Tetsuro Tamba
male

Born on July 17, 1922 (102 years old)
Passed Away on September 24, 2006
From Tokyo, Japan
Known for Acting
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.
Cast Credits
- 2006
- 2005
- 2004
- 2003
- 2002
Deadly Outlaw: Rekka
as
Sanada
2002
The Cat Returns
as
Cat King (voice)
2002
The Happiness of the Katakuris
as
Granpa Jinpei Katakuri
2002
Shura Group
2002
Bond Girls Are Forever
as
Tiger Tanaka (archive footage) (uncredited)
2002
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Best Ever Bond
as
Tiger Tanaka (archive footage) (uncredited)
2002
Shura Group Part 2
2002
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Shura Group Part 1
2002
Graveyard of Honor
as
Tetsuji Tokura
2002
The Twilight Samurai
as
Tozaemon Iguchi
2002
Toshiie and Matsu
as
Tarozaemon Iguchi
2002
- 2001
- 2000
- 1999
- 1998
- 1997
- 1995
- 1994
- 1993
- 1992
- 1991
- 1990
- 1989
- 1988
- 1987
- 1986
- 1985
- 1984
- 1983
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Samon’s Hell Revenge: Unauthorised Jutte Records 2 - The Assassination of the Shogun
1983
The Tale of Saikaido
1983
The Duel in the forbidden territory
1983
Battle Anthem
as
Yamamoto
1983
A Madcap Corporation
1983
The Geisha
as
Kochi Notable
1983
L・O・V・I・N・G
1983
Lady Vengeance and the 47 Ronin
1983
Masked Blade
1983
- 1982
- 1981
- 1980
- 1979
- 1978
Bandits vs. Samurai Squadron
as
Kichibei
1978
Monument to Holy Service
1978
Never Give Up
as
General Wada
1978
August without Emperor
as
Army General Mikami
1978
The Incident
as
Lawyer Kikuchi
1978
The Fall of Ako Castle
as
Yanagisawa
1978
Shogun's Samurai
as
Ogasawara Gensinsai
1978
Message from Space
as
Ernest Noguchi
1978
Ōgon no Hibi
as
Imai Sōkyū
1978
- 1977
- 1976
- 1975
- 1974
- 1973
The School Deviate Waru
1973
Submersion of Japan
as
Prime Minister Yamamoto
1973
Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight
as
Shino
1973
Battles Without Honor and Humanity
1973
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War
as
Tatsuo Akashi
1973
Quarreling with Yakuza
1973
The Ando Gang Documentary Film
1973
Wild Cop 2
1973
Japan's Top Gangster
as
Noboru Yamaguchi
1973
The Human Revolution
1973
- 1972
The Water Margin
as
Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I
1972
Under the Flag of the Rising Sun
as
Sergeant Katsuo Togashi
1972
Shadow Hunters 2: Echo of Destiny
as
Kagemetsuke
1972
Shadow Hunters
1972
Shōwa Gokudōshi
1972
Yakuza Skirmishes
1972
Informal Dress
1972
Organized Crime: Killer's Glory
1972
New Abashiri Prison Story: Honor and Humanity, Ammunition That Attracts the Storm
1972
- 1971
- 1970
- 1969
- 1968
- 1967
You Only Live Twice
as
Tiger Tanaka
1967
Hawk of the Harbour
1967
Gamblers: The Dragon Tattoo
1967
The Return of the Filthy Seven
1967
Organized Violence II
as
Police Inspector Kitagawa
1967
King of the Gang
1967
Dissolution Rites
as
Sakai
1967
Portrait of Chieko
as
Kotaro Takamura
1967
Once and For All
1967
Organized Violence
1967
Abashiri Prison: Duel in Hokkaido
1967
Game of Chance 3
1967
- 1966
- 1965
Kwaidan
as
Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")
1965
Samurai Spy
as
Sakon Takatani
1965
Ankoku gai jingi
1965
The Gambler
1965
Abashiri Prison
as
Tsumaki
1965
Blood of Revenge
as
Yutaro Nomura
1965
Blood and Law
1965
The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
1965
Tale of Ninja Duty
as
Mumyo Tsunataro
1965
High-Ranking Yakuza
1965
- 1964
Tokyo Gang vs. Hong Kong Gang
1964
Revenge
as
Shume Okuno
1964
The 7th Dawn
as
Ng
1964
Three Outlaw Samurai
as
Sakon Shiba
1964
Assassination
as
Hachiro Kiyokawa
1964
Detective
1964
Homicide
as
Lieutenant Aikawa
1964
The Kingdom of Jirocho 3
1964
Samurai from Nowhere
as
Gunjuro Ohba
1964
Samurai from Somewhere
1964
The Shogun's Vault
1964
An Outlaw
1964
Jakoman and Tetsu
as
Jakoman
1964
Destroyer Yukikaze
1964
Giant Rumble
1964
Gamblers and Racketeers
1964
売春地下組織
1964
- 1963
- 1962
Operation Diamond
as
Kazuo Kasami
1962
South Pacific Waves Are High
1962
Tokyo Untouchable
as
Goro Kawamoto
1962
Umineko ga tonde
1962
Zankokuna tsuki
1962
Uragirimono wa jigoku daze
1962
A Flame at the Pier
1962
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Kuro to aka no hanabira
1962
Harakiri
as
Hikokuro Omodaka
1962
Gang vs. Gang
1962
G-Men in the Pacific
as
Mizuhara
1962
The Challenge
as
Takayama
1962
All Rascals
1962
Four Sisters
as
Masao Igarashi
1962
Tales of Young Genji Kuro 3
1962
Gang vs. G-Men
as
Toru Tezuka
1962
Hell's Kitchen
1962
- 1961
- 1960
- 1959
- 1958
- 1957
Hibari no san'yaku: Zoku Kei tsuya yuki no jôhenge
1957
Hibari no san'yaku: Kei tsuya yuki no jôhenge
1957
Mysterious Clouds: Legend of Satomi's Heroic Deed
as
Aboshi Samajirô
1957
剣聖 暁の三十六番斬り
1957
Emperor Meiji and the Great Russo-Japanese War
as
Rear Admiral Shimamura
1957
Queen of Asia
1957
The Ghost of Kasane
as
Jinjûrô Ômura
1957
Storming Osaka Castle: The Sanada Ten Braves
as
Mondonoshô Hirano
1957
- 1956
- 1955
- 1954
Crew Credits
- 1994
- 1990
- 1989
- 1988
- 1980
- 1964