Noboru Kiritachi
Actor
About Noboru Kiritachi
Noboru Kiritachi was a Japanese actor active during the late 1930s, known primarily for his appearance in the critically acclaimed film 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' (1937). His career appears to have been extremely brief, with film records showing activity only in the year 1937. Like many supporting actors in Japanese cinema during this period, Kiritachi was part of the studio system that produced numerous films annually, often with actors who had short or sporadic careers. His work came during a pivotal time in Japanese cinema, just before the country's increased militarization and the subsequent impact on the film industry. The fact that his only known credit is in a film by the respected director Sadao Yamanaka suggests he may have been part of a regular troupe of actors that Yamanaka worked with. Unfortunately, detailed records about many actors from this era, particularly those in supporting roles, are scarce, making it difficult to construct a comprehensive picture of Kiritachi's life and career beyond his single known film appearance.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' (1937), directed by Sadao Yamanaka
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Noboru Kiritachi's contribution to cinema, while limited in scope, is preserved through his participation in 'Humanity and Paper Balloons,' a film now regarded as a masterpiece of Japanese cinema. The film itself has had significant cultural impact, being one of the few surviving works of director Sadao Yamanaka, who died at age 28. Actors like Kiritachi, even in minor roles, were part of creating this important cultural artifact that continues to be studied and appreciated by film scholars and enthusiasts worldwide. Their performances, though not individually documented in detail, contribute to the overall artistic achievement of the film.
Lasting Legacy
Noboru Kiritachi's legacy is intrinsically tied to 'Humanity and Paper Balloons,' ensuring that his contribution to Japanese cinema is preserved as part of this historically significant film. While he may not have achieved individual recognition during his lifetime or in subsequent film history, his participation in this masterpiece means his work continues to be seen and studied by new generations of film enthusiasts. The film itself has been preserved and restored by various film archives, including the Criterion Collection, ensuring that performances like Kiritachi's remain accessible for cultural and historical study.
Who They Inspired
Given the brevity of his known career and the lack of documentation about his specific role or performance style, it is not possible to trace Noboru Kiritachi's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. His work, however, is part of the broader tapestry of 1930s Japanese cinema that influenced subsequent generations of filmmakers both in Japan and internationally. The film he appeared in has been cited as an influence by various directors who appreciate its humanistic approach and technical mastery.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Noboru Kiritachi's personal life, as was common for many supporting actors in 1930s Japanese cinema who did not achieve star status. Historical records from this period often focused primarily on directors and lead actors, leaving minimal documentation about those in smaller roles.
Did You Know?
- Only known film appearance was in 1937, making him a one-film actor in documented records
- Appeared in what would be director Sadao Yamanaka's final film before his death
- The film 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' was considered lost for many years before being rediscovered
- Like many Japanese actors from the 1930s, detailed biographical information was not systematically preserved
- The film was released in the same year that director Yamanaka was drafted into military service
- His name appears in film credits but little else is known about his specific role in the film
- The film was based on a play by Shin Hasegawa, a common practice in Japanese cinema of the era
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Noboru Kiritachi?
Noboru Kiritachi was a Japanese actor active in 1937, known primarily for his appearance in the film 'Humanity and Paper Balloons.' His documented career appears to have been extremely brief, with only this single film credit known to exist in historical records.
What films is Noboru Kiritachi best known for?
Kiritachi is known only for 'Humanity and Paper Balloons' (1937), a critically acclaimed Japanese period drama directed by Sadao Yamanaka. This film is now considered a masterpiece of Japanese cinema, though Kiritachi's specific role is not well documented.
When was Noboru Kiritachi born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Noboru Kiritachi are not available in historical records. This is common for many supporting actors from 1930s Japanese cinema whose biographical information was not systematically preserved.
What awards did Noboru Kiritachi win?
There are no recorded awards or nominations for Noboru Kiritachi. Given his brief documented career and the limited nature of film awards in 1930s Japan, particularly for supporting actors, this is not uncommon.
What was Noboru Kiritachi's acting style?
Due to the lack of documentation about his specific performance and the absence of other recorded roles, Noboru Kiritachi's acting style cannot be definitively determined. Like many actors in studio system films of the era, he likely adhered to the performance conventions established by the director and studio.
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Films
1 film
