Tetsurō Tamba
Tetsurō Tamba (July 17, 1922 – September 24, 2006) was a distinguished Japanese actor known for his versatile talent across five decades. Recognized globally for his portrayal of Tiger Tanaka in the iconic 1967 James Bond film "You Only Live Twice," Tamba's cinematic journey was a remarkable blend of cultural bridges. Before embarking on his acting career, Tamba worked as an interpreter for the Allied Powers' Supreme Commander. Graduating from Chuo University in 1948, he later joined Shintoho company, making his debut in the film Satsujin Yougishain in 1951. Tamba's impact on Western audiences extended beyond Bond, with standout performances in films like Bridge to the Sun and The 7th Dawn. He earned acclaim in Japan as well, most notably as the lead in police dramas like Key Hunter and G-Men '75. His talents weren't confined to the screen alone. Tamba lent his voice to characters like the Cat King in Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns and graced historical roles in television dramas, leaving an indelible mark on period pieces. In 2005, Tamba faced health challenges but continued to contribute until the end. Sadly, he passed away in Tokyo at 84 due to pneumonia on September 24, 2006. His legacy lives on through his son, actor Yoshitaka Tamba, while his last appearances in the 2005 Taiga drama Yoshitsune and the 2006 film Sinking of Japan remain a testament to his enduring impact on Japanese cinema and beyond.
Known for
ActingBirthday
July 17, 1922Deathday
September 24, 2006Gender
MaleKnown Movie Credits
306Place of birth
Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, JapanAlso known as
丹波 哲郎, Tetsurō Tanba, Tetsuro Tamba, Tetzuro Tamba, Tetsurô Tanba , Tetsuro Tambo, Tetsurô Tamba, Tetsurou Tanba, Тэцуро Тамба![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/ihugQ2afio03fcKSGXdkcQKTVmt.jpg)
Cast credits
![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/fdRbvRcEXcf2rC4ghLFZzCWPSmB.jpg)
You Only Live Twice
Tiger Tanaka![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/rFAEbhuZghpXAzUisD3likvlZQH.jpg)
The Challenge
Takayama![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/cfcIjq4V8GxtMN6GU3WnufTM9cD.jpg)
Kwaidan
Warrior (segment "Hoichi the Earless")![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/9WfCDU8hF3zgFGf9IXdyL0j7Rot.jpg)
Pigs and Battleships
Slasher Tetsuji![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/4LBuvgYQwQSzpLsttO2yrecNFhj.jpg)
Demon Pond
![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/mo5L0XzMYmLhdsvgA40qlYiHhAF.jpg)
Gozu
![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/jLH0YA4BMOnDxtE9q1jfTHU8tbM.jpg)
The Wolves
Genryu Asakura![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/uzliUvv0f5E97m5xyttoZrEUiSp.jpg)
The Castle of Sand
Detective Eitaro Imanishi![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/2r4WNCpwAQzekbaZwoCcOv1GJuO.jpg)
Deadly Outlaw: Rekka
Sanada![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/pqyY7IEWkCWNZ7EuRStQaJITEta.jpg)
The Cat Returns
Cat King (voice)![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/gEWO3xJiiqBPAsyPLsZmo54HK3C.jpg)
The Water Margin
Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/z7h6KqTZLgMefn7zRM0cA7fcAo6.jpg)
Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs
Nagumo![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/lBBZNl477SNsAORNjnHyFvprxAd.jpg)
Under the Flag of the Rising Sun
Sergeant Katsuo Togashi![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/ekBCCjMvzhY1B8PivwsVuKdvqad.jpg)
Hunter in the Dark
Okitsugu Tanuma![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/8iIei17w5DVEz4P9OjxIM10f7Jh.jpg)
The Happiness of the Katakuris
Granpa Jinpei Katakuri![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/5NSCCCQn06UfkKap9rIXL5g7GPG.jpg)
The Five Man Army
Samurai![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/3LqcnoWXW29b7gKzgmlMrDliVQl.jpg)
Violent Streets
Shimamura Kansai![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/uLD26c8LgyKYJVcHPNtuE0ekOln.jpg)
Samurai Spy
Sakon Takatani![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/uPkIU5EptkWth21qAlthpiyVsoY.jpg)
Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky
Master Zhang![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/5X0oO5Lg5OmYRd2zsGfxTaSFXEp.jpg)
Goyokin
Rokugo Tatewaki![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/tPEydenxUvjn3k7ir2PEgTKBVWC.jpg)
The Peking Man
OsoneCrew credits
![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/tLMiKmFpIFPkTwxwi18hxxd2Q8r.jpg)
Three Outlaw Samurai
Producer![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/qXXXCkNshbKS4BRJ1guCEIEeEoa.jpg)
The Sand Boat
Screenplay, Executive Producer, Director![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/A28jwTJcpnNkD9haAVvQdVLKv26.jpg)
Tetsuro Tamba's Great Spirit World: What Happens When You Die
Idea, General Manager, Writer![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/msytkwRwerFT5eCE5A4Mr261EXC.jpg)
Tetsuro Tamba's Great Spirit World 2: I was surprised when I died!!
Executive Producer, Screenplay![](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/h632/ypJ0jwZJWVxO9qqaafyKITpJe74.jpg)
Tetsuro Tamba’s Great Spiritual World 3: Amazing Reincarnation Story That Ran Around the Whole
Director, Screenplay