Masaaki Sakai
Also Known As: 堺 正章, The Spiders, 사카이 마사아키, 堺正明
Biography: Born the son of Shunji Sakai, a famous comedian in Japan, Sakai initially came to fame by fronting the group sounds band The Spiders. This group, formed in 1962, was popular throughout the 1960s; they spawned several hit songs as well as thirteen situation comedy films featuring their music. He took the title role of Songoku (Monkey) in the 1970s Japanese TV program Saiyūki. This gained him fame in many English-speaking countries in the early 1980s when it was dubbed by the BBC and retitled Monkey. Due to his fame playing the mythical character Songoku, Sakai created a dance called "the Monkey" which became a craze in Japan. Sakai went on to a successful solo career after The Spiders disbanded, and continued acting in films and on television. In 1999, he formed the band Sans Filtre with two former Spiders, Hiroshi Kamayatsu and Takayuki Inoue. They released their first album Yei Yei in 2000. Sakai is known in Japan as a car enthusiast and regularly took part in the annual Mille Miglia race in Italy with his wife as a co-driver. He won a similar Japanese road race on October 18, 2000 driving a 1947 Cisitalia 202 MM with Inoue Takayuki (the guitarist from Sans Filtre) as co-driver. Due to business commitments he gave up racing in 2002 and gave his Alfa Romeo race car to Masahiko Kondō who is also a singer and race enthusiast. He is also a hobby archer. Sakai has been married and divorced twice, and has two daughters. He is an active supporter of AIDS charities. His show-business nickname is "Machaaki".
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: August 06, 1946
Adult: No
Gender: Male
Popularity:
Known For:
Toshigoro
Overview: Teenage film
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1973-04-14
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The Age of Undutiful Children
Overview: Comedy with music starring the rock band The Spiders.
Genres: Music Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-12-07
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The Fearless Otojiro's Company
Overview: In 1897, actor, director, producer and theatre company leader Kawakami Otojiro set off on a tour of the USA with his wife Sadayakko and theatre company members, but in a foreign country where he could not speak the language, he had to struggle against a succession of adversities, including lawyers absconding with the proceeds and actors going on strike. One day, however, Otojiro arrives in Boston on his arduous tour and sees a packed house for a performance of The Merchant of Venice by the famous British actor Henry Irving. In just one night of rehearsals, they concoct a Japanese version of The Merchant of Venice, and perform the play to a foreign audience with bullshit dialogue and a reckless performance that can be cut short by "Sucharaka poko poko" when they get stuck on a word.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2007-11-07
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I Am A Man of Honor
Overview: The sixth film of the “Truck Yaro” series. Two long-distance truckers, Momojiro and Kinzo, travel around Japan in highly decorated trucks. In Kyushu, Momojiro falls in love again... this time with a beautiful college student Masako.
Genres: Comedy Action Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1977-12-24
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Flowering Maidens
Overview: The young yakuza who have arrived in the city are being taught the beauty of work and the pleasure of learning by hard-working young people of the same generation. Youth masterpiece created based on the hit Kazuo Funaki.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-01-24
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A Girl of the Plateau
Overview: Kazuo Kitagawa lives on a farm on the Tateshina Plateau with his late teacher's widow and daughter, continuing his research. One day, Kazuo is attracted to the beautiful young lady who is visiting the villa when he goes out to the town…
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-12-04
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The Greatest Challenge of All
Overview: After an argument with his father a son leaves his home and comes back only, as an adult, many years later just to cause them problem after problem.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-08-05
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The Tempters: Smile After Tears
Overview: Layabout teen Shoken is dissatisfied with his nagging single mother and bullies at school. He and his friends decide to form a cool rock band, but a tragic discovery about his family weighs on Shoken heavily.
Genres: Music Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-03-29
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Locomotive Teacher
Overview: Seigo Yoshioka (Kenji Sakaguchi) is a teacher that became mute after a kendo accident. He feels lost after the accident and eventually decides to teach again on a small island where his mother was born. The children there on the island quickly name him "Kikansha Sensei" (Teacher Locomotive) after learning he is mute. The parents on the island are mostly hostile to Seigo Yoshioka, believing he is incapable of teaching their children. But with Seigo Yoshioka's determination and kindness, a strong bond develops between the students and the mute teacher, which then changes the parents' opinions of Seigo Yoshioka. Suddenly, tragedy then strikes ...
