Kenji Ohba
Biography
Kenji Takahashi (February 5 1955 – May 6 2026) was a Japanese actor and former stuntman who worked under the stage name Kenji Ohba. He was born in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan, and was credited with 39 acting roles. Ohba became a prolific figure in the Super Sentai and Metal Heroes franchises, most prominently portraying Retsu Ichijōji / Gavan in the 1982 television series Space Sheriff Gavan. In addition to his television work, he appeared in films such as Kill Bill, as noted in a Czech film database. Ohba also led his own action and stunt troupe, Luck JET, an acronym for “Jaunty Eventful Troupe.” He remained active in the industry until his death at age 71.
Career overview
Kenji Takahashi (February 5 1955 – May 6 2026), who performed under the stage name Kenji Ohba, built a long‑standing career as a Japanese actor and former stuntman. He first gained prominence through his work in the Super Sentai and Metal Heroes franchises, most notably portraying Retsu Ichijouji, also known as Gavan, in the 1982 television series Space Sheriff Gavan. His filmography includes at least thirty‑nine credited roles, spanning both television and cinema, and he is recognized for appearances in films such as the “Kill Bill” series and the Japanese title Sekai ninja sen Jiraiya.
Beyond his on‑screen performances, Ohba founded and led an action and stunt troupe called Luck JET, an acronym for “Jaunty Eventful Troupe.” As president of this group, he continued to influence the Japanese stunt community while maintaining an active presence in acting projects. His career, which extended from the early 1970s until his death in 2026, reflects a blend of martial performance and mainstream acting, establishing him as a notable figure in genre television and action cinema.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
40 titles- Space Squad: Space Sheriff Gavan VS Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger (2017) as Retsu Ichijôji / Space Sheriff Gavan
- Dragon Emperor (2016)
- Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Wars Z (2013) as Retsu Ichijouji
- Space Cop Gavan The Movie (2012) as Retsu Ichijôji / Space Sheriff Gavan
- Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger vs. Space Sheriff Gavan: The Movie (2012) as Retsu Ichijouji / Gavan / Shiro Akebono / Daigoro Oume
- The Legend of Space Sheriff Gavan (2012) as Retsu Ichijôji / Space Sheriff Gavan
- Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger (2011) as Shirou Akebono
- Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (2011) as Bald Guy
- Gokaiger Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle (2011) as Daigoro Oume
- Juken Sentai Gekiranger (2007) as Suugu (voice)
- Juken Sentai Gekiranger (2007) as Dan
- Kage (2007) as Jin
- The Legend of Red Dragon (2006) as Katagari
- Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) as Bald Guy
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) as Bald Guy (Sushi Shop)
- Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger (2002) as Retsudou, Shurikenger
- Juukou B-Fighter (1995) as Haruka's Father
- Kamen Rider ZO (1993) as Kuroda
- Making of Kamen Rider ZO (1993) as Kuroda (archive footage)
- Lucia Bud (1992)
- Ninja Olympiad (1988) as Yajirō Iyo
- Kotaro, An Audacious Karate Boy (1984) as Teruhiko Tenkoji
- The Awesome Circus Bastard (1984) as Araki Yuzuru
- 君のふるさとに太陽がのぼった (1984)
- Space Sheriff Sharivan (1983) as Retsu Ichijouji
- Legend of the Eight Samurai (1983) as Inukai Genpachi Nobufuchi
- Kabamaru the Ninja Boy (1983)
- Space Sheriff Gavan (1982) as Retsu Ichijôji / Space Sheriff Gavan
- Denshi Sentai Denziman (1980) as Daigorou Oume
- Denshi Sentai Denziman: The Movie (1980) as Daigorou Oume / Denzi Blue
- Battle Fever J (1979) as Shirou Akebono
- Battle Fever J: The Movie (1979) as Shirou Akebono / Battle Kenya
- J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai vs. Gorenger (1978) Stunts
- J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai (1977) as Hayato Kono
- Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon (1977) as Karate Brother 1
- Sister Street Fighter (1974)
- The Executioner II: Karate Inferno (1974) as Henchman (uncredited)
- The Executioner (1974) as Henchman (uncredited)
- Kikaida 01 (1973) Stunts
- Flying at Ya', Android Kikaider (1973) Stunts
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Kenji Ohba best known for?
Kenji Ohba is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Space Cop Gavan The Movie (2012), Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger (2011), Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (2011), Juken Sentai Gekiranger (2007).
When and where was Kenji Ohba born?
Kenji Ohba was born on February 5, 1955 in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan. They passed away on May 6, 2026.
How many credits does Kenji Ohba have?
Kenji Ohba has accumulated over 40 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1973 to 2017.
What is Kenji Ohba's background in cinema and television?
Kenji Takahashi (February 5 1955 – May 6 2026) was a Japanese actor and former stuntman who worked under the stage name Kenji Ohba. He was born in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan, and was credited with 39 acting roles. Ohba became a prolific figure in the Super Sentai and Metal Heroes franchises, most prominently portraying Re...
Kenji Ohba by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Juukou B-Fighter (1995) as Haruka's Father — aged about 40
- Denshi Sentai Denziman (1980) as Daigorou Oume — aged about 25
- Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger (2002) as Retsudou, Shurikenger — aged about 47
- Space Sheriff Sharivan (1983) as Retsu Ichijouji — aged about 28
- Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (2011) as Bald Guy — aged about 56
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) as Bald Guy (Sushi Shop) — aged about 48
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