Who Is Ken Takakura? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ken Takakura was born on February 16, 1931, and he sadly passed away on November 10, 2014. In 2025, he would have been 94 years old. Known as one of Japan’s most celebrated film actors, Takakura made a name for himself in the post-war Japanese cinema, often playing roles that embodied masculinity and moral integrity. His career spanned over five decades, and he appeared in more than 200 films, becoming a cultural icon both in Japan and abroad.
| Occupation | Singers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1931 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Nakama, Fukuoka, Japan |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Japan |
| Date of death | 10 November, 2014 |
| Died Place | Tokyo, Japan |
Popularity
Ken Takakura's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ken Takakura was known for his tall stature and commanding presence. Although specific measurements may not have been extensively recorded, he was typically described as being around 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall, with a robust frame befitting his dynamic roles. His physicality contributed to his ability to portray strong and complex characters on screen.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Takakura maintained a relatively private personal life. He was married to actress Yoshiko Matsumoto. Although they faced challenges, Takakura remained dedicated to his family. While there have been speculations about his romantic life, he largely kept his personal relationships away from the public eye, focusing instead on his thriving career.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ken Takakura's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. His wealth was accumulated through numerous film roles, endorsements, and various investments over his long career. Known for his professionalism, Takakura often negotiated substantial salaries for his films, which contributed to his financial success.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ken Takakura's career began in the early 1950s and quickly rose after his breakout role in the film "Betrayal of the Angels." He became a prominent star in yakuza films, solidifying his status as a leading man in Japanese cinema. Beyond acting, Takakura delved into business, investing in various media and entertainment ventures, which helped expand his influence in the industry.
His most notable films, including "The Yellow Handkerchief" and "The Wolves," have had lasting cultural impacts, and he continues to be celebrated in retrospectives and film festivals today.
He appeared in three films since 2000: Hotaru (ホタル) in May 2001, Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles, by Chinese director Zhang Yimou, in late December 2005, and Yasuo Furuhata's Anata e (Dearest) in late August 2012, after a six-year hiatus. He died of lymphoma on November 10, 2014.
Shintaro Ishihara described him as "the last big star (in Japan)." A huge number of Chinese internet users expressed their sympathies and condolences, including many celebrities in the Chinese movie industry.
The spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hong Lei said that Takakura made significant contributions to the cultural exchange between China and Japan.
Social Network
While Ken Takakura was not active on social media, as it gained popularity after his career peaked, his legacy continues to resonate on platforms like Instagram and Twitter through fan pages and film retrospectives. His films and quotes are frequently shared, ensuring that new generations remain familiar with his significant contributions to cinema.
He attended Tochiku High School in nearby Yahata City, where he was a member of the boxing team and English society. It was around this time that he gained his streetwise swagger and tough-guy persona watching yakuza movies.
This subject was covered in one of his most famous movies, Showa Zankyo-den (Remnants of Chivalry in the Showa Era), in which he played an honorable old-school yakuza among the violent post-war gangs.
After graduating from Meiji University in Tokyo, Takakura attended an audition on impulse in 1955 at the Toei Film Company while applying for a managerial position.
Education
Ken Takakura pursued education within Japan, initially studying at the Kurashiki High School. His passion for acting developed during his youth, but he did not have formal training in acting. Instead, he honed his craft through practical experience in the film industry, showing that talent can often overshadow formal education.
