was one of the most prominent
Japanese actors of the twentieth century. Famous for his rebellious,
sword fighting
Swordsmanship or sword fighting refers to the skills and techniques used in combat and training with any type of sword. The term is modern, and as such was mainly used to refer to smallsword fencing, but by extension it can also be applied to a ...
roles in many
jidaigeki
is a genre of film, television, video game, and theatre in Japan. Literally meaning "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier—''Portrait of Hel ...
silent films
A silent film is a film with no synchronized recorded sound (or more generally, no audible dialogue). Though silent films convey narrative and emotion visually, various plot elements (such as a setting or era) or key lines of dialogue may, whe ...
, he rose to fame after joining the
Tōjiin Studio of
Makino Film Productions Makino Film Productions was a successful early film producing company active in Japanese cinema in the 1920s and 1930s. It was founded by the pioneering film director Shozo Makino in 1923. Makino produced many prominent films of the early era, and ...
in
Kyoto
Kyoto (; Japanese: , ''Kyōto'' ), officially , is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Kyoto forms a part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kobe. , the ci ...
in 1923.
Life
Early life
Bantsuma, birth name Denkichi Tamura, was born in Kodenmachō,
Nihonbashi
is a business district of Chūō, Tokyo, Japan which grew up around the bridge of the same name which has linked two sides of the Nihonbashi River at this site since the 17th century. The first wooden bridge was completed in 1603. The current ...
,
Tokyo
Tokyo (; ja, 東京, , ), officially the Tokyo Metropolis ( ja, 東京都, label=none, ), is the capital and largest city of Japan. Formerly known as Edo, its metropolitan area () is the most populous in the world, with an estimated 37.468 ...
.
[ Bantsuma's father, a cotton wholesaler named Chōgorō, lived till the age of 71 but his mother, older brother, and sister died when he was young. He attended Jisshi Elementary School (which stands next to the former site of Denma-chō Prison where many the loyal supporters of the Emperor, whom he frequently played in his films, were deeply involved).] At school, he was often the leader of the pack and was actively involved in plays. While performing in a school play, Bantsuma froze on stage, unable to recite his lines. Embarrassed, he ran off and stayed in his room, weeping for 10 days. It is said that during this time, he vowed to become someone who would be admired by all.
After the death of his mother, his father's business soon went bankrupt and Bantsuma was unable to continue his education. After finishing elementary school, he became an apprentice and pupil to Kataoka Nizaemon, a famous kabuki
is a classical form of Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily-stylised performances, the often-glamorous costumes worn by performers, and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.
Kabuki is thought to ...
actor.[ However, in the world of kabuki, lineage was extremely important and Bantsuma struggled to gain fame. He soon changed his artistic direction by joining small theaters and taking small roles at Kokkatsu production firm. In 1922, with Kichimatsu Nakamura, he formed the “Bando Tsumasaburo Troupe,” but it was disbanded very quickly. In 1923, Bantsuma and Kichimatsu were scouted into the film industry by Makino Film Studio.][
]
Early Film Career
Once he joined Makino Film Productions Makino Film Productions was a successful early film producing company active in Japanese cinema in the 1920s and 1930s. It was founded by the pioneering film director Shozo Makino in 1923. Makino produced many prominent films of the early era, and ...
, he began to build a celebrated career as an actor.[ It was during this period that he became best friends with Rokuhei Susukita, a script writer who wrote almost a hundred scripts for the Makino studio. He introduced complex plot lines, exhilarating action sequences, and unruly anarchy to ]jidaigeki
is a genre of film, television, video game, and theatre in Japan. Literally meaning "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier—''Portrait of Hel ...
films, very much in the style of American films. Rokuhei subsequently selected Bantsuma to debut in his film '' Gyakuryo'' in 1924, a story about a poor, low-rank samurai
were the hereditary military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan from the late 12th century until their abolition in 1876. They were the well-paid retainers of the '' daimyo'' (the great feudal landholders). They h ...
whose life is turned upside down by his enemy. In 1925, Bantsuma starred in '' Kageboshi'', another screenplay written by Rokuhei, this time depicting the life of the ‘jovial thief’, Kageboshi.
