Akiji Kobayashi

Akiji Kobayashi
Born(1930-09-06)September 6, 1930
Tokyo, Japan
DiedAugust 27, 1996(1996-08-27) (aged 65)
Yokohama, Japan
Occupation(s)Actor, voice actor
Years active1952–1996

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.[1] He made his film debut with Satsujin Yogisha in 1952.[1]

He is best known for portraying the role of Captain Toshio Muramatsu in the 1966-1967 television series, Ultraman.[2] From 1983-84, he appeared in popular television detective series Seibu Keisatsu. His other notable television role was Tōbei Tachibana ("Oya-san") in several series of the Kamen Rider franchise.[2] He was one of the Kon Ichikawa's favorite actors, appearing in 12 Ichikawa's films.[3] 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.[2]

  1. ^ a b "Akiji Kobayashi". kotobank.jp. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Yoshimaru, Satoko (November 1996). "Captain Mura Dies at Age 65". Kaiju-Fan Vol. 1, No. 4. p.5.
  3. ^ "小林昭二". eiga.com. Retrieved March 19, 2017.