Akihiko Hirata
Also Known As: not available
Biography: Akihiko Hirata ( Hirata Akihiko ) (26 December 1927–25 July 1984) was a Japanese film actor. While Hirata starred in many movies (including Hiroshi Inagaki's Samurai trilogy), he is most well known for his work in the kaiju genre, including such films as King Kong vs. Godzilla, The Mysterians, and his most famous role of Dr. Daisuke Serizawa, the brilliant but disturbed young scientist in the original Godzilla, released in 1954. Hirata died after a long battle with lung cancer in 1984, at age 56. Description above from the Wikipedia article Akihiko Hirata, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: Seoul, Korea
Birthday: December 26, 1927
Deathday: July 25, 1984
Adult: No
Gender: Male
Popularity:
Known For:
Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla
Overview: JSDF pilot Akane has a fateful encounter when a new Godzilla emerges in Tateyama. As a countermeasure, a cyborg named Kiryu is constructed from the remains of the original. The machine is discovered to harbor the restless soul of the original monster as Akane must learn to find value in her own life as well.
Genres: Action Science Fiction Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 2002-11-02
Popularity:
Godzilla
Overview: Japan is thrown into a panic after several ships are sunk near Odo Island. An expedition to the island led by Dr. Kyohei Yamane soon discover something far more devastating than imagined in the form of a 50 meter tall monster whom the natives call Gojira. Now the monster begins a rampage that threatens to destroy not only Japan, but the rest of the world as well.
Genres: Thriller Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-11-03
Popularity:
King Kong vs. Godzilla
Overview: The advertising director of Pacific Pharmaceuticals, frustrated with the low ratings of their sponsored TV program, seeks a more sensationalist approach. He orders his staff to Faro Island to capture King Kong for exploitation. As Godzilla re-emerges, a media frenzy generates with Pacific looking to capitalize off of the ultimate battle.
Genres: Science Fiction Comedy Adventure Fantasy Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-08-11
Popularity:
Ebirah, Horror of the Deep
Overview: Searching for his brother, Ryota stows away on a boat belonging to a criminal alongside two other teenagers. The group shipwrecks on Letchi island and discover the Infant Island natives have been enslaved by a terrorist organization controlling a crustacean monster. Finding a sleeping Godzilla, they decide to awaken him to defeat the terrorists and liberate the natives.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-12-17
Popularity:
Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple
Overview: After years on the road establishing his reputation as Japan's greatest fencer, Takezo returns to Kyoto. Otsu waits for him, yet he has come not for her but to challenge the leader of the region's finest school of fencing. To prove his valor and skill, he walks deliberately into ambushes set up by the school's followers. While Otsu waits, Akemi also seeks him, expressing her desires directly. Meanwhile, Takezo is observed by Sasaki Kojiro, a brilliant young fighter, confident he can dethrone Takezo. After leaving Kyoto in triumph, Takezo declares his love for Otsu, but in a way that dishonors her and shames him. Once again, he leaves alone.
Genres: Drama Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-07-12
Popularity:
Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto
Overview: Struggling to elevate himself from his low caste in 17th century Japan, Miyamoto trains to become a mighty samurai warrior.
Genres: Drama Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-09-25
Popularity:
Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island
Overview: A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.
Genres: Action Adventure Drama Romance History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-03
Popularity:
Godzilla vs. Destoroyah
Overview: A burning Godzilla, on the verge of meltdown, emerges to lay siege to Hong Kong. At the same time horrifying new organisms are discovered in Japan. These crustacean-like beings are seemingly born of the Oxygen Destroyer, the weapon that killed the original Godzilla.
Genres: Action Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1995-12-09
Popularity:
Atragon
Overview: The legendary empire of the lost continent of Mu reappears to threaten the world with domination. While countries unite to resist, an isolated World War II Captain has created the greatest warship ever seen, and possibly the surface world's only defense.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Adventure Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-12-22
Popularity:
Sazae-san's Marriage
Overview: Sazae finally gets married, but right after that, Masuo is transferred to Osaka. A heartbroken Sazae sends her parents on a silver wedding trip, and eventually heads for Nikko, a travel destination. Sazae is once again overwhelmed by the sight of the newlyweds bustling with sunlight, but...
Genres: Comedy Family
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-09
Popularity:
The H-Man
Overview: Nuclear tests create a radioactive man who can turn people into slime.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-06-24
Popularity:
The Mysterians
Overview: In Japan, scientifically advanced invaders from the war-destroyed planet Mysteroid cause an entire village to vanish, then send a giant robot out to storm the city by night, after which they request a small patch of land on Earth and the right to marry earthling women, claiming to be pacifists. Mankind must decide whether to capitulate or to resist.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Drama Thriller War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-12-28
Popularity:
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
Overview: An Okinawan prophecy that foretells the destruction of the Earth is seeming fulfilled when Godzilla emerges to return to his destructive roots. But not all is what it seems after Godzilla breaks his ally Anguirus's jaw. Matters are further complicated when a second Godzilla emerges, revealing the doppelgänger as a mechanical weapon.
