
Jinzaburi Shinzaki
1989
Film
G-Men in the Pacific
Mizuhara
1962
Film
Deadly Outlaw: Rekka
Sanada
2002
Film
Female Slave Ship
1960
Secret Prophecies of Nostradamus
Himself
1974
Film
Pigs and Battleships
Slasher Tetsuji
1961
Film
Three Outlaw Samurai
Sakon Shiba
1964
Film
The Imperial Navy
Jisaburo Ozawa
1981
Film
A Picture of Madame Yuki
1975
Film
Battle Anthem
Yamamoto
1983
Film
Black Lizard
Kuroki
1968
Film
Sakuya: The Slayer of Demons
Old Master
2000
Coming Home
Shirota Fukuzo
1994
Film
Yakuza Ladies 3
Takeo Sakanishi
1989
Film
Conflagration
Captain Munekata
1975
Film
Seven Nights in Japan
Terrorist Leader (uncredited)
1976
Film
The Shogun Assassins
Kato Kiyomasa
1979
Film
Gang vs. Gang
1962
Film
Mount Hakkoda
Colonel Kojima
1977
Film
The Armed Organization
1971
Film
The Imperial Japanese Empire
Hideki Tojo
1982
Film
Tokyo Blackout
Nakata
1987
Film
T.R.Y.
2003
Film
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War
Tatsuo Akashi
1973
Film
The Kingdom of Jirocho 3
1964
Yumemiru Budo
2003
Film
Samurai Spy
Sakon Takatani
1965
Film
Prophecies of Nostradamus
Dr. Nishiyama
1974
Film
Silence
Cristóvão Ferreira
1971
Film
The Gambling Samurai
Fumizo Mitsuki
1960
Film
A Taxing Woman's Return
Sadohara
1988
Film
Twilight of the Cockroaches
Grandpa (voice)
1987
Film
Hell's Kitchen
1962
Film
Japanese Hell
Asu Shino
1999
Film
Tokyo Pop
Mr. Dota
1988
Film
Blind Beast vs Killer Dwarf
2001
Film
Men and War I: Prelude to Destiny
1970
Film
August Without Emperor
Army General Mikami
1978
Film
Suspicion
Kanetaka Okamura
1982
Film
Red Peony Gambler: Biographies of a Gambling Room
1969
Film
The Hitman: Blood Smells Like Roses
1991
Film
Mysterious Clouds: Legend of Satomi's Heroic Deed
Aboshi Samajirô
1957
Film
The Supernormal II
1993
Film
Under the Flag of the Rising Sun
Sergeant Katsuo Togashi
1972
Film
Gambler's Farewell
Tetsuji Kasai
1968
Film
Tidal Wave
Prime Minister Yamato
1975
Film
Hunter in the Dark
Okitsugu Tanuma
1979
Film
Never Give Up
General Wada
1978
Film
Tokyo: The Last War
Kanaami Kohou
1989
Film
Tokyo: The Last War
Kan'ami Kouou
1989
Series
Tabaruzaka
Ôyama Tunayoshi
1987
Film
You're My Destiny
1987
Film
The Incident
Lawyer Kikuchi
1978
Film
Destroyer Yukikaze
1964
Film
Jubaku: Spellbound
Tajiro Kawakami
1999
Film
The Last True Yakuza
Kazumasa Tashiro
1985
Kaseifu wa mita!
1997
Film
Sugata Sanshiro
Iinuma
1977
Film
Emperor Meiji and the Great Russo-Japanese War
Rear Admiral Shimamura
1957
Film
The Bad Boss
1968
Film
Blood of Revenge
Yutaro Nomura
1965
Film
Nichiren
1979
Film
Assassination
Hachiro Kiyokawa
1964
Film
Postwar Secrets
Kuroki
1970
Film
Zero Fighter
Captain Saito
1976
Film
Cabaret
Yakuza boss
1986
Film
Tokyo Gang vs. Hong Kong Gang
1964
Film
Aurora Borealis
Tsuneiro Kamisaka
1990
Series
The Brave Man Says Little
1983
Film
Dead Angle
1979
Film
The Corporation
Kawamata
1976
Film
Operation Plazma in Osaka
1976
Film
1750 Days of Turbulence
1990
Film
Thirst for Love
Kosuke Aso
1966
Film
Screwed
Landlord
1998
Film
Operation Diamond
Kazuo Kasami
1962
Film
Tale of Ninja Duty
Mumyo Tsunataro
1965
Film
The Classroom of Terror
1976
Film
Kōgen ni ressha ga hashitta
1984
Film
The Young Eagles of the Kamikaze
1968
Film
Zero
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
1984
Film
Japan's Top Gangster
Noboru Yamaguchi
1973
Film
Crimson Bat - Oichi: Wanted, Dead or Alive
Hyoe
1970
Film
There Goes Benio, the Smart Girl
1987
Film
Samurai from Somewhere
Masagi Shohei
1964
Film
A Class to Remember IV: Fifteen
Tetsuo Hatake
2000
Film
Shadow Hunters 2: Echo of Destiny
Kagemetsuke
1972
Film
The Executioner II: Karate Inferno
Kimitake Shugi / Moroki
1974
Film
Emperor of Upheaval
1993
Underwater Murder
1958
Series
Hanshichi Torimonochō
