Tetsuro Tamba
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.
Acting
Movie
You Only Live Twice
as Tiger Tanaka
1967
Movie
The Cat Returns
as Cat King (voice)
2002
Movie
Harakiri
as Hikokuro Omodaka
1962
Movie
Kwaidan
as Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")
1965
Movie
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
as Master Zhang
1991
Movie
The Twilight Samurai
as Tozaemon Iguchi
2002
Movie
Gozu
2003
Movie
The Happiness of the Katakuris
as Granpa Jinpei Katakuri
2002
Movie
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
1973
Movie
Three Outlaw Samurai
as Sakon Shiba
1964
Movie
The Bullet Train
as Sunaga
1975
Movie
Goyokin
as Rokugo Tatewaki
1969
Movie
Pigs and Battleships
as Slasher Tetsuji
1961
Movie
The 5-Man Army
as Samurai
1969
Movie
Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs
as Nagumo
1974
Movie
Graveyard of Honor
as Tetsuji Tokura
2002
Movie
Message from Space
as Ernest Noguchi
1978
Movie
A Taxing Woman's Return
as Sadohara
1988
Movie
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War
as Tatsuo Akashi
1973
Movie
The Castle of Sand
as Detective Eitaro Imanishi
1974
Movie
Samurai Spy
as Sakon Takatani
1965
Movie
Shogun's Samurai
as Ogasawara Gensinsai
1978
Movie
Samurai Reincarnation
as Muramasa
1981
Movie
13 Assassins
as Doi Ōkō Toshi
1963
Crew
Movie
Three Outlaw Samurai
Producer
1964
Movie
Tetsuro Tamba's Great Spirit World: What Happens When You Die
General Manager
1989
Movie
Tetsuro Tamba's Spirit World
Director
1988
Movie
Tetsuro Tamba's Great Spirit World 2: I was surprised when I died!!
Executive Producer
1990
Movie
Tetsuro Tamba’s Great Spiritual World 3: Amazing Reincarnation Story That Ran Around the Whole
Director
1994
Movie
The Sand Boat
Executive Producer
1980