Biography: Kiyoshi Atsumi

Kiyoshi Atsumi was an eminent personality of the Japanese Film Industry who has given plenty of remarkable workpieces. He was a famous actor and producer. He is also known by Atsumi, and Yasuo Tadokoro. His accomplished works include r Tora-san Plays Daddy (1987), Tora-san’s Tropical Fever (1980), and Tora-san Meets His Lordship (1977). 

He was born on March 10, 1928, in Taito, Tokyo, Japan, to a well-fitted family. He was brought up in an impoverished section of Tokyo by his parents. He is the only child of his family. Speaking about his educational qualifications, he had to leave school in his early years and work in factories during World War II. Afterward, he was employed in the theatre prior to establishing his name as a comedian in the city’s Asakusa entertainment district. In 1951, he commenced his journey as a comedian in the strip-show theater in Asakusa.

He gained much attention from that and was immensely loved by the audience. Moreover, he suffered through pulmonary tuberculosis for two consecutive years and didn’t lose hope. He went through several rough patches but always kept moving towards his goal. After some time, he debuted as an actor on both television and films in years 1956 and 1957, respectively.

He attracted a large audience from all around the nation and began building his fan following. Later, he was spotted in another famous movie, “Dear Mr. Emperor,” which was released in 1963. In this, he portrayed the character of a lovable, innocent man. This movie received immense love from the audience and established his reputation as an actor. In addition, he played the role of Tora-san on television in a widely famous series, Tora-san series of films in the year 1968. The movie was about, Tora-san, a middle-aged peddler, is a charmingly irresponsible rogue in a frumpy beige suit who sells trinkets to passersby and unsuccessfully courts pretty women.

The series was a colossal success and were box-office hits in Japan. Also, it received warming responses from audiences worldwide. Additionally, he has been spotted in numerous movies and series. His notable credits include, Otoko wa tsurai yo (1969), Zoku otoko wa tsurai yo (1969), Otoko wa tsurai yo: Fûten no Tora (1970), Otoko wa tsurai yo: Junjô hen (1971), Otoko wa tsurai yo: Shibamata bojo (1972), and many more. Further, he won a title at the Japan Academy Awards. Unfortunately, he died on August 4, 1996, in Tokyo, Japan.