Genres: Action Adventure Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1974-03-21
Popularity:
Travels of Lord Mito
Overview: In the 9th year of Genroku, Mitsukuni Mito Komon of Hitachi Province set out on a pilgrimage to various countries with his reluctant vassals, Sukesaburo and Kakunosuke, under the name of Koemon, a retired peasant.
Genres: Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-11-01
Popularity:
Operation Mad Dog
Overview: Film number six in the Desperado Outpost serie directed by Jun Fukuda
Genres: Drama Action War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-09-29
Popularity:
Mothra
Overview: Shipwreck survivors found on the presumably uninhabited Infant Island leads to a scientific expedition that discovers a surviving native population along with the Shobijin, tiny twin fairy priestesses of the island's mythical deity called Mothra. After the fairies are kidnapped by an exploitative businessman named Clark Nelson, Mothra sets out to rescue them.
Genres: Adventure Science Fiction Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-07-30
Popularity:
Ultraman: Great Monster Decisive Battle
Overview: A 1979 Japanese tokusatsu kaiju film produced by Tsuburaya Productions, consisting of re-edited material from the original television series Ultraman. Ultraman: The Great Decisive Battle was the 1st movie of the third Showa phase (Jissouji's Ultraman being first and Ultra Brothers vs. The Monster Army being second) and because of this Tsuburaya decided to make this a reunion of the last 12 Ultras (aside from Ultraman 80 which hadn't come out yet). Tsuburaya decided to give this a different tone than Jissouji's Ultraman, having more new scenes and appealing to the all-Ultra fan.
Genres: Action Adventure Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1979-07-21
Popularity:
Gorath
Overview: In 1976, a drifting star named Gorath is discovered to be on a collision course with Earth. Although it is smaller than Earth, its enormous mass is enough to destroy the planet totally. A mission sent to observe Gorath is destroyed after the ship is drawn into the star, with a later mission barely escaping the same fate. However, Astronaut Tatsuma Kanai is left in a catatonic state due to his near death experience. Unable to destroy the invading star, Earth's scientists undertake a desperate plan to build giant rockets at the South Pole to move the planet out of Gorath's path before it is too late.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-03-21
Popularity:
Latitude Zero
Overview: A massive underwater volcano erupts and puts a group of investigative scientists in danger. They are rescued by an atomic super submarine named The Alpha under the command of Captain McKenzie. The group is quickly taken to a vast underwater city known as Latitude Zero, a fantastic, Atlantean type utopia, a world beneath the ocean with its own sun. It is soon discovered that Captain McKenzie is at war with the evil Dr. Malic, a cruel scientist who wishes to rule mankind all the while conducting genetic experiments on humans and animals. Malic sends his agents to kidnap Dr. Okada, a human scientist who has created a serum that can immunize exposure to radiation.
Genres: Science Fiction Adventure Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-07-26
Popularity:
Terror of Mechagodzilla
Overview: A submarine expedition to salvage the remains of Mechagodzilla is thwarted by a massive dinosaur named Titanosaurus. An Interpol investigation leads biologist Ichinose to uncover the work of Dr. Mafune and his mysterious daughter Katsura. Aligned with the Black Hole Aliens, Katsura's life becomes entwined with the resurrected machine.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1975-03-15
Popularity:
Godzilla, King of the Monsters!
Overview: During an assignment, foreign correspondent Steve Martin spends a layover in Tokyo and is caught amid the rampage of an unstoppable prehistoric monster the Japanese call 'Godzilla'. The only hope for both Japan and the world lies on a secret weapon, which may prove more destructive than the monster itself.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1956-05-18
Popularity:
Rodan
Overview: Mining engineer Shigeru investigates the disappearance and death of his fellow coworkers when prehistoric nymphs are discovered emerging from the mines. After an attack on the local village, Shigeru heads deeper into the mines only to make a more horrifying discovery in the form a prehistoric flying creature. Soon a second monster appears as the two converge in Fukuoka.
Genres: Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-12-26
Popularity:
Attack Squadron
Overview: Lt. Col. Senda resists the idea of sending Japanese fighter pilots on suicide missions. He believes that what is really necessary for Japan to regain momentum in the war is for the air force to gather its most brilliant pilots into an elite squadron and use the unit to pinpoint attacks on the Americans. Disrespected by the kamikaze pilots who think the "non-suicidal" pilots are afraid, the unit redeems itself by stunning victories. But success leads the military leaders to expect too much of the unit, and new orders portend disaster.
Genres: Action Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-01-03
Popularity:
Daitetsujin 17: Aerial Battleship
Overview: Captain Gomes uses a flying battleship to battle the giant robot Daitetsujin 17. Theatrically-released abridgement of Episode 15 of the TV series.
Genres: Science Fiction Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1977-07-17
Popularity:
Brain 17
Overview: Brain is the world's greatest computer, and also the most intelligent being on planet Earth. One day, Brain decides to abandon its terrestrial moorings, and it's up to The Defenders to track it down. Unfortunately, Brain has developed an amazing army of deadly giant robots, including one with a huge "17" emblazoned on its chest-plate, with which it plans to subjugate its creators. A young boy whose family was killed by Brain's followers manages to activate Daitetsujin 17, which thereafter comes to his rescue whenever he is in danger from Brain's minions.
