Zentaro Iijima
Actor
About Zentaro Iijima
Zentaro Iijima was a Japanese actor active during the late 1930s, best known for his appearance in Mikio Naruse's acclaimed 1938 film 'The Masseurs and a Woman' (Anma to onna). His career appears to have been brief, with his known filmography limited to this single significant work during Japan's golden age of cinema. The film itself was notable for its sensitive portrayal of blind masseurs and was one of Naruse's early masterpieces that showcased his humanistic approach to filmmaking. Iijima's role, while not the lead, contributed to the ensemble cast that brought this poignant story to life. Like many supporting actors of this era in Japanese cinema, detailed records of his career and personal life are scarce, reflecting the limited documentation practices of the time. His contribution to this important film represents his known legacy in cinema history.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Mikio Naruse's 'The Masseurs and a Woman' (1938)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Zentaro Iijima's cultural impact is primarily tied to his participation in 'The Masseurs and a Woman,' a significant film in Japanese cinema history that showcased director Mikio Naruse's emerging talent for humanistic storytelling. The film was notable for its sensitive portrayal of marginalized characters in Japanese society during the pre-war period, and all cast members, including Iijima, contributed to this important work of social commentary. While his individual impact may have been limited due to his brief career, his contribution to this cinematic milestone represents a small but meaningful part of Japan's film heritage during a crucial period of artistic development.
Lasting Legacy
Zentaro Iijima's legacy remains preserved through his role in 'The Masseurs and a Woman,' which continues to be studied and appreciated by film scholars and enthusiasts of classic Japanese cinema. The film itself has endured as an important example of Naruse's early work and 1930s Japanese filmmaking, ensuring that all who contributed to it, including Iijima, maintain a place in cinema history. His brief appearance in this critically acclaimed work represents his known contribution to the art form.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited scope of his known filmography, there is no documented evidence of Zentaro Iijima's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. His primary influence comes through his participation in a film that has influenced generations of Japanese directors and continues to be studied for its artistic merit and social commentary.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Zentaro Iijima's personal life, which is common for supporting actors from 1930s Japanese cinema whose careers were brief and not extensively documented.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film, 'The Masseurs and a Woman' (1938)
- Worked with acclaimed director Mikio Naruse early in Naruse's career
- The film he appeared in was also known by its Japanese title 'Anma to onna'
- His entire known film career spans just one year: 1938
- Like many supporting actors of 1930s Japanese cinema, detailed biographical information is scarce
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Zentaro Iijima?
Zentaro Iijima was a Japanese actor active in the late 1930s, known primarily for his appearance in Mikio Naruse's 1938 film 'The Masseurs and a Woman.' His known filmography consists of this single significant work from Japan's golden age of cinema.
What films is Zentaro Iijima best known for?
Zentaro Iijima is known for appearing in 'The Masseurs and a Woman' (1938), directed by Mikio Naruse. This appears to be his only documented film role, making it his signature work.
When was Zentaro Iijima born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Zentaro Iijima are not available in accessible sources, which is common for supporting actors from 1930s Japanese cinema whose careers were brief and not extensively documented.
What awards did Zentaro Iijima win?
There are no documented awards or nominations for Zentaro Iijima in available sources. His recognition comes primarily through his participation in the critically acclaimed film 'The Masseurs and a Woman.'
What was Zentaro Iijima's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the fact that only one of his films is widely accessible, specific details about Zentaro Iijima's acting style are not well-documented in film literature or critical analyses.
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Films
1 film
