Kō Nishimura
Biography
Kō Nishimura (西村 晃 Nishimura Kō), born on January 25, 1923, and passing on April 29, 1997, was a prominent Japanese actor celebrated for his supporting roles in numerous influential films. His performances can be seen in classics directed by renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, including "The Bad Sleep Well" and "Yojimbo." Nishimura also contributed to Kihachi Okamoto's "Sword of Doom," Yoshitaro Nomura's "Zero Focus," and Kon Ichikawa's "The Burmese Harp," where he was listed in the credits as Akira Nishimura.
Throughout his career, Nishimura became known for his versatility and ability to enhance the narratives of the films he was a part of, earning him a respected place in Japanese cinema. His work has left a lasting impact, showcasing the depth and richness of supporting characters in film. Nishimura's legacy continues to be remembered and appreciated by film enthusiasts and historians alike, highlighting the essential role of character actors in the cinematic arts.
Filmography
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Eleven Samurai
1967 • Errant samurai Daijuro
13 Assassins
1963 • Kujuro Hirayama
Hanzo the Razor: Who's Got the Gold?
1974 • Magohei 'Snake' Ohnishi
The Sword of Doom
1966 • Shichibei, Omatsu's 'uncle'
The Wind Rises
2013
Hanzo the Razor: The Snare
1973 • Magobei "Snake" Onishi
Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice
1972 • Magobei 'Snake' Onishi
Crossroads (2011)
2011
Manhunt
1976 • Nagaoka Ryokai
Bamboo Doll of Echizen
1963 • Chubei
Japanese Godfather: Conclusion
1978 • Shigetomi Katta
The Burmese Harp
1956 • Baba
The Ballad of Narayama
1958 • One of the villagers who Teaches Narayama's Manners (uncredited)
What a Wonderful Family!
2016
House of Terrors
1965 • Baron Tominaga / The Hunchback
Abacus and Sword
2010
The Bad Sleep Well
1960 • Contract Officer Shirai
Godzilla 2000: Millennium
1999
Ninja, A Band of Assassins
1962 • Kizaru
The Black House
1999
The Hound of the Baskervilles: Sherlock the Movie
2022
The Bride from Hades
1968 • Banzou