Toshiro Mifune, a renowned Japanese actor, achieved unparalleled worldwide recognition during his century, surpassing any other Japanese actor of his time. Born in Tsingtao, China, to Japanese parents, he grew up in Dalian, not setting foot in Japan until he was 21 years old.
His father, an importer and commercial photographer, owned a studio where young Toshiro worked after graduating from Dalian Middle School. At the age of 20, he was automatically drafted into the Japanese army and enlisted in the Air Force, serving in the Aerial Photography Unit throughout World War II.
In 1947, he took a test for Kajirô Yamamoto, which led to a recommendation from director Senkichi Taniguchi, resulting in Mifune's first film role in These Foolish Times II. He soon met and bonded with director Akira Kurosawa, forming a legendary actor-director partnership that would become synonymous with Japanese cinema.
Mifune appeared in 16 of Kurosawa's films, including Drunken Angel (1948),Rashomon (1950),and Yojimbo (1961),among others. His collaborations with Kurosawa earned him international recognition, particularly for his iconic roles in Rashomon and Yojimbo. He excelled in action roles, but also demonstrated his range in dramatic parts, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Despite a personal rift during the filming of Red Beard (1965),which ended the Mifune-Kurosawa collaboration, he continued to perform leading roles in major films, both in Japan and internationally. He was twice named Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival, for Yojimbo and Red Beard.
In 1963, Mifune founded his own production company, directing and producing several films. In his later years, he gained new fame with the title role in the American TV miniseries Shogun (1980) and appeared in occasional cameo roles. His later years were marked by struggles with Alzheimer's Syndrome, and he passed away in 1997, just months before the death of his long-time collaborator, Akira Kurosawa.
