Photo: 朝日新聞社 / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Takashi Shimura was a film actor, stage actor and television actor, born on March 12, 1905 in Asago, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Death is recorded on February 11, 1982, at the age of 76. Takashi Shimura was educated at Kansai University. Awards on record include Medal with Purple Ribbon (1974) and Mainichi Film Award for Best Actor. The listed height was 163 cm.
My Take
To me, Takashi Shimura is the structural backbone of Kurosawa's cinema. Appearing in 21 of the director's 30 films, more than any other actor, he anchored Ikiru, Seven Samurai, Rashomon and Drunken Angel with a face that wore human frailty and dignity at once. He was never a flashy leading man; instead he made weariness and resolve quietly devastating. Over 200 films and a Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon barely capture his reach. If the word 'great actor' means something distinct from 'star,' Shimura is the proof. He remains, for me, a treasure of Japanese film.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Takashi Shimura
- Name (Japanese)
- 志村喬
- Reading
- しむら たかし
- Born
- March 12, 1905 – February 11, 1982
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Pisces / Snake
- Origin
- Asago, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
- Height
- 163 cm
- Occupation
- film actor / actor / stage actor / television actor / radio drama actor
2. Background
- University
- Kansai University
Awards & achievements
- 1974 Medal with Purple Ribbon
- Mainichi Film Award for Best Actor
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Drunken Angel | — | |
| Notable work | Stray Dog | — | |
| Notable work | The Quiet Duel | — | |
| Notable work | Rashomon | — | |
| Notable work | Ikiru | — |
4. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takashi%20Shimura
- Wikipedia (Japanese)https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BF%97%E6%9D%91%E5%96%AC
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q40070
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Takashi Shimura born?
Born March 12, 1905.
When did Takashi Shimura die?
Died February 11, 1982, aged 76.
Where was Takashi Shimura from?
Takashi Shimura was from Asago, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.
What did Takashi Shimura do?
Takashi Shimura worked as film actor, actor, stage actor, television actor, radio drama actor.
How tall was Takashi Shimura?
Takashi Shimura was 163 cm.
What was Takashi Shimura known for?
Notable works include Drunken Angel, Stray Dog, The Quiet Duel.
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