Bantsuma: The Producer
At the height of his fame, Bantsuma established his own agency in the summer of 1925.[ It was the first independent production company to be headed by a film star in the history of ]Japanese cinema
The has a history that spans more than 100 years. Japan has one of the oldest and largest film industries in the world; as of 2021, it was the fourth largest by number of feature films produced. In 2011 Japan produced 411 feature films that ea ...
. Bantsuma owned most of the rights and would go through the specific scenes and details with the directors. He is said to have been very demanding but his colleagues have explained that this was merely a reflection of his eager and enthusiastic approach to making films. During this time, Bantsuma practically lived in Gion
is a district of Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan, originating as an entertainment district in the Sengoku period, in front of Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine). The district was built to accommodate the needs of travellers and visitors to the shrine. ...
being entertained by geisha
{{Culture of Japan, Traditions, Geisha
{{nihongo, Geisha, 芸者 ({{IPAc-en, ˈ, ɡ, eɪ, ʃ, ə; {{IPA-ja, ɡeːɕa, lang), also known as {{nihongo, , 芸子, geiko (in Kyoto and Kanazawa) or {{nihongo, , 芸妓, geigi, are a class of female ...
. It is also well known that he liked to flaunt his cash and he often treated his co-workers to a night in Gion with sometimes up to 20 geisha in one room. In 1926 Bantsuma built a studio outside Kyoto
Kyoto (; Japanese: , ''Kyōto'' ), officially , is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Kyoto forms a part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kobe. , the ci ...
where the Toei Kyoto studio Toei or Tōei may refer to:
* Tōei, Aichi, Japan
* Toei Company, Japanese film and television production company
** Toei Animation, their animation subsidiary
* , Japanese abbreviation meaning "operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government"
**Tran ...
now stands.
By far the most controversial film made under Bantsuma Productions was its second production, ''Orochi
, or simply , is a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed Japanese dragon/serpent.
Mythology
Yamata no Orochi legends are originally recorded in two ancient texts about Japanese mythology and history. The 712 AD transcribes this dragon name ...
'' (1925). The story revolves around the protagonist, Heizaburo Kuritomi, an honorable but low-class samurai
were the hereditary military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan from the late 12th century until their abolition in 1876. They were the well-paid retainers of the '' daimyo'' (the great feudal landholders). They h ...
who is given an emotional depth, previously unseen in jidaigeki
is a genre of film, television, video game, and theatre in Japan. Literally meaning "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier—''Portrait of Hel ...
films, as he battles with inner conflict and the injustices of society. This is especially evident in the closing sequence of the film where the protagonist is dragged away by his enemies after his tremendous effort to protect his love. In the essay, "Bantsuma's 'New Breeze'", Midori Sawato
is a Japanese benshi or katsuben (silent film narrator).
Life
Originally from Tokyo, Midori Sawato graduated from the Department of Philosophy, Hosei University. She first decided she wanted to become a benshi in 1972, when she saw the silent fi ...
cites the ending of ''Orochi
, or simply , is a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed Japanese dragon/serpent.
Mythology
Yamata no Orochi legends are originally recorded in two ancient texts about Japanese mythology and history. The 712 AD transcribes this dragon name ...
'' as one of the most 'heroic and heart-crushing' images she has seen. In the past, the heroes of the films were proud samurai
were the hereditary military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan from the late 12th century until their abolition in 1876. They were the well-paid retainers of the '' daimyo'' (the great feudal landholders). They h ...
of the upper classes who always triumphed over their evil opponents, upholding what was truly right in the world. However, ''Orochi
, or simply , is a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed Japanese dragon/serpent.
Mythology
Yamata no Orochi legends are originally recorded in two ancient texts about Japanese mythology and history. The 712 AD transcribes this dragon name ...
'' was created in response to the national and military fanaticism that was prevailing at the time.
With its now-famous opening lines: ‘Not all those who wear the name of villain, are truly evil men. Not all those who are respected as noble men, are worthy of the name. Many are those who wear a false mask of benevolence to hide their treachery and the wickedness of their true selves,’
the film evoked provocative ideologies and rebellious ideas during a time where liberal performers and writers were being repressed throughout Japan. Consequently, the film was severely censored with over 20% of its content being completely cut out and several scenes having to be re-shot. When the film was finally released, the hype around its creation resulted in crowds flocking to theaters all around the country. Bantsuma's exhilarating new sword fighting style he displayed in the film may have attracted audiences but it cannot be denied that there were many who were also deeply touched by the profound message of the film.
