Fujiwara Kamatari

Began his career at age 15 with the Asakusa Opera Company, and continued to perform until the Great Kanto Earthquake, after which he transitioned to acting.

Joined PCL and appeared in comedies in the 30s alongside actor Enomoto Ken'ichi. Became an exclusive contract actor when PCL became Toho.

His pairing with Chiaki Minoru in Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress (1958) is often cited as an inspiration for R2-D2 and C-3PO in George Lucas' Star Wars (1977).

In early scenes of his peasant farmer character in Seven Samurai (1954), Fujiwara played it much more humorously than Kurosawa directed him, leading to disagreements. Later Kurosawa reviewed the film and observed Fujiwara's transformation into a more serious character as the story progressed. He realized that it was more effective because of the actor's decision and offered an apology.