Genres: Family Science Fiction Action TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-06-06
Popularity:
Adventure in Kigan Castle
Overview: Osami, a soldier-of-fortune from Japan, joins with priest Ensai in a quest for the ashes of the great Buddha. Their journey takes them to a kingdom in the Middle East, where they find intrigue and romance in the court of an evil king.
Genres: Action Adventure Family
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-04-28
Popularity:
The Elegant Life of Mr. Everyman
Overview: A salaryman's drunken ravings in public attract the attention of journalists who coerce him into telling them his life's story.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-11-16
Popularity:
Zokuzoku Ôban: Dotô hen
Overview: Ushinosuke returns to his hometown to become a farmer. Part three (of four) of the film adaptation of Bunroku Shishi’s novel, Oban.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-12-17
Popularity:
Fugitive Alien
Overview: An alien is pursued as a traitor by his own race because he refuses to kill humans.
Genres: Science Fiction Action TV Movie
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1987-11-03
Popularity:
Ôban
Overview: A young country boy leaves his village for Tokyo, where he begins to work as a stock trader. First part (of four) of the film adaptation of Bunroku Shishi's novel, Oban.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-03-05
Popularity:
Zoku Ôban: Fûun hen
Overview: Ushinosuke returns broke to his hometown, where everyone believes he's rich and successful. Part two (of four) of the film adaptation of Bunroku Shishi's novel, Oban.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-07-19
Popularity:
Samurai Assassin
Overview: Japan, 1860. The men of the Mito clan, victims of the Ansei purge, anxiously prowl around the Sakurada Gate of Edo Castle with the intention of assassinating Naosuke Ii of Hikone, tairō of the Tokugawa shogunate and responsible for their misfortune.
Genres: Drama Action History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-01-03
Popularity:
The Sea of Sparta
Overview: Violent delinquent Shunpei is sent to Totsuka Yacht School, a grueling rehabilitation center. The principal fears that this "half-wolf" is too much. When kids go bad, this school beats them straight. But they've never seen anything like this punk before.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1983-09-01
Popularity:
Ankokugai zenmetsu sakusen
Overview: The 1965 Japanese yakuza film is the last episode of the Ankokugai series.
Genres: Crime Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-02-14
Popularity:
Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean
Overview: Obscure French version of the original Godzilla. The film combines elements of the original Toho version and the American King of the Monsters! in a unique assemblage exclusive to the Francophone market. Released by Les Films du Verseau.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 1957-03-14
Popularity:
The Great Japanese Pick-Pocket Club
Overview: A crime story (with strong elements of comedy) that pits a determined detective against a gang of pickpockets in Osaka. The detective (played by Keiju Kobayashi) and the leader of the gang (played by Norihei Miki) have an interesting wartime backstory together that fuels much of the story.
Genres: Crime Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-11-22
Popularity:
Yagyu Secret Scrolls
Overview: In the Tokugawa Era, the clan of Lord Yagyu has hidden away three scrolls containing clan secrets which, if revealed, would cause revolution and disaster for the clan. The information is divided among the three scrolls, all of which must be possessed for the secrets to be understood. When Princess Yuhime steals the scrolls, Tasaburo, a samurai with magical powers, and his brother Senshiro are sent to retrieve them.
Genres: Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-04-14
Popularity:
The Secret of the Telegian
Overview: Men are being murdered by a psycho called "The Telegian," who uses a matter-transmitting device to locate his victims.
Genres: Horror Science Fiction Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-04-10
Popularity:
Station
Overview: A detective goes out of his way to crack the case of a serial killer who specialises in murdering police officers.
Genres: Drama Thriller Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1981-11-07
Popularity:
Yagyu Secret Scrolls: Ninjitsu - Part II
Overview: In the Tokugawa Era, the clan of Lord Yagyu has hidden away three scrolls containing clan secrets which, if revealed, would cause revolution and disaster for the clan. The information is divided among the three scrolls, all of which must be possessed for the secrets to be understood. When Princess Yuhime steals the scrolls, Tasaburo, a samurai with magical powers, and his brother Senshiro are sent to retrieve them. In Part II, the search for the scrolls continues.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-01-03
Popularity:
Zero Fighter
Overview:
Genres: Drama War Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1976-10-02
Popularity:
Ironfinger
Overview: After being mistaken for an Interpol agent, a man who was just supposed to go on vacation gets mixed up in a war between two gangs intent on winning the favor of a notorious arms dealer.
