Shin Tokudaiji

Shin Tokudaiji

Actor

Active: 1936-1938

About Shin Tokudaiji

Shin Tokudaiji was a Japanese actor who worked during the late 1930s, appearing in several notable films of the era. His career, though brief, coincided with a significant period in Japanese cinema when the industry was transitioning from silent films to talkies and developing its unique artistic voice. Tokudaiji appeared in three known films between 1936 and 1938, working with established directors of the time. His most documented work was in Hiroshi Shimizu's 'The Masseurs and a Woman' (1938), which is now considered a classic of Japanese cinema. Like many supporting actors of his generation, detailed records of his life and career are scarce, reflecting the limited documentation practices for non-leading performers in early Japanese film. His filmography suggests he was likely a character actor who worked within the studio system that dominated Japanese cinema during this period.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in 'The Masseurs and a Woman' (1938) directed by Hiroshi Shimizu
  • Worked during the transitional period of Japanese cinema from silent to sound films
  • Participated in the golden age of 1930s Japanese filmmaking

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • The Masseurs and a Woman (1938)
  • Woman in the Mist (1936)
  • Song of the Flower Basket (1937)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Hiroshi Shimizu (director)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

As a supporting actor in 1930s Japanese cinema, Shin Tokudaiji contributed to the development of Japan's film industry during a crucial transitional period. His appearance in 'The Masseurs and a Woman' places him within the context of works that helped establish Japanese cinema's international reputation for humanistic storytelling and technical innovation. While not a leading figure, his participation in these films represents the collective effort of actors who helped build the foundation for Japan's golden age of cinema.

Lasting Legacy

Shin Tokudaiji's legacy is preserved through his appearances in films that have survived as important examples of 1930s Japanese cinema. Though detailed records of his career are limited, his work in 'The Masseurs and a Woman' ensures his place in film history as a contributor to one of the era's most significant Japanese films. His story reflects the many actors whose names may not be widely remembered but who played essential roles in creating the cinematic classics that continue to influence filmmakers today.

Who They Inspired

Due to the limited documentation of his career and the supporting nature of his roles, specific information about Shin Tokudaiji's influence on other performers or filmmakers is not available. However, his work during this period contributed to the overall development of acting styles and techniques in Japanese cinema during its formative years.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Shin Tokudaiji's personal life, which is typical for supporting actors from this era of Japanese cinema. The lack of available biographical information reflects the limited historical records kept for character actors during the 1930s Japanese film industry.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in three known films during a brief two-year career span
  • Worked with acclaimed director Hiroshi Shimizu on 'The Masseurs and a Woman'
  • His career coincided with the transition from silent to sound cinema in Japan
  • Like many character actors of his era, detailed biographical information is scarce
  • His films represent important examples of 1930s Japanese cinematic art
  • The Masseurs and a Woman (1938) is now considered a classic of Japanese cinema

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Shin Tokudaiji?

Shin Tokudaiji was a Japanese actor who appeared in films during the late 1930s, most notably in 'The Masseurs and a Woman' (1938). He worked during a significant period in Japanese cinema's development, though detailed information about his life and career is limited.

What films is Shin Tokudaiji best known for?

Shin Tokudaiji is known for his appearances in three films: 'Woman in the Mist' (1936), 'Song of the Flower Basket' (1937), and 'The Masseurs and a Woman' (1938). The latter film, directed by Hiroshi Shimizu, is considered a classic of Japanese cinema.

When was Shin Tokudaiji born and when did he die?

Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Shin Tokudaiji are not available in historical records, which is common for supporting actors from 1930s Japanese cinema. He was active as an actor from 1936 to 1938.

What awards did Shin Tokudaiji win?

There are no documented awards or nominations for Shin Tokudaiji, which reflects the limited recognition typically given to supporting actors during this period of Japanese cinema history.

What was Shin Tokudaiji's acting style?

Specific details about Shin Tokudaiji's acting style are not documented in available sources. As a character actor in 1930s Japanese cinema, he likely worked within the established acting conventions of the studio system of that era.

What is the significance of Shin Tokudaiji's film 'The Masseurs and a Woman'?

'The Masseurs and a Woman' (1938) is now considered a classic of Japanese cinema, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hiroshi Shimizu. The film is noted for its humanistic storytelling and represents an important example of Japanese filmmaking from the late 1930s.

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Films

3 films