Bantsuma went on to produce many films under his production company, but ''Orochi'' was the only one he personally kept the negative for. His agency hit a low point during the period 1931–1935. During this time, his production company was very much a ‘one-man agency’, where the directors were only acting to please Bantsuma. His acting skills gradually became old and outdated so his films did not do very well. In 1935, Bantsuma worked with the renowned director Hiroshi Inagaki
was a Japanese filmmaker best remembered for the Academy Award-winning '' Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto'', which was released in 1954.
Career
Born in Tokyo as the son of a shinpa actor, Inagaki appeared on stage in his childhood before joining t ...
in his first talkie
A sound film is a motion picture
A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, percep ...
film, '' Niino Tsuruchiyo'' (1935), but his rather feeble voice was unpopular with the audience. It seemed that Bantsuma's luck was running out and in 1936 he closed the doors of his agency once and for all, and joined Nikkatsu
is a Japanese entertainment company known for its film and television productions. It is Japan's oldest major movie studio, founded in 1912 during the silent film era. The name ''Nikkatsu'' amalgamates the words Nippon Katsudō Shashin, literally ...
Production Company in 1937.
Bantsuma: The Swordsman
Bantsuma's films, particularly his earlier works, would not be complete without the fast-paced sword fighting scenes that always guaranteed to raise the heart rate of his audience. Fighting styles had always been set, especially in Kabuki
is a classical form of Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily-stylised performances, the often-glamorous costumes worn by performers, and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.
Kabuki is thought to ...
performances and actors were limited to doing standard moves such as the ' Yamagata', 'Yanagi', or the ' Chijihataka'. However, with the emergence of Bantsuma this changed and he introduced a completely new style which was unique to him alone. Ryu Kuze, a sword fighting coach analyzed Bantsuma's technique and put his uniqueness down to the fact that he does not look at his victims when he slays them. Instead, he is already focused on his next victim. Ryu Kuze also pointed out that Bantsuma would stand straight with his ankles lined up which was his signature pose that signaled death for his opponent. His colleagues often spoke of their admiration for Bantsuma's enthusiasm and quick ability to pick up new moves and sequences. Bantsuma's spectacular sword skills soon earned him the title, ‘The King of Swordfights.’
Bantsuma: The Writer
Bantsuma's first son, Takahiro Tamura
was a Japanese film actor. He appeared in 100 films between 1954 and 2005. He and his younger brothers Masakazu and Ryō were known as the three Tamura brothers. They were sons of actor Tsumasaburo Bando.
Biography
Tamura graduated from Dosh ...
, described his father as ‘sensitive’ and affected by everything occurring around him. He wrote several articles for magazines such as '' Bantsuma Cinema News'' and displayed his sensitivity, as well as giving the audience an insight into his mentality.
In the November 1929 issue of ''Bantsuma Cinema News'', he wrote, ‘The life of an artist is to die for art. Only when art is one’s life can one produce real art. As I have a long way to go, I will continue down this path while with such belief.’
His determination and dedication in what he did is evident in the statement he made in the February 1930 issue of the same magazine. He wrote, ‘When creating such a film, I am not an actor, but actually am in the shoes of the character in the film, feeling what he feels, and I suffer the same agony as that character. I must play numerous characters and their diverse personalities one after another. I am no God. Sometimes I feel myself screaming inside…you cannot claim with confidence that you are speaking the mind of the character with only a half-developed understanding of that character. Being able to fully depict the character comes only after bleeding and suffering in agony in the process.’
Bantsuma was truly a man of many talents.
Family life
Bantsuma and his wife Shizuko Tamura had four sons together — Takahiro Tamura
was a Japanese film actor. He appeared in 100 films between 1954 and 2005. He and his younger brothers Masakazu and Ryō were known as the three Tamura brothers. They were sons of actor Tsumasaburo Bando.
