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Akira Emoto

えもと あきら

Emoto Akira

Aliases: えもっちゃん / エモアキ

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1948-11-03 (Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Japan)
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, Japan → Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Japan

Career

Occupations
actor, director, talent
Active Years
1974-2025
Affiliations
Knockout
Memberships
Theatre Company Tokyo Kandenchi
Influenced By
Nobuo Kaneko, Yusaku Matsuda
Influenced
Tasuku Emoto, Tokio Emoto

Education

Tokyo Metropolitan Oji Technical High School
Mechanical / Mechanical
Country: Japan
Graduated from mechanical course

Awards

Japan Academy Prize — Best Actor
1999
Work: Kanzo Sensei
Category: 主演男優賞
Organization: Japan Academy Prize Association
Result: winner
Japan Academy Prize — Best Supporting Actor
2011
Work: Villain (Akunin)
Category: 助演男優賞
Organization: Japan Academy Prize Association
Result: winner
Blue Ribbon Awards — Best Supporting Actor
1983
Work: Otoko wa Tsurai yo: Torajiro Ajisai no Koi / Dotonborigawa
Category: 助演男優賞
Organization: The Association of Tokyo Film Journalists
Result: winner
Hochi Film Award — Best Actor
1998
Work: Kanzo Sensei
Category: 主演男優賞
Organization: Sports Hochi
Result: winner
Mainichi Film Awards — Best Supporting Actor
2004
Work: Zatoichi, etc.
Category: 助演男優賞
Organization: The Mainichi Newspapers
Result: winner
Purple Ribbon Medal
2011
Organization: Government of Japan
Result: recipient
Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
2019
Organization: Government of Japan
Result: recipient

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Kanzo Sensei

1998 Film

A human drama centered on a physician. Emoto received wide acclaim for his leading performance.

human conflictmedical ethics

Akunin (Villain)

2010 Film

A film depicting a socially charged crime and its background. Emoto gave a memorable supporting performance.

crime and punishmentsocietal gaze

Unagi

1997 Film

A film based on a work by Seicho Matsumoto; a distinctive drama. Emoto appeared in a supporting role.

human dramafate

Bibliography

  • Akira Emoto: Appears on Exams (book title literal translation)
  • Emoto Akira 'Lecture on Despair' - Special Issue
  • Actors of Tokyo (oral autobiography)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
performances that utilize a distinctive presencebalance of serious and comedic acting
Recurring Motifs
portrayal of middle-aged/elderly craftsmen-like figureseccentric comic 'boke' roles

Legacy

Recognized as one of Japan's leading character actors for decades across film, television and stage. His achievements include multiple major film awards and state honors such as the Purple Ribbon Medal and the Order of the Rising Sun.

Quotes

  • I only do sketch comedy with Ken Shimura.
    Source: Interview / news articles (2019)

Trivia

  • He debuted as a film director in 1992 but later stated he would never direct again.
  • Awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal in 2011 and the Order of the Rising Sun (Gold Rays with Rosette) in 2019.
  • Lived in Shimokitazawa for many years and has been involved in local redevelopment opposition activities.