Genres: Action Adventure Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-12-05
Popularity:
Ai no uzu shio
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-05-22
Popularity:
At This Late Date, the Charleston
Overview: A young man gets thrown into detention after an episode of sexual assault; he soon meets several impostors in the same situation.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1981-12-19
Popularity:
Samurai Saga
Overview: Edmund Rostand's play Cyrano de Bergerac, transplanted to Japan. A poet-warrior with an oversized nose (matched only by his great heart) loves a lady. But she sees him only as a friend, so he helps another man to woo her by giving him the poetry of his own heart.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-04-28
Popularity:
Whirlwind
Overview: Set at the end of the Siege of Osaka this film follows the exploits of several members of the defeated Toyotomi clan as they cope with the post battle chaos and the persecution of the Shogun's army. Five samurai decide on different fates when it becomes clear that their side is being destroyed. One wants to attack the enemy head on in a final honorable death. Another decides to commit hari-kiri but wants to find a glorious view to do it. His close friend, the "coward", just wants to run and give up the life of a samurai. The final two set their own castle on fire to garner favors from the enemy and therefore avert their own death during the massacre of all defeated soldiers as
Genres: History Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-07-26
Popularity:
The Militarists
Overview:
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1970-09-11
Popularity:
Sayonara Jupiter
Overview: In the 22nd century, scientists from an energy-depleted Earth research new fuel sources in the far corners of the solar system, where they discover an ancient alien race from Jupiter as well as the emergence of an apocalyptically dangerous black hole. Koji Hashimoto's 1983 sci-fi adventure was conceived as a Japanese competitor to the upcoming sequel to Stanley Kubrick's classic 2001, titled 2010, and often mirrors the sequel's plot.
Genres: Science Fiction Thriller Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1984-03-17
Popularity:
Samurai Banners
Overview: Kansuke Yamamoto is a samurai who dreams of a country united, peaceful from sea to sea. He enters the service of Takeda, the lord of Kai domain. He convinces Takeda to kill the lord of neighboring Suwa and take his wife as a concubine. He then convinces the widow, Princess Yu, to accept this arrangement and to bear Takeda a son. He pledges them his life. He then spends years using treachery, poetic sensibility, military and political strategy to expand Takeda's realm, advance the claim of Yu's son as the heir, and prepare for an ultimate battle with the forces of Echigo. Has Kansuke overreached? Are his dreams, blinded by love, too big?
Genres: Action War History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-03-01
Popularity:
Battle of the Japan Sea
Overview: Japan and Russia clash in what comes to be known as the Russo-Japanese War. An attempt by the Japanese fleet and army to take Port Arthur fails, and a Russian fleet bears down on the Sea of Japan. Admiral Heihachiro Togo sends his fleet to confront the Russians, with results which stun both nations. Meanwhile, Major Genjiro Akashi makes secret negotiations with the Bolshevik revolutionaries in Russia, negotiations that have repercussions far beyond the conflict at hand.
Genres: War History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-08-01
Popularity:
Jūyaku kōho-sei nanbā 1
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-07-07
Popularity:
The War in Space
Overview: The year is 1988, and in the midst of recovering from a near-miss with a large comet, Earth finds that there are much worse matters at hand: the sudden arrival of a strange army of aliens and their fleet of unstoppable warships.
Genres: Adventure Science Fiction Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1977-12-17
Popularity:
Last Days of the Samurai
Overview: Seppuku Day 17 Ako ronins, including Kuranosuke Oishi, who were entrusted to the Hosokawa family, and the events of the two days before are depicted as a tragic romance between one of the ronins, Jurozaemon Isogai, and Omino. An adaptation of Seika Mayama play "Genroku Chusingura, the Last Day of Oishi", which tells about the torments of life and death of samurai living in feudal times.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-07-13
Popularity:
The Mad Atlantic
Overview: Captain Murakami takes over as skipper of the Azuma Maru, replacing the well-liked former captain. Murakami forces the crew to work harder than they ever have, creating enmity and exhaustion. Just when the ship has taken a huge catch of tuna in its nets, Murakami learns that his ship is the only one in position to rescue the crew of another ship, sinking in a storm. He must choose between saving the catch or saving lives. Either choice may mean his ruin.
Genres: Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-07-13
Popularity:
A Man in the Storm
Overview: Judo expert Saburô Watari fights his judo master, Tsujido, while simultaneously in conflict with a karate expert.
Genres: Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-02-05
Popularity:
Japan's Longest Day
Overview: Following the detonation of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese military and the government clash over the demand from the Allies for unconditional surrender. Minister of the Army Anami leads the military officers who propose to fight on, even to the death of every Japanese citizen. Emperor Hirohito, however, joins with his ministers in asking the unthinkable, the peaceful surrender of Japan. When the military plots a coup to overthrow the Emperor's civilian government, Anami must face the choice between his desires and loyalty to his Emperor.
Genres: Drama History War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-08-03
Popularity:
Underwater Murder
Overview: The film marked Yōko Mihara's debut as the star of Shintoho's series of ama films, a role she took over from Michiko Maeda.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-07-27
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Wakai kisetsu
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-10-20
Popularity:
The Imperial Navy
Overview: A lavish retelling of the true story of the final voyage and ultimate destruction and sinking of the battleship Yamato, Japan's greatest flagship during the Second World War.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1981-08-08
Popularity:
Big Shots Die at Dawn
Overview: An early Okamoto yakuza film, though it's not in the Underworld series (along with The Last Gunfight and The Big Boss) despite being alternatively known as "Death of the Boss." While Okamoto did not write this film and took on the project because he was assigned and "just doing [his] job" according to an interview with Chris Desjardins in Outlaw Masters of Japanese Film, he did express a general excitement about working in action cinema (which shows through in this film's energy.)
Genres: Crime Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-04-09
Popularity:
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster
Overview: After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat.
