Tetsuro Tamba

Tetsuro Tamba

Tetsuro Tamba (July 17, 1922 – September 24, 2006) was a distinguished Japanese actor known for his versatile talent across five decades. Recognized globally for his portrayal of Tiger Tanaka in the iconic 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice," Tamba's cinematic journey was a remarkable blend of cultural bridges.

Before embarking on his acting career, Tamba worked as an interpreter for the Allied Powers' Supreme Commander. Graduating from Chuo University in 1948, he later joined Shintoho company, making his debut in the film Satsujin Yougishain in 1951. Tamba's impact on Western audiences extended beyond Bond, with standout performances in films like Bridge to the Sun and The 7th Dawn. He earned acclaim in Japan as well, most notably as the lead in police dramas like Key Hunter and G-Men '75. His talents weren't confined to the screen alone. Tamba lent his voice to characters like the Cat King in Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns and graced historical roles in television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on period pieces. In 2005, Tamba faced health challenges but continued to contribute until the end. Sadly, he passed away in Tokyo at 84 due to pneumonia on September 24, 2006. His legacy lives on through his son, actor Yoshitaka Tamba, while his last appearances in the 2005 Taiga drama Yoshitsune and the 2006 film Sinking of Japan remain a testament to his enduring impact on Japanese cinema and beyond.

Acting

2005

Yoshitsune

Minamoto no Yorimasa (Gen-ji)

2003

Gozu

Unknown

2003

Yakuza Demon

Michitane Tendou

2003

T.R.Y.

Unknown

2002

The Twilight Samurai

Tozaemon Iguchi

2002

2002

Graveyard of Honor

Tetsuji Tokura

2002

The Happiness of the Katakuris

Granpa Jinpei Katakuri

2002

Toshiie and Matsu

Tarozaemon Iguchi

2001

2001

2000

2000

2000

The Stupid Teacher

Utaemon Baba

1999

Japanese Hell

Asu Shino

1999

Jubaku: Spellbound

Tajiro Kawakami

1999

1998

Screwed

Landlord

1995

Hashiran ka!

前田米吉

1995

1991

1991

1991

1991

1991

1991

1991

Female Neo-Ninjas

Time Patrol leader

1991

Heat Wave

Denkichi Tsuzaki

1990

1990

School Be-In Bully

Ryotaro Sakurazawa

1990

Aurora Borealis

Tsuneiro Kamisaka

1990

1990

HOTEL

Ohara Tetsutaro

1989

Tokyo: The Last War

Kan'ami Kouou

1989

Tokyo: The Last War

Kanaami Kohou

1989

Four Days of Snow and Blood

Jinzaburi Shinzaki

1989

1989

Yakuza Ladies 3

Takeo Sakanishi

1989

Shogun's Shadow

Hotta Masamori

1989

1988

Tokyo Pop

Mr. Dota

1988

1987

1987

1987

Night Train

Isaburo Tamura

1987

1986

Byakkotai

Jinbo Kuranosuke

1986

April Fish

Panapora Chief Handa

1986

Cabaret

Yakuza boss

1986

Inochi

Takahara Masamichi

1986

1985

1985

The Last True Yakuza

Kazumasa Tashiro

1985

1985

Sanada Taiheiki

Sanada Masayuki

1985

1984

1984

1984

Zero

Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto

1984

1984

Kukai

Unknown

1984

1983

1983

The Geisha

Kochi Notable

1983

1983

1982

1982

1982

Suspicion

Kanetaka Okamura

1982

1982

Onimasa: A Japanese Godfather

Uichi Suda, The Big Boss

1982

1981

1981

The Imperial Navy

Jisaburo Ozawa

1981

The Wild Daisy

Gozaburo Saito

1981

1981

1980

Shogun's Ninja

Tozawa Hakuunsai

1980

Drive for the Future

Akiji Nishikawa

1980

Port Arthur

Gentaro Kodama

1980

1979

1979

Hunter in the Dark

Okitsugu Tanuma

1979

Nichiren

Unknown

1978

1978

Never Give Up

General Wada

1978

August without Emperor

Army General Mikami

1978

1978

The Incident

Lawyer Kikuchi

1978

Message from Space

Ernest Noguchi

1978

Shogun's Samurai

Ogasawara Gensinsai

1978

Ōgon no Hibi

Imai Sōkyū

1977

High Seas Hijack

Captain Munekata

1977

Mount Hakkoda

Colonel Kojima

1976

Murderer!

Nīto Kouken

1976

1976

Seven Nights in Japan

Terrorist Leader (uncredited)

1976

1976

1975

1975

Conflagration

Captain Munekata

1975

1975

Tidal Wave

Prime Minister Yamato

1975

1975

1974

1974

The Castle of Sand

Detective Eitaro Imanishi

1974

1974

1974

1974

Violent Streets

Shimamura Kansai

1973

Submersion of Japan

Prime Minister Yamamoto

1973

Wild Cop 2

Unknown

1973

1973

1973

1972

1972

1972

1972

1972

1972

The Water Margin

Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I

1972

Under the Flag of the Rising Sun

Sergeant Katsuo Togashi

1971

Silence

Cristóvão Ferreira

1971

The Wolves

Genryu Asakura

1971

1971

The Battle of Okinawa

Lieutenant General Isamu Cho

1970

1970

1970

1970

1969

1969

1969

1969

1969

Goyokin

Rokugo Tatewaki

1968

1968

1968

Key Hunter

黒木鉄也

1968

1968

Army Intelligence

Lieutenant Colonel Akiyama

1967

1967

1967

Escape Man

Unknown

1967

Portrait of Chieko

Kotaro Takamura

1967

1967

1967

1966

1966

The Kii River

Shintani Kosaku

1966

1966

Thirst for Love

Kosuke Aso

1965

Blood of Revenge

Yutaro Nomura

1965

1965

Samurai Spy

Sakon Takatani

1965

1965

Tokyo Untouchable

Goro Kawamoto

1965

Tale of Ninja Duty

Mumyo Tsunataro

1965

Kwaidan

Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")

1964

1964

Detective

Unknown

1964

Revenge

Shume Okuno

1964

1964

Assassination

Hachiro Kiyokawa

1964

1964

An Outlaw

Unknown

1964

1964

1963

13 Assassins

Doi Ōkō Toshi

1963

1963

1962

Operation Diamond

Kazuo Kasami

1962

Gang vs. G-Men

Toru Tezuka

1962

1962

1962

Harakiri

Hikokuro Omodaka

1962

1962

1962

1962

1961

1961

1961

1961

Mist and Shadows

Yusuke Komiya

1961

1961

1961

Pigs and Battleships

Slasher Tetsuji

1961

Daredevil in the Castle

Sadamasa Ishikawa

1960

1960

1960

1959

1958

1958

A Wicked Woman

Ihei Ôsawa

1957

The Ghost of Kasane

Jinjûrô Ômura

1957

1956

Speed King

Unknown

1955

1955

1954

Writing

Production

Infos

Full Name
Tetsuro Tamba
Gender
Male
Date of Birth
7/17/1922
Date of Death
9/24/2006
Also Known As

丹波 哲郎

Tetzuro Tamba

Tetsurô Tanba

Tetsuro Tambo

Tetsurô Tamba

Tetsurou Tanba