12 Facts About Shintaro Katsu

Shintaro Katsu was a Japanese actor, singer, and filmmaker.

Shintaro Katsu is known for starring in the Akumyo series, the Hoodlum Soldier series, and the Zatoichi series.

Shintaro Katsu was the son of Minoru Okumura, a noted kabuki performer who went by the stage name Katsutoji Kineya and who was renowned for his nagauta and shamisen skills.

Shintaro Katsu was the younger brother of actor Tomisaburo Wakayama.

Shintaro Katsu began his career in entertainment as a shamisen player.

Shintaro Katsu switched to acting because he noticed it was better paid.

Shintaro Katsu played the role of blind masseur Zatoichi in a series of 25 films between 1962 and 1973, in 100 episodes across a four season television series from 1974 to 1979, and in a 26th and final film in 1989, which he directed.

Shintaro Katsu had developed a reputation as a troublemaker on set.

When director Akira Kurosawa cast him for the lead role in Kagemusha, Shintaro Katsu left before the first day of shooting was over.

Shintaro Katsu was the husband of actress Tamao Nakamura, and father of actor Ryutaro Gan.

Shintaro Katsu was an accomplished shamisen player, as well as a vocalist, recording several albums in both pop and Enka.

Shintaro Katsu died of pharyngeal cancer on 21 June 1997.