Genres: Science Fiction Action Fantasy Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-12-20
Popularity:
Godzilla
Overview: A re-edited Italian-language dubbed version of the original Godzilla, using as a basis the U.S. version, "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" (1956), plus WWII newsreel footage and clips from other science fiction films. The re-edited film was then colorized via a process called "Spectrorama 70" consisting of applying various colored gels to the black and white footage. The film's opening and ending also features new music composed by musicians Fabio Frizzi, Franco Bixio, and Vince Tempera (under the pseudonym Magnetic System).
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: it
Release Date: 1977-01-01
Popularity:
Son of Godzilla
Overview: Reporter Goro Maki stumbles upon scientists conducting weather experiments on Sollgel Island in the South Seas. He discovers the island is inhabited by giant mantis and a woman named Saeko who's been cast away since the death of her father. The pair soon find a helpless infant monster that Godzilla must adopt and learn to raise as one of his own.
Genres: Adventure Family Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-12-16
Popularity:
Sanjuro
Overview: Toshiro Mifune swaggers and snarls to brilliant comic effect in Kurosawa's tightly paced, beautifully composed "Sanjuro." In this companion piece and sequel to "Yojimbo," jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan's evil influences, and in the process turns their image of a proper samurai on its ear.
Genres: Drama Action Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-01-01
Popularity:
Varan the Unbelievable
Overview: In an effort to find an economic means of purifying salt water, a joint U.S.-Japanese military command is set up on an isolated Japanese island where an unusual salt water lake is situated. However, their purifying experiments arouse the prehistoric monster Obaki from hibernation at the lake's bottom, and it proceeds to attack Japan. Although made by a U.S. independent film company, this film was based on a Japanese Toho monster film of 1958, "Daikaiju Varan", from which all of the monster effects scenes and a few incidental dramatic shots were edited into it.
Genres: Horror Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1962-12-07
Popularity:
The Merciless Trap
Overview: Taut thriller about a too-perfect criminal case against an ex-convict that makes a nosy detective suspicious.
Genres: Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-02-01
Popularity:
A Woman in Danger
Overview: A girl who comes to Yokohama from Tsuwano stumbles upon the solution to a mysterious series of explosions. However, when she learns this secret, evil hands reach out to her!
Genres: Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1982-05-18
Popularity:
A Smell of Money
Overview: Banjun organizes a group of con men to fleece the greedy and rich.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-12-05
Popularity:
Daredevil in the Castle
Overview: During the raging war between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans, the swordsman Mohei (whose family has been completely decimated) is recruited by Toyotomi to overcome the seat of power, Osaka Castle. Mohei's daredevil skills will be put to severe tests.
Genres: History War Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-03
Popularity:
Submarine I-57 Will Not Surrender
Overview: In World War II, the commanding officer of a sub, against his will takes on board two Western diplomats, to take them to the Canaries and arrange an armistice. When they get there, peace has been declared, but the sub's crew don't know as their radio has failed. They send their passengers ashore and go out to face a final battle...
Genres: War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-07-04
Popularity:
The Lonely Swordsman (Part 2)
Overview: Historical drama about a sleep-eyed ronin
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-04-02
Popularity:
Saga of the Vagabonds
Overview: Lord Taro must deliver a money chest but is robbed by brigands led by Jibu. One of Jibu's men, Rokuro, steals the money from Jibu, but after meeting and befriending Taro, Rokuro decides to return the money to Taro. But Taro's unscrupulous brother Jiro falsely accuse Taro of the theft, and Taro reactively joins the outlaw band and encourages them to steal from the nobles and give to the poor.
Genres: Drama Action Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-08-09
Popularity:
Geisha in the Old City
Overview: Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki, the drama, set in the brothels of Shimabara in post-war Kyoto, is a moving look at the lives of women of tenacity and resilience.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-10-13
Popularity:
空想天国
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-08-14
Popularity:
クレージーの殴り込み清水港
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1970-01-15
Popularity:
Ultraman: Monster Movie Feature
Overview: The film consists of re-edited material from the original television series Ultraman. Episodes 1, 8, 26, and 27 were used for the film. They were narrated by Hikari Urano as an "Ultraman Documentary". Allegedly only one new scene was shot, and that some parts of the movie where shot in black and white for unknown reasons. The movie screened at the same time as the Toho movie King Kong Escapes.
Genres: Action Science Fiction Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-07-22
Popularity:
Westward Desperado
Overview: In this patriotic WW II drama, the Japanese army demonstrates its courage and willingness to do anything to win as they endeavor to sneak into Communist China to bring back the flag of a defeated enemy regiment.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-10-30
Popularity:
The Big Boss
Overview: Ryuta and Mineo Komatsu are brothers, both yakuza (gangsters). Mineo, although complicit in crime, even murder, wants out of the gangster life, hoping to become a successful singer instead. Ryuta loves his brother, but Mineo's possible defection presents problems for the gang, and Ryuta realizes he must kill his brother if he wants to survive.
Genres: Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-15
Popularity:
The Last Gunfight
Overview: Japanese police detective Saburo Fujioka is suspected of corruption, demoted, and sent to the city of Kojin. Kojin is the scene of fierce fighting between rival gangs. Fujioka is assigned to investigate the death of the wife of gangster Tetsuo Maruyama of the Kozuka gang, probably at the hands of one of the Oka gang. During a gang gunfight, Maruyama is rescued by Detective Fujioka and the two become friends. But Maruyama insists on avenging his wife's murder, even if it means conflict with his new friend.
