Nagamasa Yamada

Actor

Active: 1936

About Nagamasa Yamada

Nagamasa Yamada was a Japanese actor active during the mid-1930s, known primarily for his appearance in Mikio Naruse's 1936 film 'Mr. Thank You' (Arigatou-san). His career appears to have been brief, with documented work concentrated around 1936. The film in which he appeared was directed by one of Japan's most celebrated filmmakers, Mikio Naruse, during a period when Japanese cinema was transitioning from silent films to talkies. Yamada's participation in this significant work places him within the context of Japan's emerging film industry during the pre-war era. Unfortunately, detailed records about his broader career, training, or other film appearances are scarce, which was common for many supporting actors of this period in Japanese cinema. His contribution, while perhaps small in scope, represents the collaborative nature of film production during this golden age of Japanese cinema.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Mikio Naruse's 'Mr. Thank You' (1936)

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Role in 'Mr. Thank You' (1936)

Must-See Films

  • Mr. Thank You (1936)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Mikio Naruse

Studios

  • P.C.L. (Photo Chemical Laboratories)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Nagamasa Yamada's contribution to cinema, while limited in scope, represents the important role of supporting actors in Japan's film industry during the 1930s. The film 'Mr. Thank You' itself was significant as part of Mikio Naruse's early body of work, showcasing the director's emerging style that would later influence generations of filmmakers. Actors like Yamada were essential to the studio system that produced Japan's classic cinema, helping to create the authentic social environments that characterized films of this era.

Lasting Legacy

As an actor from the early sound period of Japanese cinema, Nagamasa Yamada's legacy is preserved through his participation in 'Mr. Thank You,' a film that has survived as an important example of 1930s Japanese filmmaking. While individual records may be scarce, his contribution is part of the collective effort that established Japan's reputation for cinematic excellence during this formative period.

Who They Inspired

Due to the limited documentation of his career and the brief nature of his documented work, specific information about Nagamasa Yamada's influence on other actors or filmmakers is not available. However, his participation in quality productions like those of Mikio Naruse contributed to the overall development of Japanese cinema's acting traditions during the transition to sound.

Off Screen

Very limited information is available about Nagamasa Yamada's personal life, which was typical for many supporting actors in 1930s Japanese cinema. Records from this era were often incomplete, especially for actors who had brief careers or played minor roles.

Did You Know?

  • 'Mr. Thank You' (1936) was directed by Mikio Naruse, who would become one of Japan's most acclaimed directors
  • The film was produced by P.C.L. (Photo Chemical Laboratories), which later became part of Toho
  • 1936 was during the transition period when Japanese cinema was fully embracing sound technology
  • Many supporting actors from 1930s Japanese films have incomplete records due to documentation practices of the era
  • The film 'Mr. Thank You' follows a bus driver known for his politeness, reflecting social themes common in Naruse's work

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Nagamasa Yamada?

Nagamasa Yamada was a Japanese actor active in 1936, primarily known for his appearance in Mikio Naruse's film 'Mr. Thank You.' He appears to have had a brief career during the early sound era of Japanese cinema.

What films is Nagamasa Yamada best known for?

Nagamasa Yamada is documented as appearing in 'Mr. Thank You' (1936), directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Mikio Naruse. This appears to be his only credited film role based on available records.

When was Nagamasa Yamada born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Nagamasa Yamada are not available in documented sources, which was common for many supporting actors from 1930s Japanese cinema.

What awards did Nagamasa Yamada win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Nagamasa Yamada, which was typical for many supporting actors during this period of Japanese cinema.

What was the significance of 'Mr. Thank You' (1936)?

'Mr. Thank You' was an important early film by director Mikio Naruse, showcasing his emerging style and social commentary. The film has been preserved as a significant example of 1930s Japanese cinema during the transition to sound.

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Films

1 film