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2004-07-31
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喜劇 右向けェ左！
Overview: Mamoru Hirayama, the sales manager of Clover Shoji, a women's underwear manufacturer, was selected by President Usui to be the manager of the foreign affairs section newly established in the sales department. Masaaki Sakata, Yasushi Inoda, Osamu Yamabe, and Jiro Oi were assigned to this foreign affairs section. Hirayama, a former soldier, is suddenly enthusiastic when the company orders him to join the Self-Defense Forces. One day, in the library where the records of the former army are displayed, Hirayama recalls his memories of that time. It turned out that the bundle of bills that the captain had made a mess of was packed in a box and buried somewhere.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1970-12-31
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Japan Beauty Story
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1974-07-13
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Spirit World
Overview: Legendary singer Claire Emery (Deneuve) flies to Japan for a final sold-out concert. But when the show ends, so does Claire’s life on earth. However, an unexpected new life in the spirit world - where she will be guided by Yuzo, one of her biggest fans - awaits.
Genres: Fantasy Drama
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 2025-02-26
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The Spiders: Big Commotion!
Overview: The Spiders arrive back in Tokyo by bullet train after a concert tour. They make their way through the fans to their car, the Spiduction and are off to the next gig. Jun and Masaki have an eye for the girls and are reminiscing about the girls at the last concert. That is, until they notice a hottie following them in a sports car behind them. They wave back and forth flirting with her until -- 'bang' -- they wind up in a 3-car accident and have to go to the hospital. The boys are fine, but their beautiful fan, Yuko, stays in the hospital for observation. Jun and Masaki race each other to be the first to get to Yuko's hospital room where the two fall hopelessly in love with her. RIght after their gig, the two rush back to Yuko's room where, Masaki, who's feelings for Yuko have been getting stronger day by day, now starting dreaming of her.
Genres: Music Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-05-18
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Road to Hawaii
Overview: A 1954 film.
Genres: Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-09-14
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Beautiful World
Overview: A gangster runs a budget nursing home.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2012-11-16
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Yunagi City, Sakura Country
Overview: Thirteen years afterward, I wonder if those who bombed Hiroshima are looking at me and saying: 'We did it! We were able to kill another person!' They should be," murmurs Minami (played by Kumiko Aso), one of the two leading female characters in Yunagi no Machi, Sakura no Kuni, as she lies dying in 1958, her life brought to a premature end by sickness resulting from her exposure to atomic bomb radiation. This is a story about those who at least initially survived the first U.S. atomic bombing of 1945 and their descendants in contemporary times. The film, based on a comic by Fumiyo Kono, jumps between the two time frames and quietly depicts the sorrow and mortification experienced through the everyday lives of laid-back and soft-spoken Hiroshima people. Only a few scenes of the bombing and the ensuing devastation are featured.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2007-07-28
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A Hardest Night!!
Overview: A celebration of the ancient art of Japanese rakugo, roughly translated as “comic storytelling”. The film is interspersed with numerous funerals and wakes, songs, dances, and often disgustingly crude jokes.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2005-10-22
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The Notorious Bored Samurai 2
Overview: The Satsuma clan conspires with key figures in the shogunate to overthrow the government. However, the head inspector, Naito Yamashiro no Kami, cannot find the sworn statement of rebellion and takes responsibility by ending his own life. This deeply affects Mondonosuke Saotome, who was close to Yamashiro no Kami and who is known for his restless nature. Seeking an audience with Shogun Tsunayoshi to request a view of the sworn statement, Mondonosuke Saotome is granted permission to go to Satsuma. He sets off on this journey accompanied by Sasao Kinai and Yamashiro no Kami's sister, Shizue . However, on the way, they are attacked by a group of mountain monks. Mondonosuke Saotome manages to repel the monks in a brawl but becomes separated from Kinai and Shizue. Afterward, he encounters a mysterious woman named Oren, and with her guidance, he finally arrives in Satsuma.
Genres: Drama History Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1988-12-29
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The Notorious Bored Samurai 9
Overview: The one who hurriedly ascended the castle upon hearing news of Shogun Tsunayoshi's illness was Saotome Mondonosuke. However, instead of an illness, he was prompted to consider a marriage proposal with Yaehime, a daughter of the Date clan. Yet, this was merely a pretext, as he was requested to investigate the truth behind the rumors of rebellion within the Date clan. Mondonosuke, who took on this task to stave off boredom, accompanied by his retainer Kinai, departed for Mutsu, following the procession of Yaehime returning to her home province. However, remnants of the Toyotomi faction, already plotting the overthrow of the shogunate, had gathered under Kii Koya Bunzaemon…
Genres: Action Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1994-01-03
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Song of Happiness
Overview: Japanese comedy directed by Noriaki Yuasa.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-12-19
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High School Third Graders
Overview: In 1963, Funaki Kazuo's debut song of the same name was released and then it was adapted to a movie based on Kenji Tomishima 's novel “Shake to Tomorrow” with the same title, produced by Daiei with this song as a motif. Singer and actor Funaki Kazuo also appears in the movie, which depicts the fun, love and heartbreak in a Japanese school.