1992
Film
Once and For All
1967
Film
Daredevil in the Castle
Sadamasa Ishikawa
1961
Film
Tokyo Untouchable
Goro Kawamoto
1965
Film
The Story of a Man Among Men
1984
Film
Abashiri Prison
Tsumaki
1965
Film
Be-In Bully High School
Ryotaro Sakurazawa
1990
Film
Call from Darkness
Sugibayashi
1981
Film
The Wolves
Genryu Asakura
1971
Film
Yakuza Demon
Michitane Tendou
2003
Film
Karafuto 1945 Summer
1974
Film
The Wild Daisy
Gozaburo Saito
1981
Film
To Trap a Kidnapper
1982
Film
The Ghost of Kasane
Jinjûrô Ômura
1957
Film
A Wicked Woman
Ihei Ôsawa
1958
Film
Snake Woman's Curse
Commander
1968
Film
The International Gang of Kobe
Rinsei
1975
Film
Shadow Hunters
1972
Film
Samurai from Nowhere
Gunjuro Ohba
1964
Film
やくざ番外地 抹殺
1969
Film
Quarreling with Yakuza
1973
Film
Get 'em All
Tanabe
1960
Film
Kukai
1984
Film
Teruo Ishii Fan Club
2006
Film
The Private Police
1969
Film
The Scandalous Adventures of Buraikan
Soshun Kochiyama
1970
Film
The Shogun's Vault
1964
Film
Blackmail Is My Life
1968
Film
The Human Revolution
1973
Film
Organized Violence
1967
Film
Demon Pond
2005
Film
Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido
1967
Film
Sazen Tange and The Secret of the Urn
Lord Tsushima Yagyu
1966
Film
The Ceiling at Utsunomiya
Kurozumi Tenzen
1956
Film
13 Assassins
1990
Film
The Pacific War and the International Military Tribunal
1959
Film
Four Sisters
Masao Igarashi
1962
Film
Mysterious Dwarf
1955
Kaachan
1961
Film
The Ando Gang Documentary Film
1973
Film
L・O・V・I・N・G
1983
Film
Female Neo-Ninjas
Time Patrol leader
1991
Film
The Great Shogunate Battle
1991
Film
Monument to Holy Service
1978
Film
Japan's Violent Gangs: The Boss and the Killers
1969
Film
Game of Chance 3
1967
Film
The Gambler's Counterattack
Chief Inspector
1971
Film
April Fish
Panapora Chief Handa
1986
Film
Admiral Yamamoto and the Allied Fleets
1956
Film
The Thousand Year Fire
2004
Film
Portrait of Chieko
Kotaro Takamura
1967
Film
Dissolution Rites
Sakai
1967
Film
Organized Violence II
Police Inspector Kitagawa
1967
Film
Tales of Young Genji Kuro 3
1962
Film
Futari dake no toride
1963
Film
Troops of Darkness
1971
Film
源氏九郎颯爽記 秘剣揚羽の蝶
1991
Film
Bridge to the Sun
Jiro
1961
Film
King of Pornography
1971
Film
Emperor & Empress Meiji and the Sino-Japanese War
Keisuke Otori
1958
Film
Spycatcher J3: SOS Close Shave
J1 (TULIP Japan Branch Chief)
1966
Film
Thirteen Times a Loser
Shinji Kaizuka
1969
Film
A Madcap Corporation
Yoshiteru Suma (Suma-gumi Boss)
1983
Film
The Alaska Story
Arashuk
1977
Film
The Stupid Teacher
Utaemon Baba
2000
Film
Wild Cop 2
1973
Film
A Flame at the Pier
1962
Film
Bloody History of Soldiers
Shumei Okawa
1958
Order Made ~Shiawase Iro no Shinshi Fuku Mise~
2004
Film
The Way to The Gold Medals
President Sakakibara
1980
Film
The Duel in the Forbidden Territory
1983
Film
Gamblers and Racketeers
1964
Film
South Pacific Waves Are High
1962
Film
Mist and Shadows
Yusuke Komiya
1961
Film
Hanamazu
1955
Film
Tetsuro Tamba's Great Spirit World: What Happens When You Die
吉野博士
1989
Film
Greed in Broad Daylight
Miyahara
1961
Film
Army Intelligence
Lieutenant Colonel Akiyama
1968
Film
Submarine Ro Hasn't Surfaced
1954
Film
The Last Days of Planet Earth
Dr. Nishiyama
1981
Film
Gang Loyalty and Vengeance
Gu Shimizu
1963
Film
Storming Osaka Castle: The Sanada Ten Braves
Mondonoshô Hirano
1957
Film
Kingorō no kaigun taishô
1959
Film
日本敗れず
1954
Film
Ino Tadataka: Meridian Dreams
2001
Film
An Outlaw
1964
Film
Shōwa Gokudōshi
1972
Film
The Kii River
Shintani Kosaku
1966
Film
Psychic: Traveler to the Unknown
1994
Film
High Seas Hijack
Captain Munekata
1977
Film
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: The Complete Saga
Tatsuo Akashi
1980
Film
Murderer!
