Cast

Tetsuro Tamba

Acting

Cast

Tetsuro Tamba

Known for

Acting

Born

1922-07-17

From

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Died

2006-09-24

Also known as 丹波哲郎, Tetzuro Tamba, Tetsurô Tanba

Biography

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.

Tetsuro Tamba

Tetsuro Tamba

Biography

Harakiri

The Cat Returns

You Only Live Twice

Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky

Yakuza Skirmishes

Kim's War

Gang vs. G-Men

Jakoman and Tetsu

The Peking Man

Choshichiro's Edo Diaries: The Yagyu Conspiracy

Rise and Fall of Chivalry

The Gambler

King of the Gang

A Case of Murder by the Atami Station Taxi Stand

All Rascals

Kwaidan

Greatest Boss of the Showa Era

Shinran: Path to Purity

Flames of Blood

Blood and Law

Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs

Gang vs. G-Men: Safe Breakers

Quick on the Trigger

The Return of the Filthy Seven

Crayon Shin-chan: Explosion! The Hot Spring's Feel Good Final Battle

Sky Scraper!

The Sand Boat

Love: Starting on a Journey

Informal Dress

The Bushido Blade

The Battle of Okinawa

Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight

The Bullet Train

The Twilight Samurai

Gozu

Heaven Station

Samurai Reincarnation

Onimasa: A Japanese Godfather

Night Train

Blind Beast vs Killer Dwarf

Human Revolution II

The Armed Organization

Hell's Kitchen

Mount Hakkoda

Giant Rumble

Gambler's Farewell

Submersion of Japan

Fireflies in the North

Goyokin

Battles Without Honor and Humanity

Under the Flag of the Rising Sun

All Men Are Brothers

Japanese Hell

Nichiren

Bloody History of Soldiers

Operation Diamond

Thirteen Times a Loser

The Happiness of the Katakuris

The Shogun Assassins

Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War

The 7th Dawn

Message from Space

Thirst for Love

The Supernormal II

Postwar Secrets

Female Slave Ship

The Geisha

The Bad Boss

Heat Wave

The Fall of Ako Castle

The Gambling Samurai

A Flame at the Pier

Japan's Top Gangster

Destroyer Yukikaze

The Imperial Navy

Big Bad Wolf

Men and War I: Prelude to Destiny