Kaichi Yamamoto

Biography

Kaichi Yamamoto, also known as Yamakichi, was a distinguished Japanese actor renowned for his performances in both contemporary and period films. He was a prominent figure at Nikkatsu studios following the era of Onoe Matsunosuke. At the age of 18 in 1895, he joined the "Kawakami Onjuro Troupe," a prominent New School (Shinpa) theater group led by Onjuro Kawakami. Four years later, at the age of 22, Yamamoto participated in the troupe's overseas performances, including those in the United States, showcasing his talent on international stages. In 1917, he was invited to join the Nikkatsu Mukojima Studio, where he transitioned to film acting after a prolific 22-year theatrical career, shortly before turning 40. His first film at Nikkatsu, "Tsuyu no Chigiri" (Oath of Dew), was released on June 30, 1917, at the Asakusa Opera Hall. After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, which devastated the Mukojima Studio, Yamamoto transferred to Nikkatsu Kyoto Studio. He continued to excel in contemporary dramas, including films like "Okina to Seizo" (Okina and Seizo) and "Toge no Uta" (The Song of the Mountain Pass), the latter being part of the New Year's line-up in 1924[3]. For over a decade, he resided in Kyoto, where he became a stalwart in period dramas, particularly after the passing of Kabuki actor Onoe Matsunosuke. In 1934, with the establishment of Nikkatsu Tamagawa Studio (now Kadokawa Daiei Studio) as a hub for contemporary dramas, Yamamoto moved there and appeared in films like "Aizou Toge" (Love and Hate Pass). Yamamoto's filmography boasts a remarkable 250-plus films, demonstrating his enduring legacy in Japanese cinema. He passed away on December 17, 1939, at the age of 62, having left an indelible mark on the world of acting and film.

Most Known For

The Homeland

as Wealthy farmer Tsuda Kinzo

Sonno Joi

as Tokugawa Nariaki

Jihishincho

as Representative Komai

The 26 Martyrs of Japan

as Petrus Baptista Blásquez

Earth

as Ukichi

Metropolitan Symphony

as Oike Den'emon

Jean Valjean: Part Two

Mistress of a Foreigner

as Harris

Great Bodhisattva Pass 2

Mito Kōmon

A Paper Doll's Whisper of Spring

Jinsei Gekijo: Zankyaku hen

Skull Dance

as 瑞雲寺住職日高泰禅老師

Banquet Under the Midnight Sun

Hatobue wo Fuku Onna

日輪　前篇

Happy Daughter

as Shuzou Maeda

Jean Valjean: Part One

The Living Corpse

Zōho kaitei Chūshingura

as Kôzukenosuke Kira