Nīto Kouken
1976
Film
Big Bad Wolf
1973
Film
Flickering Flames
1977
Film
Tange Sazen
1963
Film
Tetsuro Tamba's Great Spirit World 2: I was surprised when I died!!
Ryo Okamoto
1990
Film
Hanran
Captain Koda
1954
Film
Continental Drifter
1966
Film
Company Buggers
1975
Film
Vendetta of Obligation
1985
Film
Showdown on Pier No.3
Kirishima
1960
Film
Hawk of the Harbour
1967
Samon’s Hell Revenge: Unauthorised Jutte Records 2 - The Assassination of the Shogun
1983
Film
Uragirimono wa jigoku daze
1962
Film
The Sacrifice of the Human Torpedoes
1955
The Fencing Collegian
1956
Film
The Political Game
1989
Film
The Yellow Climate
1961
Film
Ano hito wa ima
1963
Film
Twilight Saloon
Morimoto
1955
Film
Element of Surprise
1963
Film
The School Deviate Waru
1973
Film
The Challenge
Takayama
1962
Black and Red Flower Petals
1962
Film
Organized Crime: Killer's Glory
1972
Film
Tokyo Untouchables
1964
Film
剣聖 暁の三十六番斬り
1957
Kyōen Kobanzame
1958
Kingoro's Soldier
1956
Film
Cherry Blossoms in the Air - The Suicide Raiders - Oh, Buddies!
1970
Film
Lady Vengeance and the 47 Ronin
1983
Minamoto Yoshitsune
1991
No Police
1959
Film
Ninja Killers
1964
Film
Eleven Gangsters
1963
Film
Gamblers: The Dragon Tattoo
1967
Film
New Abashiri Prison Story: Honor and Humanity, Ammunition That Attracts the Storm
1972
Film
Penitentiary Brothers
1969
Film
Hibari's Triple Role: The Dazzling Transformation of Yukinojo
1957
Film
長七郎江戸日記スペシャル 長七郎 大奥まかり通る
1989
Speed King
1956
Film
Nezumi Kozō kaitō den
1984
Shura Group Part 1
2002
Film
The Tale of Saikaido
1983
Film
Capone: Roppongi Renkin no Teio
2004
Film
The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
1965
Film
Ronin on a Mission
Ōishi Kuranosuke
1987
Film
Umineko ga tonde
1962
Film
Kill the Killer!
Narumi
1961
Film
Tokugawa Ieyasu – TBS Warlord Special
1988
Film
Homicide
Lieutenant Aikawa
1964
Film
Kizu-darake no futeki-sha
1963
Film
The Prosecutor and His Sister
1956
Film
Diamonds of the Andes
1968
Film
Zankokuna tsuki
1962
Film
The Making Of The Katakuris
2001
Film
Devil Princess’ Beauty Competition
1956
Film
Yakuza Warfare
1991
Film
Lone Rebel
1969
Nude Woman and Murder Maze
Senba
1959
Film
Standing Towards the Great Forest
1961
Film
High-Ranking Yakuza
1965
Film
Shura Group
2002
Film
Escape Man
1967
Film
Queen of Asia
1957
Film
機動捜査班
1961
Film
Structure of Hate
1961
Film
Taira no Kiyomori
1992
Be Free!
Keizo Hasegawa
1986
Film
Tetsuro Tamba’s Great Spiritual World 3: Amazing Reincarnation Story That Ran Around the Whole
1994
Film
Kuronekokan ni Kieta Otoko
1956
Film
Tokyo Untouchable: Escape
Goro Kawamoto
1963
Film
The Sound of the Waves
1985
Film
Between Women and Wives
1976
Film
Zero sen no jorō gun
1960
The Vassal's Neck
1955
President Rai of Kingoro
1956
Film
Drive for the Future
Akiji Nishikawa
1980
Film
Red Flowers of Hell
1961
Film
The Villain from Edo Kochiyama Soshun
1982
Film
Detective
1964
Film
Shura Group Part 2
2002
Film
Underworld Code
1965
Film
The Code of Man
1968
Film
Hibari's Triple Role: The Transformation of Yukinojo — Part II
1957
Film
修羅のみち
2001