Tetsuro Tamba

Biography

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, 20…

Movies & TV Shows

1. You Only Live Twice (1967) — Tiger Tanaka
2. The Cat Returns (2002) — Cat King (voice)
3. Harakiri (1962) — Hikokuro Omodaka
4. Kwaidan (1965) — Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")
5. Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1991) — Master Zhang
6. The Twilight Samurai (2002) — Tozaemon Iguchi
7. Gozu (2003)
8. The Happiness of the Katakuris (2002) — Granpa Jinpei Katakuri
9. Battles Without Honor and Humanity (1973)
10. Three Outlaw Samurai (1964) — Sakon Shiba
11. Goyokin (1969) — Rokugo Tatewaki
12. The Bullet Train (1975) — Sunaga
13. Pigs and Battleships (1961) — Slasher Tetsuji
14. The 5-Man Army (1969) — Samurai
15. Message from Space (1978) — Ernest Noguchi
16. Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs (1974) — Nagumo
17. Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War (1973) — Tatsuo Akashi
18. Graveyard of Honor (2002) — Tetsuji Tokura
19. A Taxing Woman's Return (1988) — Sadohara
20. The Castle of Sand (1974) — Detective Eitaro Imanishi
21. Samurai Spy (1965) — Sakon Takatani
22. Shogun's Samurai (1978) — Ogasawara Gensinsai
23. Samurai Reincarnation (1981) — Muramasa
24. 13 Assassins (1963) — Doi Ōkō Toshi
25. Silence (1971) — Cristóvão Ferreira
26. Assassination (1964) — Hachiro Kiyokawa
27. Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight (1973) — Shino
28. Deadly Outlaw: Rekka (2002) — Sanada
29. Under the Flag of the Rising Sun (1972) — Sergeant Katsuo Togashi
30. Black Lizard (1968) — Kuroki
31. Marco Polo (1982) — Vasaio
32. The Fall of Ako Castle (1978) — Yanagisawa
33. Onimasa: A Japanese Godfather (1982) — Uichi Suda, The Big Boss
34. The Wolves (1971) — Genryu Asakura
35. Shogun's Shadow (1989) — Hotta Masamori
36. Shogun's Ninja (1980) — Tozawa Hakuunsai
37. The Water Margin (1972) — Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I
38. Revenge (1964) — Shume Okuno
39. The 7th Dawn (1964) — Ng
40. Bandits vs. Samurai Squadron (1978) — Kichibei

Directed

1. Tetsuro Tamba's Spirit World (1988) — Director
2. Tetsuro Tamba’s Great Spiritual World 3: Amazing Reincarnation Story That Ran Around the Whole (1994) — Director
3. The Sand Boat (1980) — Director