Genres: Thriller Crime Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-01-03
Popularity:
Siege of Fort Bismarck
Overview:
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-05-29
Popularity:
風来忍法帖 八方破れ
Overview: The second of two films based on the novel by Futaro Yamada.
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-05-08
Popularity:
風来忍法帖
Overview: The first of two films based on the novel by Futaro Yamada.
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-05-16
Popularity:
The Lost Alibi
Overview: Suspense drama about a married salaryman whose affair with one of his co-workers is compromised when, returning from a clandestine meeting with his lover, he runs into a neighbor who is later accused of murder. Questioned by police about the neighbor, and blackmailed by his lover's neighbor, the salaryman's lies lead him on a path to destruction.
Genres: Thriller
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-03-13
Popularity:
Mr. Pu
Overview: A math teacher loses his job while falling in love with a local girl.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-04-15
Popularity:
The Weed of Crime
Overview: Toho-produced crime drama involving the drug trade.
Genres: Crime Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-12-08
Popularity:
Stray Sheep
Overview: 1955 Toho adaptation of Natsume's novel.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-08-31
Popularity:
Dog of Fortune
Overview: From Hokkaido to Tokyo, hunting dog Goro embarks on a long and grueling journey to reach home. With the loss of his master who held a secret to a weapons smuggling case and the corruptions of those who are involved, Goro's adventure unfolds.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1979-06-02
Popularity:
Operation Enemy Fort
Overview: Soldiers on the front lines in China during World War II are besieged by guerrilla attacks and attempt to destroy an enemy fort.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-10-20
Popularity:
Varan
Overview: When a rare species of butterfly is found in a mysterious valley in Japan, a pair of entomologists go to investigate and find more. They discover Varan, a giant monster, who decides to leave the valley and head straight for Tokyo.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-10-14
Popularity:
The Last Embrace
Overview: Yukiko Nogami is rescued during a mountain blizzard by handsome forester Shinkichi, and the two subsequently fall in love. But when Shinkichi dies in an avalanche, Yukiko leaves the mountains in despair and takes a job in a bar where she becomes deeply involved in the personal lives of several of the patrons. One day she thinks she sees Shinkichi alive, but it turns out to be a gangster named Hayakawa, a man on the run who bears an astonishing resemblance to Yukiko's lost love. Against her better judgment, she is drawn to help Hayakawa, though clearly danger follows him.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-03-11
Popularity:
The Retreat from Kiska
Overview: In 1943, the Aleutian island of Kiska was fortified by a small contingent of Japanese soldiers. When word arrived of an impending attack by an overwhelming force of Americans, the Japanese Navy attempted one of the most daring and unlikely evacuations in military history. This is that story.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-07-04
Popularity:
Farewell Rabaul
Overview: A squadron of Japanese fighter pilots realise that they are never going to win the war when they understand that Japanese military tactics have little regard for life. Seeking the companionship of any woman who will have them, they spend their days indulging in every fantasy in order to escape the overwhelming fear of death looming just over the horizon.
Genres: Romance War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-02-10
Popularity:
Examination Hell
Overview: A student, running late on the day of the University of Tokyo entrance exams, calls in a fake bomb threat in order to arrive on time.
Genres: TV Movie Thriller Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1982-01-12
Popularity:
Blueprint of Murder
Overview: Yuzo Kayama plays the protagonist, a whale-hunting cannon manufactuing supervisor, whose brother is an automobile tester for Komatsu Motors which has a fatal accident. As his brother investigates the "Accident" with his old college friend (makoto Sato), now a reporter... They stumble across murder, espionage and cover-ups. High-class night club, femme fatale, and a "Blueprint of Murder" all adds up to a bigger plot then first expected.
Genres: Action Crime Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-03
Popularity:
Kojiro
Overview: Sasaki Kojiro tells the story of the genius who staked his love, glory, and life on a duel with the supreme master of the sword, Miyamoto Musashi (Tatsuya Nakadai). Oscar winning Hiroshi Inagaki directs this epic motion picture based on Genzo Murakami’s fascinating story. Despite his humble birth, the orphan Sasaki Kojiro (Onoe Kikunosuke) is determined to become the foremost swordsman in all Japan, a title that traditionally belongs to a nobleman. At fencing school, young Kojiro receives the contempt of his classmates because of his superior swordsmanship. When rumors of the upcoming civil war between Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans spread, Kojiro leaves the school and sets out, seizing every opportunity to realize his dream.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-04-01
Popularity:
Man Against Man
Overview: Kikumori runs a cabaret on the docks, while his friend Kaji operates transport boats. When a gang of drug dealers tries to force the pair to cooperate in a smuggling scheme, conflict arises between the two friends. Falsely blamed for murder, Kikumori is blackmailed into an attempt to sabotage Kaji's boats and kill him. But the friendship between the two men proves an obstacle to the gangleader's plans.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-08-14
Popularity:
Structure of Hate
Overview: Drama about two college friends, now working for the same banking firm, torn apart by jealousy over their inequitable positions and love lives.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-11-12
Popularity:
The Three Treasures
Overview: The legend of the birth of Shintoism. In Fourth Century Japan, the Emperor's son Ouso expects to succeed his father on the throne, but Otomo, the Emperor's vassal, prefers Ouso's stepbrother, and conspires to have Ouso die on a dangerous mission he has contrived. But Ouso prevails in the mission and returns to his father's castle under a new name, Prince Yamato Takeru. Otomo plots to have the Prince sent into even greater danger, but Otomo is unaware that the gods have favored the Prince and the outcome is far from what any of them expected.
