Akiji Kobayashi - Actor Profile

Akiji Kobayashi

Acting
Updated: May 12, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 6, 1930
Birth Place: Yodobashi ward, Tokyo, Japan

About Akiji Kobayashi

Akiji Kobayashi (小林昭二, Kobayashi Akiji, September 6, 1930 – August 27, 1996), sometimes credited as Shōji Kobayashi, was a Japanese actor. He attended Nihon University College of Art, but withdrew before completing his degree and joined the Haiyuza Theatre Company in 1949. He made his film debut with Satsujin Yogisha in 1952. He is best known in the West for portraying the role of Captain Toshio Muramatsu in the 1966-1967 television series, Ultraman. From 1983-84, he appeared in the popular television detective series Seibu Keisatsu. His other notable television role was Tōbei Tachibana ("Oya-san") in several series of the Kamen Rider franchise. He was one of Kon Ichikawa's favorite actors, appearing in 12 Ichikawa films. His final film appearance was Yatsuhaka-mura as Head of a Factory directed by Kon Ichikawa in 1996. He was the official dubbing artist of John Wayne and Richard Crenna. Kobayashi died of lung cancer in Yokohama on August 27, 1996, ten days before his 66th birthday.

Akiji Kobayashi Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Akiji Kobayashi reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Akiji Kobayashi's work falls within the Action genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 100% of Akiji Kobayashi's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Men Who Made Ultraman, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Akiji Kobayashi Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Akiji Kobayashi's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Akiji Kobayashi has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1996 The 8-Tomb Village - Hit Similar →
1996 Gamera 2: Attack of Legion Senior sergeant Super Hit Similar →
1996 Ultraman Zearth Fisherman Super Hit Similar →
1994 47 Ronin - Hit Similar →
1993 Kogarashi Monjirō Returns - Super Hit Similar →
1993 Kamen Rider SD: Strange?! Kumo Otoko Toubei Tachibana (voice) Hit Similar →
1992 Godzilla vs. Mothra Yuzo Tsuchiashi Hit Similar →
1991 Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah Yuzo Tsuchiashi Hit Similar →
1990 Ultra Q The Movie: Legend of the Stars Detective Super Hit Similar →
1990 Like the Clouds, Like the Wind Konton Hit Similar →
1989 Afternoon When Flowers Fell - Super Hit Similar →
1989 Black Rain Katayama Super Hit Similar →
1989 Ultraman: Terror on Route 87 Toshio Muramatsu Super Hit Similar →
1989 The Men Who Made Ultraman - Super Hit Similar →
1986 Desperate Pursuit Inoue Super Hit Similar →
1986 Bakumatsu seishun graffiti: Ronin Sakamoto Ryoma Hanazuki Super Hit Similar →
1983 The Makioka Sisters Seitaro Jinba Hit Similar →
1982 The Longest Tunnel - Super Hit Similar →
1982 Suspicion Chief of Police, Ishihara Hit Similar →
1982 Karate Cop Asst Chief Fuji Super Hit Similar →
1982 Ten Duels of Young Shingo: Chapter 2 - Super Hit Similar →
1981 Lonely Heart - Super Hit Similar →
1981 Yuki Jinjii (voice) Hit Similar →
1980 Koto: The Ancient City - Hit Similar →
1980 Shogun Assassin Lord Kurogawa Hit Similar →
1979 Immortal Kamen Rider Special Tobei Tachibana Super Hit Similar →
1979 Akio Jissoji's Ultraman Captain Toshio Muramatsu Super Hit Similar →
1978 Queen Bee Detective Kogure Super Hit Similar →
1977 Lullaby to Kill Koreya Kusakabe (manager) Hit Similar →
1976 The Inugami Family Kokichi Inugami Hit Similar →
1976 The Kagestar: The Movie Inspector Tonda Super Hit Similar →
1976 All Together! Seven Kamen Riders!! Tōbei Tachibana Super Hit Similar →
1975 Kamen Rider Stronger: The Movie Tôbei Tachibana Hit Similar →
1973 Internal Sleuth - Super Hit Similar →
1973 Kamen Rider V3: The Movie Tōbei Tachibana Hit Similar →
1972 Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril Narrator Hit Similar →
1972 Kamen Rider vs. Ambassador Hell Tōbei Tachibana Hit Similar →
1972 Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx Ozunu Kurokuwa Hit Similar →
1972 Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance Narrator Hit Similar →
1971 Return of Ultraman: Terror of the Waterspout Monsters Captain Takamura Hit Similar →
1970 This Transient Life - Hit Similar →
1969 Prison Break - Hit Similar →
1969 The Curse of the Ghost Naosuke Hit Similar →
1967 The Return of the Filthy Seven - Super Hit Similar →
1967 Ultraman: Monster Movie Feature Capt. Toshio Muramatsu Hit Similar →
1965 Kwaidan (segment "In a Cup of Tea") (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1963 Youth of the Beast Tatsuo Nomoto Hit Similar →
1962 Harakiri - Super Hit Similar →
1962 Foundry Town Hei-san Super Hit Similar →
1959 The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity Nonaka Shôi Super Hit Similar →

Akiji Kobayashi - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Akiji Kobayashi?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Akiji Kobayashi is "The Men Who Made Ultraman" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Akiji Kobayashi acted in?

Akiji Kobayashi has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Akiji Kobayashi?

Other notable films include "The Longest Tunnel", "Desperate Pursuit", and "Ten Duels of Young Shingo: Chapter 2".

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