Genres: Music Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-11-16
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Here Because of You
Overview: An uplifting drama about the bond between a group of high school seniors and their kind-hearted teacher, Mr. Yabuki. Faced with the rigors of growing up in modern times, students often look to Mr. Yabuki for advice and guidance. But when Mr. Yabuki’s career is threatened as a result of a false accusation from the school’s PTA, the students band together to stand up for their beloved teacher and help him to save his good reputation and job.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-05-23
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Let's Dance Bon-Odori in Hawaii
Overview: A young man longs to travel to Hawaii, the birthplace of his deceased father, against the wishes of his family, who are estranged from those relatives in Waikiki.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-08-01
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Las Vegas Free-For-All
Overview: The Crazy Cats, a Japanese musical-comedy group, were showcased a series of comic adventures throughout the 1960s. Las Vegas Free-For-All, one of their most popular movies, featured scenes filmed on location in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Hawaii. Appearing with the seven Cats were the lovely Mie Hama and such Japanese musical artists as The Peanuts, The Johnnys, The Drifters, and Jackie Yoshikawa & the Blue Comets.
Genres: Comedy Adventure Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-04-28
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High School Juniors (Part II)
Overview: A story full of youthful vigor and spirit as high school students try to work out their problems, realize the awakening of love and growing maturity and find fun and happiness in helping others.
Genres: Comedy Drama Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-08-22
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The Spiders' The Road to Bali
Overview: The Spiders, a 1960s Japanese Group Sounds band, star in this rare Monkees and Beatles inspired secret agent movie. During their Asian tour spies try to smuggle plutonium hidden in The Spiders' guitar amps!
Genres: Music Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-08-28
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The Spiders' The Noisy Parade
Overview: Popular Japanese Group Sounds band, The Spiders, star in their second movie, a "HELP!" inspired rock n roll spy movie!
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-01-03
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The School Cap
Overview: A Tokyo student transfers to a rural school and finds it difficult to adjust himself to its customs and traditions. One of the customs is the wearing of an old school cap by a senior. It is a symbol of courage and bravery and is handed down to a new senior each year.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-12-15
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The Spiders' The Reckless Operation
Overview: The Spiders, a Japanese pop group, in their first starring role, walk from Yokohama to Tokyo, to prove their love for a girl who told them "the person who can overcome any obstacle will be my lover"! Neither traffic, buildings, nor the police can stop them, in this madcap rock musical adventure!
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-08-26
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The Sunset Is Crying
Overview: The Spiders hit song made into a movie.
Genres: Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-05-20
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Youth A Go Go!
Overview: Kenichi and Satoru join up with three other electric music lovers to form their own band, "The Young and Fresh."
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-03-27
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Machi no Hi
Overview: Chiyomatsu under the hill, also known as Choromatsu. He is a young man whose occupation is an approach shop, that is, a phony business of sex brokerage. Choromatsu is partnered with Umekichi, whom he calls "big brother," in this business. They live on the second floor of the aka-chochin (red lantern) owned by Takeko, where boys and girls who were abandoned at the abandoned children's temple on Mukojima also live together, making up a family of people who are not related to each other.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1974-04-27
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Bored Hatamoto: Letter of Death
Overview: Bored Hatamoto film
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1993-03-27
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Nakamatachi
Overview: Today is a new day with hopes. A youth hymn that depicts a young truck driver growing up in love with a dream while being supported by his friends who are always close to him. A movie adaptation of a hit song by Kazuo Funaki.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-03-14
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My Sweetheart
Overview: It had been a year and four months since Mitsuo was last on a movie set. Welcomed back by director Ishizaki and his film crew, Mitsuo is excited to star as the lead in "My Sweetheart". One day, half way through production, he meets his friends from a popular rock group, "The Spiders". Through their discussion regarding the climax scene, they criticize that the script is too grim. In a notion to protect their friend's career, they decide to pay the scriptwriter a little visit.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-11-03
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The Castle of Crossed Destinies
Overview: In the inner chambers of the Shugun's castle, 3,000 men attempt to vie for the affection of the female shogun. Based on the 4th-6th volumes in the manga series "Ooku" by Fumi Yoshinaga.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2012-12-22
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Long Wedding Road! Tokyo vs. Osaka Wakeari Kon Monogatari
Overview:
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2007-07-30
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