Akiji Kobayashi
Known For
Acting
Born
1930-09-06 in Yodobashi ward, Tokyo, Japan
Died
1996-08-27
Biography
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. He made his film debut with Satsujin Yogisha in 1952. He is best known in the West for portraying the role of Captain Toshio Muramatsu in the 1966-1967 television series, Ultraman. From 1983-84, he appeared in the popular television detective series Seibu Keisatsu. His other notable television role was Tōbei Tachibana ("Oya-san") in several series of the Kamen Rider franchise. He was one of Kon Ichikawa's favorite actors, appearing in 12 Ichikawa films. 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, ten days before his 66th birthday.
Most Known For
Kamen Rider
as Tobei Tachibana
Tales of the Bizarre
Ultraman
as Captain 'Cap' Toshio Muramatsu
Kamen Rider Stronger
as Tobei Tachibana
Professional Killers
Attack, Jun
Kamen Rider V3: The Movie
as Tōbei Tachibana
Harakiri
Kamen Rider X
as Tobei Tachibana
The Kagestar
as Inspector Keibu Tonda
宇宙少年ソラン
as ワイラー
Godzilla vs. Mothra
as Yuzo Tsuchiashi
The 47 Ronins of Ako
as Hara Soemon
Kamen Rider V3
as Tobei Tachibana
Kojika Monogatari
as ペニー
Kwaidan
as (segment "In a Cup of Tea") (uncredited)
Ie Naki Ko
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
as Yuzo Tsuchiashi
Kamen Rider Amazon
as Tobei Tachibana
Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance
as Narrator