Genres: Fantasy Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-11-01
Popularity:
Get 'em All
Overview: Gang of robbers quarrel about the loot, but when one of them gets killed, his younger brother seeks them out to ice them one by one.
Genres: Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-11-29
Popularity:
Challenge to Live
Overview: An employee at an oil cartel (Mihashi) is haunted by an act years before when he euthanized a fellow soldier when the two were adrift at sea during the Pacific War. Matters are complicated further when he falls in love with the soldier's younger sister (Tsukasa).
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-06-17
Popularity:
Admiral Yamamoto
Overview: As Japan joins in a political pact with Nazi Germany and fascist Italy, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is appointed supreme commander of the Japanese fleet. With Japan headed inexorably toward war, Yamamoto, despite his misgivings, believes the only possible victory lies in destroying the American fleet by surprise at Pearl Harbor. The attack succeeds, but fails to sink the American carrier fleet. Thus Yamamoto must lead the Japanese navy into war with ever-diminishing likelihood of success.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-08-14
Popularity:
The Storm of the Pacific
Overview: Lt. Koji Kitami is a navigator-bombardier in Japan's Naval Air Force. He participates in the Japanese raid on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and is welcomed with pride in his hometown on his return. As Japan racks up victory after victory in the Pacific War, Kitami is caught up in the emotion of the time and fights courageously for the standard of Japanese honor. But his assuredness of his government's righteousness is shaken after the Japanese navy is defeated in the debacle of Midway.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-04-26
Popularity:
Girls of the Night
Overview: In the wake of the 1956 Prostitution Prevention Law, a young woman recently released from one of Japan's new rehabilitation centers struggles to build a new life.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-09-04
Popularity:
Rise Against the Sword
Overview: Farmer Abare Goemon is confronted by brigand-like samurai. He raises an army of farmers to fight them and does so brilliantly. When Lord Asakura sees the success Goemon has achieved, he attempts to recruit him to fight in a conflict between Asakura and another clan. Goemon refuses, and Lord Asakura sets out to destroy him.
Genres: History Action War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-11-25
Popularity:
The Lone Journey
Overview: Forced on the road by yakuza obligations, a man sets out on a reckless journey to Tsumagoi. Movie posters for local cinemas were often displayed at sento (public baths) too. The handwritten text on the bottom here announces the film will play at Hassen for 3 days.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-08-31
Popularity:
The Killing Bottle
Overview: In Hong Kong an International Secret Police (ISP) Agent is murdered while investigating ZZZ, a group bent on assassinating the Prime Minister of Buddhabal. ISP Agents Carter and Kitami are assigned to the case. When the Prime Minister arrives in Tokyo for a friendship visit, Carter and Kitami are on hand to protect him. On hand, too, are assorted ZZZ blackguards. Several attempts on the Prime Minister's life fail, until finally the ZZZ introduces a new device designed to eliminate not only the Prime Minister but the ISP Agents as well: THE KILLING BOTTLE, then, is a pocket-sized container filled with a substance that can expand to thousands of times its size and throttle its victim, then disappear leaving only the corpse.
Genres: Action Comedy Adventure Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-02-11
Popularity:
Port Arthur
Overview: Depicts the bloody siege of the fortress of Port Arthur, one of the most strongly fortified positions in the world, during the Russo-Japanese War of (1904 - 1905). In the story dominated the character Lt Takeshi Kogyo (Teruhiko Aoi), teachers, and a reserve officer who became commander of the platoon and later company. At the same time monitors the conduct of the army commander general Nogi (Tatsuya Nakadai), which was commissioned of the emperor Matsuhito (Toshirô Mifune) to the conquest of the fort.
Genres: War Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1980-08-02
Popularity:
Young Challengers
Overview: A story depicting the challenges faced by today's youth in working to build a better tomorrow, based on the theme of Toshiba's progress as one of Japan's leading manufacturers of electronic and electric goods.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-10-12
Popularity:
A Teapicker's Song of Goodbye
Overview: An Ishiro Honda film.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-07-02
Popularity:
A Farewell to the Woman Called My Sister
Overview: An Ishiro Honda film.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-08-25
Popularity:
A Rainbow Plays in My Heart: Part 2
Overview: An Ishiro Honda film. The second part of A Rainbow Plays in My Heart released the same day as the first film.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-07-09
Popularity:
Nomugi Pass
Overview: The story of the silk industry and the young girls who worked as silk spinners in the early 1900s in Japan. The silk mills were located in Okaya which lies just beyond the Nomugi Pass. The women and girls worked in a hot, humid atmosphere without rest, and endured those conditions and sexual harassment to earn money for their poor families. Across the ocean, it was the great depression in America.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1979-06-30
Popularity:
Chûshingura
Overview: After their lord is tricked into committing ritual suicide, forty-seven samurai warriors await the chance to avenge their master and reclaim their honor.
