Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Birthdate
1930-09-06
Day of Death
1996-08-27
Place of Birth
Yodobashi ward, Tokyo, Japan
Akiji Kobayashi
Biography
Akiji Kobayashi (小林昭二, Kobayashi Akiji, September 6, 1930 – August 27, 1996), sometimes credited as Shōji Kobayashi, was a Japanese actor. He attended Nihon University College of Art, but withdrew before completing his degree and joined the Haiyuza Theatre Company in 1949. He made his film debut with Satsujin Yogisha in 1952. He is best known in the West for portraying the role of Captain Toshio Muramatsu in the 1966-1967 television series, Ultraman. From 1983-84, he appeared in the popular television detective series Seibu Keisatsu. His other notable television role was Tōbei Tachibana ("Oya-san") in several series of the Kamen Rider franchise. He was one of Kon Ichikawa's favorite actors, appearing in 12 Ichikawa films. His final film appearance was Yatsuhaka-mura as Head of a Factory directed by Kon Ichikawa in 1996. He was the official dubbing artist of John Wayne and Richard Crenna. Kobayashi died of lung cancer in Yokohama on August 27, 1996, ten days before his 66th birthday.
Filmography (82)
Master Swordsman Hirate Miki - Duel in Tone
1997
The 8-Tomb Village
1996
Gamera 2: Attack of Legion
1996
Ultraman Zearth
1996
Revive! Ultraman
1996
Getting Any?
1995
47 Ronin
1994
Kogarashi Monjirō Returns
1993
Kamen Rider SD: Strange?! Kumo Otoko
1993
Godzilla vs. Mothra
1992
Run, Melos!
1992
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
1991
Noh Mask Murders
1991
Ultra Q The Movie: Legend of the Stars
1990
