Hirata Akihiko

An intellectual and distinguished actor, Hirata Akihiko brought a sense of gravity to his roles, making him a perfect fit for the scientists and military officials he frequently portrayed.

Born in Gyeongseong (Seoul) during the Japanese occupation of Korea, he was educated at the prestigious Tokyo University, where he graduated from the Faculty of Law. He briefly worked in the business world at a trading company that would become Mitsubishi Corporation before leaving to pursue acting, joining the Haiyuza theater group in 1947.

He entered the film industry as part of Toho's 5th "New Face" class in 1953, where he met his lifelong friend Sahara Kenji. He is immortalized in film history for his role as the tormented Dr. Serizawa in the original Godzilla (1954). The eyepatch he wore for the role became iconic; he donned it again for a self-referential role in Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (1966) and even wore it to the press conference announcing The Return of Godzilla (1984). He was slated to star in that film, but his declining health forced him to withdraw, and he passed away from lymphangiectasia shortly before filming began.

His career at Toho was prolific, appearing in nearly every major kaiju franchise, including Rodan (1956), The Mysterians (1957), Mothra (1961), and Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975). He often played the "monster killer," the scientist who devises the solution to the threat. Beyond special effects films, he worked with Kurosawa Akira in Sanjuro (1962) and commanded the screen as the villainous Mr. K in the cult TV series Warrior of Love Rainbowman (1972).

Western fans may also know him from his appearance in the Star Wolf TV series, footage of which was re-edited into the Fugitive Alien films and mocked on Mystery Science Theater 3000. He was married to fellow actress Kuga Yoshiko.