Genres: History Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-11-03
Popularity:
Blood on the Sea
Overview: Four fishermen friends are caught up in a piracy plot.
Genres: Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-08-13
Popularity:
The Boss of Pick-Pocket Bay
Overview: Sangoro Oiwake runs out of money. He visits rice shop, eat and drink for free, and owners send him to prison. In prison Sangoro will have a new life
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1966-01-03
Popularity:
Prophecies of Nostradamus
Overview: Professor Nishiyama, after studying and interpreting the prophecies of Nostradamus, realizes that the end of the world is at hand. Unfortunately, nobody listens to him until it is too late. As the effects of mankind's tampering of the earth - radioactive smog clouds, hideously mutated animals, destruction of the ozone layer - rage out of control, the world leaders hurtle blindly toward the final confrontation. The film sparked controversy in Japan and was subsequently pulled out of circulation, with no official video release of the uncut film.
Genres: Drama Action Science Fiction Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1974-08-03
Popularity:
Tora-san Meets His Lordship
Overview: Tora-san befriends the descendant of a feudal lord. The man asks Tora to locate his deceased son's wife who resides somewhere in Tokyo.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1977-08-06
Popularity:
Crazy Big Explosion
Overview: A Toho comedy film staring the Crazy Cats.
Genres: Comedy Science Fiction
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-04-27
Popularity:
A Rainbow Plays in My Heart: Part 1
Overview: An Ishiro Honda film. The first part of A Rainbow Plays in My Heart released the same day as the second film.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-07-09
Popularity:
King Kong vs. Godzilla
Overview: When an underhanded pharmaceutical company goes to a remote tropical island to steal King Kong for advertising purposes, they get more than they bargained for when the gigantic ape attacks an unsuspecting village and an enormous octopus.
Genres: Action Science Fiction Comedy Adventure Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1963-06-26
Popularity:
Itsuko to sono haha
Overview: An elderly woman devoted to her foster-daughter searches for a good husband for her.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-02-17
Popularity:
No Response from Car 33
Overview: Film directed by Senkichi Taniguchi
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-05-31
Popularity:
Operation Sewer Rats
Overview: Towards the end of World War II, five men are tasked with freeing the son of a general from Chinese captivity.
Genres: War Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-06-01
Popularity:
The Human Revolution
Overview:
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1973-09-08
Popularity:
Legend of the Cat Monster
Overview: A legendary actress thought to be dead is discovered living in an isolated mansion. A screenwriter is tasked with writing her comeback film, which leads the two to live under the same roof.
Genres: TV Movie Horror Fantasy Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1998-08-16
Popularity:
Girls in the Orchard
Overview: Girls in the Orchard (1953) is about tension between the life of a family in a rural area with all the traditions (continuing family business, taking care of the land)-- and the modernity and lure of a life in the city.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-09-15
Popularity:
Rainy Night Duel
Overview: Masahiko Koseki, a judo master, gets in several fights as a result of protecting a young woman. Despite his success, Koseki is expelled from his judo school because of his propensity for street fighting. He goes to work for a gangster named Joji, but when he realizes that Joji is mixed up in the slave trade, Koseki helps the police in their attempts to foil Joji.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-29
Popularity:
はりきり社長
Overview: The third installment in the Shacho Series.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-07-13
Popularity:
The Young Ace in Hawaii
Overview: Fourth entry in Toho's Wakadaishō series directed by Jun Fukuda and released on a simultaneous screening with Matango. Filmed on location in Hawaii.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-08-11
Popularity:
I Want to Be a Shellfish
Overview: On a post-war peaceful day in Japan, Toyomatsu Shimizu, a barber as well as a good father and husband, is suddenly arrested by the Prefectural Police as a war criminal and sued for murder.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-04-12
Popularity:
Revive! Ultraman
Overview: The film is composed of stock footage from the original Ultraman television series with additional newly filmed content, and it served as an “epilogue” as Ultraman returns to Earth for one final battle.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1996-03-09
Popularity:
Garakuta
Overview: 1964 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-08-01
Popularity:
Even The Mighty Shed Tears
Overview: After Ryusaku Nishikawa and his girlfriend Katsuko are attacked by a gang, he trains in karate to seek revenge. Years later, Ryusaku is a skilled martial artist preparing for an inter-school match, but his past resurfaces when Katsuko, now involved with the gang, brings tragedy. In a final confrontation, Ryusaku faces the gang and finds redemption through his karate, with the support of his friends.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-10-27
Popularity:
The Last Days of Planet Earth
Overview: In 1853, Gentetsu Nishiyama tells his students that the French prophet Nostaradamus foretells great change for Japan, some of his students revolt, calling his words heresy and his wife flees with a book of Nostradamus’s predictions… In the present day, Dr. Nishiyama has to combat increasingly bizarre goings on which seem all to familiar to the prophet's predictions…
Genres: Science Fiction Fantasy Drama Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1981-04-18
Popularity: