Joji Oka
Biography
Joji Oka, born in Tokyo, Japan, on May 25, 1902, was a renowned Japanese actor celebrated for his versatile roles in the film industry. His given name was Katsuzo Nakamizo, and he also used alternate names, including Susumu Minobe.
Oka embarked on his cinematic journey in the late 1920s, making his debut with the film "Ryuko no Maki Tora no Maki" in 1928. He rose to prominence as a leading actor in movies like "Akai Hi Aoi Hi" (Red Lights, Blue Lights) in 1929. His influence extended across silent and sound films, where he showcased his remarkable voice and talent.
In the early 1930s, Oka encountered personal and professional challenges, including a romantic involvement with actress Ran Koizumi and a subsequent disappearance incident. Later, he joined Toho Studios, further solidifying his position as a leading actor. Notable works, such as "Shiroi Kinjo" (White Robes) in 1936, featured his exceptional talents.
During World War II, Oka served in the Imperial Japanese Army while simultaneously pursuing his acting career. Following the war, he resumed his involvement in filmmaking and garnered recognition for his roles in movies like "Kanchi eizu Seiretsu" (The Ambitious Gang) in 1954.
Oka's career spanned from the late 1920s to the late 1960s, showcasing his versatility and skill in various genres, encompassing modern drama, period pieces, and action films. He passed away on December 17, 1970, at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances within the realm of Japanese cinema.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- Secret Love (1966)
- Kono michi akashingō (1964)
- A Devil of a Gentleman (1963)
- Lord of Red Banner (1960)
- Hanjiro of Kusama: Bird of Passage (1960)
- Ayausgî G-Man - ânkoku gai no yagû (1960)
- Shingo's Original Challenge, Part 3 (1960)
- Prince of Space (1959) as Ambassador Dictator Phantom
- Moonlight Mask: The Last Death of the Devil (1959)
- Moonlight Mask: The Challenging Ghost (1959)
- Planet Prince - The Terrifying Spaceship (1959) as Ambassador Maboroshi
- The Pacific War and the International Military Tribunal (1959) as War Minister Anami
- Planet Prince (1959) as Ambassador Maboroshi / Maboroshi taishi
- Tales of Young Genji Kuro 2 (1958)
- The Spider-Man (1958)
- Lion Crest Part 2 (1958)
- Lion Crest (1958)
- Falcon Magistrate (1957)
- Sasaki Kojiro (1957)
- The Mansion of Intrigue (1957) as Dutch Merchant
- Glorious Standard Bearer (1957)
- Case of a Young Lord 6: Mermaid Murder Case (1957)
- Sasaki Kojiro, Part 2 (1957)
- 快剣士・笑いの面 (1956)
- Swordsman of the Two Sword Style (1956)
- Mother Peacock (1956)
- Appeal on the Cross (1956)
- Case of a Young Lord 3 (1956)
- ふり袖小天狗 (1955)
- The Vassal's Neck (1955)
- The Young Lord (1955)
- Turbid Youth (1954)
- Ghost Man (1954) as Misaku Kanou
- 関八州勢揃い (1954)
- Kurama Tengu and Katsu Kaishū (1953) as Takamori Saigō
- Kaiketsu kuro zukin (1953)
- Lady Chatterley of Japan (1953) as Nodori Takashima
- Bored Hatamoto Passes By (1953)
- Dedication of the Great Buddha (1952)
- Mōjū Tsukai no Shōjo (1952)
- Claws of Iron (1951) as Kyôsuke Tashiro
- Enoken the Hero (1950) as Oda Nobunaga
- Hyōchū no Bijo (1950)
- Koga Manshion (1949)
- Koi rōka (1949)
- Haha kōbai (1949)
- Utsukushiki hyō (1948)
- Sen-hime goten (1948)
- Chōchō shissō jiken (1947)
- Sabakareru aijō (1947)
- As Long as I Live (1946)
- 音楽大進軍 (1943) as Ryusaku Okakura
- Musashibo Benkei (1942)
- Wings of Victory (1942)
- The Night Before the Meiji Restoration (1941)
- Mother's Melody (1937)
- The Crown of Life (1936)
- Great Bodhisattva Pass 2 (1936) as Toranosuke Shimada
- Great Bodhisattva Pass (1935)
- Constellations on Earth, Part 2: Constellations (1934)
- Storm in the City (1934)
- Constellations on Earth, Part One: Earth Chapter (1934)
- The Genealogy of Women (1934) as Chikara Hayase
- Mother of the East (1934) as Ken (Omura's Son)
- Dragnet Girl (1933) as Jyoji
- Sôbô (1933) as Kazuo Sunaga
- Daphne (1933) as Hakufu Nomura
- The Cheerleading Captain's Love (1933) as Tsukamoto
- Clear and Cloudy (1933) as Isuke Emura
- No Blood Relation (1932) as Masaya Kusakabe
- The Loyal 47 Ronin (1932) as Yanagisawa
- Chûshingura - Zempen: Akahokyô no maki (1932)
- Seven Seas: Chastity Chapter (1932) as Takehiko
- First Steps Ashore (1932) as Sakata
- Victory or Defeat (1932)
- Shin Yotsuya Ghost Story (1932)
- Until the Day We Meet Again (1932) as Man
- The 26 Martyrs of Japan (1931)
- Seven Seas: Virginity Chapter (1931) as Takehiko Yagibashi
- The Morning Sun Shines (1929) as (as Susumu Minobe): Hiroo Karasaki, Head of Delegation