Kosugi Yoshio

A fixture of the Japanese screen for decades, Kosugi Yoshio began his career in the shingeki theater before joining P.C.L. (the predecessor to Toho) in 1935. Balancing his stage commitments with a busy filming schedule, he became a reliable character actor known for his earthy, robust presence.

International audiences recognize him best as Mosuke, one of the farmers seeking protection, in Kurosawa Akira's masterpiece Seven Samurai (1954). However, he was also a staple of Honda Ishirô's special effects films, playing captains, chiefs, and military men in Mothra (1961), King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), and Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964).

Beyond his acting credits, Kosugi served as an instructor at Toho's acting school, where he mentored future stars like Sahara Kenji and Tsuchiya Yoshio. He passed away in 1968.