Echigo Ken

Echigo Ken joined Toho as part of the second “New Face” program in 1947. He became a reliable supporting actor, appearing in numerous films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the science fiction genre.

While often cast in uncredited bit parts, Echigo had memorable roles in several classic tokusatsu films. He played the harmonica-playing sailor on the Eiko-maru in the original Godzilla (1954) and had a more prominent role as the SY-3 crew member Yoshikawa in Destroy All Monsters (1968). His other credits include Rodan (1956), The Mysterians (1957), and Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964).

Echigo retired from acting in 1971. In his later years, he reportedly worked at a coffee shop near Toho studios with fellow actor Iwamoto Koji. He was an avid clay pigeon shooter.

His death was confirmed by his widow, actress Terasawa Hiroko, in a 2014 interview, though the exact date remains unknown.