Akira Nakao (中尾 彬) was a Japanese actor, television personality, and artist from Kisarazu, Chiba. Nakao is represented by the Furutachi Project agency.

Biography

Nakao attended Chiba Prefectural Kisarazu High School from 1958, and entered Musashino Art University from 1961. Also in 1961, he was selected in the "5th Nikkatsu New Face" talent competition. In 1963, he left Musashino Art University to study in Paris, France. On returning to Japan in 1964, he enrolled in the Mingei (民芸) theatre company, where he studied under Jūkichi Uno. In 1971, he left the Mingei theatre group to work as a freelance actor. In 1978, he married actress Shino Ikenami, the daughter of rakugo comedian Kingentei Basho. They received the "Nice Couple Award" in 2008. In 1988, he started studying ceramics under Masaaki Kosugi in Karatsu, Saga.

Death

Akira Nakao died from heart failure on May 16, 2024, at the age of 81.

Acting career

Nakao has appeared in jidaigeki (period dramas) and contemporary dramas on television and film, as well as variety shows. Fans of Abarenbō Shōgun immediately recognize him as the scheming Tokugawa Muneharu, arch-rival of the eighth shogun Yoshimune. He played the role for twenty years. Film appearances include five episodes in the series Gokudō no Onna-tachi and six Godzilla movies. He also acted in the 1992 Juzo Itami film Minbo: the Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion. In 2015, Nakao won the award for best supporting actor of Tokyo Sports Film Award for his role in Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen.

Filmography

Film

Television

Video games

Awards