Remembering Wakayama Tomisaburo

Wakayama Tomisaburo - born Okumura Masaru in Fukagawa on September 1, 1929-seemed destined for an actor's life. His family were notables in the traditional entertainment district: Wakayama's father was a renowned Kabuki performer and master of the traditional Japanese singing style, nagauta. So it seemed only natural for Tomisaburo and his little brother Katsu Shintaro to follow in the footsteps of their father.

At the tender age of 13, Wakayama began to build his martial skill by studying Judo. In fact, his attainment of yo-dan (4th degree black belt) nearly led to Tomisaburo abandoning the theatre altogether. This, after taking part (alongside his father and Katsu) in a grueling two-year tour as a member of the Azuma Kabuki troupe.

Frustrated with Kabuki society, the young martial artist gave up the family tradition upon his return to Japan. But life as a Judo sensei was not meant to be, as several movie studios pursued Tomisaburo offering him film roles. Wakayama resisted, and admitted to Fighting Stars correspondent Jerry Stout; "I didn't like Kabuki society and I didn't think I would like the world of motion pictures. I made impossible demands on Shin Toho, hoping they'd refuse me. Then, when they swallowed all my conditions, there was no other way but to go into the movies."

Lucky for us, the old Shin Toho studios pretty much shrugged off the would-be Judo sensei's demands. Wakayama signed a contract with the studio and began working in period films. To prepare for roles in Jidai-Geki (period) movies, Tomisaburo enrolled in more rigorious martial training. He immersed himself in Iaido, (the art of the naked blade and quick draw), Kendo, Bo-Jitsu (all of which can be seen in his turn as Ogami Itto), and Shorinji Kenpo.

For seven years he worked at Shin Toho, gaining enough experience to earn a contract at Toei Studios. Toei were the most successful producers of Jidai-Geki films during this time (the early 1960s).

Besides playing benign and wicked samurai, period priests and politicians, Wakayama also portrayed a variety of yakuza and gambling characters throughout his career. His film credits (anywhere from 250 to 500 roles depending on the source.) ran the gamut from comic to drama to action and suspense.

Unfortunately, an English list of all of his credits does not seem to exist, but William Connolly of Martial Arts Movie Associates provides a nice listing of many yakuza and some samurai films that starred or co-starred Wakayama from 1959 up to some projects post Kozure Okami in M.A.M.A. #26. 2 In addition, the internet movie data base has a small list of some of Wakayama's more famous roles listed here (Note that on the IMDB page there are errors (including the date of Tomisaburo's passing) and omissions in material posted. Connolly's list is more accurate and varied for the fan who wants more than the usual fare).

Sadly, Wakayama passed away in a Kyoto hospital on April 2, 1992. Accute heart failure claimed the Lone Wolf at the age of 62. 1

As far as Wakayama's martial prowess, here's a passge from Billy Coyle from artsmagic.co.uk. who said this about Wakayama in the site's February 2001 Samurai newsletter. "In my opinion Wakayama is the finest exponent of swordplay in samurai movies. It should be remembered that the stars in the films are actors first and swordsmen second (if at all) Wakayama was a classical singer before he entered the world of Lone Wolf...To prepare for this he began intensive study of Iaido, the art of drawing and cutting with the samurai sword. Although he plays down his achievement, he is looked upon by his peers as one of the finest exponents of movie swordplay. He also studied Shorinji Kenpo which is an art which is similar to Karate and Aikido combined."3

Jerry Stout, echoed almost identical praise for the actor's martial know-how, but Stout also really nailed Wakayama's acting abililties with this description of Tomisaburo as Shinkai (the womanizing Buddhist priest in the Gokuaku Bozu series). 'In his characterization, the actor utilizes some of his technical trademarks- a facial scar, a voice that sounds like a disgruntled grizzly bear's, flashes of an earthly sense of humor and an uncanny ability to dominiate a scene when doing almost absolutely nothing.' 4

From a fan perspective, I have to agree with both men's assessment about Wakayama's sword/fighting prowess. I've seen quite a few martial arts films (not as many as other folks listed at this site), but enough to know who really knows their stuff and one who knows, but isn't as experienced. Very few martial fight scenes leave me breathless or exclaiming "Oh man!" in gleeful surprise a good 30x after I've first seen the fight. In fact, I'd have to say, that when it comes to martial arts and weapons fighting, the Lone Wolf movies are the only time I continue to be dumbstruck and delighted after so many viewings.

To me, there's more to Tomisaburo than his amazing prowess in the martial arts arena. I find myself smiling when reading Stout's description of Wakayama as Shinkai, because it applies not just to that character but most of the men I've seen Tomisaburo become. His soulful, sleepy eyes convey honor, tenacity, vehemence and paternal love. His voice too echoes these things (and I could't shake his description of Black Rain for days after seeing the movie again recently. Wakayama's tones are hauntingly bitter, evil and somber with a pitch that sounded more infernal than human). It seems no matter who the actor became, he could steal the show by his presence alone.

My favorite Wakayama characters are covered at the following pages: Ogami Itto (of course!) and Jushiro. I've omitted Sugai and Shinkai, while I do really enjoy these two Wakayama characters, I just don't have time to devote space to them.

In a fitting tribute, Japanese action figure manufacturers Alfrex.co. have produced a limited edition figure of Tomisaburo as Itto. This rather expensive gem is worth the money (I would have liked a couple of additional enhancements beyond what's been done) but I think it's a very nice way to remember Wakayama and Kozure Okami as a whole. The figure comes with the cart, Daigoro, all of Itto's weapons, his basket hat, sandles and complete outfit (including those Edo period fruit of the looms ;)). To the left is a scan from ebay. If, and when, I get to picture taking again I will take pictures of the set. Incidentally, the Lone Wolf and Cub banner you see at this site, is a digital manipulation of the banner included with the figure. NOTE: this is NOT the even more expensive set that Dark Horse comics are accepting preorders for now. The Dark Horse set are based on the manga illustrations not Wakayama.