Ken Tanaka
Actor
About Ken Tanaka
Ken Tanaka was a Japanese actor who appeared in Akira Kurosawa's 1948 film 'Women of the Night' (Yoru no onnatachi). His career appears to have been extremely brief, with his only known film credit being this post-war drama. The film itself was significant as one of Kurosawa's early works exploring the struggles of women in post-WWII Japan. Given his limited filmography, Tanaka likely played a supporting or minor role in the production. Unfortunately, detailed records about his life and career are scarce, which was common for many supporting actors in early Japanese cinema. His brief appearance in this notable film represents his entire known contribution to cinema history.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Akira Kurosawa's 'Women of the Night' (1948)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ken Tanaka's contribution to cinema, while minimal, is part of the broader context of post-war Japanese film history. His appearance in 'Women of the Night' places him within Akira Kurosawa's early filmography, a period when the director was developing his distinctive style and addressing social issues in Japan. The film itself was significant for its portrayal of women's struggles in post-war society, and all actors involved, regardless of the size of their roles, contributed to this important cultural document of its time.
Lasting Legacy
Due to his extremely brief film career, Ken Tanaka does not have a significant individual legacy in cinema history. However, his participation in 'Women of the Night' connects him to the early career of one of cinema's greatest directors, Akira Kurosawa. For film scholars and Kurosawa enthusiasts, he represents one of the many actors who contributed to the director's formative works, even if their contributions were small.
Who They Inspired
There is no documented evidence of Ken Tanaka influencing other actors or filmmakers, likely due to his very brief career in the film industry with only one known credit.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Ken Tanaka's personal life, which was common for many supporting actors in 1940s Japanese cinema. Records from this period were often incomplete for performers who had brief or minor careers in the film industry.
Did You Know?
- Ken Tanaka's only known film appearance was in Akira Kurosawa's 'Women of the Night' (1948)
- The film was also known by its Japanese title 'Yoru no onnatachi'
- His entire known acting career spanned just one year: 1948
- The film was produced by Toho Studios, one of Japan's major film companies
- Women of the Night was one of Kurosawa's early post-war films addressing social issues
- The film starred Kinuyo Tanaka in the lead role (no relation to Ken Tanaka)
- Records of minor actors from 1940s Japanese cinema are often incomplete or lost
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ken Tanaka?
Ken Tanaka was a Japanese actor who had a very brief career in the late 1940s, known only for his appearance in Akira Kurosawa's 1948 film 'Women of the Night'. His filmography consists of this single credit, suggesting he may have been a bit player or extra in the production.
What films is Ken Tanaka best known for?
Ken Tanaka is known only for 'Women of the Night' (1948), directed by Akira Kurosawa. This was his sole film credit according to available records, making it impossible to identify other works he may have appeared in.
When was Ken Tanaka born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Ken Tanaka are not available in historical records, which was common for minor actors from 1940s Japanese cinema. We only know he was active as an actor in 1948.
What awards did Ken Tanaka win?
There are no records of Ken Tanaka receiving any awards or nominations for his acting work, which is not surprising given his brief career with only one known film credit.
What was Ken Tanaka's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the fact that he appeared in only one film in what was likely a minor role, there is insufficient information to describe Ken Tanaka's specific acting style or techniques.
Did Ken Tanaka work with other famous directors?
Based on available records, Ken Tanaka only worked with Akira Kurosawa on 'Women of the Night' (1948). There is no evidence of collaborations with other notable directors of the era.
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Films
1 film