Biography
Tamura graduated from Dosh ...
, Masakazu Tamura
was a Japanese film and theatre actor.
Profile
Masakazu Tamura was born 1 August 1943 in Kyoto, Japan to Japanese actor Tsumasaburō Bandō. Tsumasaburō Bandō died when Tamura was only nine years old. His brothers Takahiro and Ryō are also ...
, Ryō Tamura
is a Japanese actor from Kyoto. His father was silent-film star Tsumasaburo Bando. With his elder brothers, the late Takahiro and Masakazu, he is one of the Three Tamura Brothers.
Ryō graduated from Seijo University and made his cinema debu ...
, and Toshima Tamura. Three followed in their father's footsteps, launching careers in the movie industry. Toshima became a businessperson.
His first son, Takahiro Tamura
was a Japanese film actor. He appeared in 100 films between 1954 and 2005. He and his younger brothers Masakazu and Ryō were known as the three Tamura brothers. They were sons of actor Tsumasaburo Bando.
Biography
Tamura graduated from Dosh ...
(who died on 16 May 2006 from a cerebral infarction
A cerebral infarction is the pathologic process that results in an area of necrotic tissue in the brain (cerebral infarct). It is caused by disrupted blood supply ( ischemia) and restricted oxygen supply ( hypoxia), most commonly due to thromboemb ...
), often spoke fondly about his father in interviews and gave valuable insights.
The family often spent their summers at the beach in Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate (天橋立 ja, Heaven's bridge) is one of Japan's three scenic views. The sandbar is located in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It forms part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park.
Location
A thin st ...
and, as Takahiro recalled, Bantsuma would splash around in the water, even more excited than his brothers. He also spoke of the memory of his father's reaction to the results of his junior high school examination. Too nervous to go to the school and check, the good news was delivered by the teacher. Takahiro distinctly remembered his father bounding down the stairs and bowing in front of the teacher till his forehead touched the floor, almost as if shooting a scene from one of his jidaigeki
is a genre of film, television, video game, and theatre in Japan. Literally meaning "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier—''Portrait of Hel ...
films.
Many people think that Bantsuma's true nature can be seen in '' Yabure Daiko'' (1949), where he plays the role of a tyrannical man feared by his family. He was the complete opposite, always putting his family first. The role he played in ''Abare Jishi
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is a federal research branch of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, located in Canberra, Australia. ABARES was establish ...
'' of a father who would do anything for his children is a more accurate representation of Bantsuma, who was an affectionate and well-rounded family man. However, Bantsuma's dedication to his work was also strong, and he returned to the set, ready to work, the day after his wedding.
Later Film Career
It seems that Bantsuma's sensitivity was beginning to make its way into the work he was producing. A year after entering Nikkatsu
is a Japanese entertainment company known for its film and television productions. It is Japan's oldest major movie studio, founded in 1912 during the silent film era. The name ''Nikkatsu'' amalgamates the words Nippon Katsudō Shashin, literally ...
, Bantsuma co-starred with Kataoka Chiezo in the all-star film, '' Chushingura'' (1938). Playing the role of Kuranosuke Oishi, Bantsuma displayed his perfected acting skills with his powerful performance. Then in 1943 he starred in the film '' Muho matsu no Issho'', playing a poor rickshaw man. It was a role that would not normally have been taken on by such a great star but director Hiroshi Inagaki
was a Japanese filmmaker best remembered for the Academy Award-winning '' Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto'', which was released in 1954.
Career
Born in Tokyo as the son of a shinpa actor, Inagaki appeared on stage in his childhood before joining t ...
, whom Bantsuma had previously worked with, was determined to get him on board. After initially turning down the role, Bantsuma finally agreed and went on to play a role with a profound humanistic approach that lent great depth to both the character and the movie. In preparation for the role of the poor rickshaw man, Bantsuma stayed in character even whilst at home. His first son, Takahiro Tamura
was a Japanese film actor. He appeared in 100 films between 1954 and 2005. He and his younger brothers Masakazu and Ryō were known as the three Tamura brothers. They were sons of actor Tsumasaburo Bando.
Biography
Tamura graduated from Dosh ...
described watching his father eat dried fish and drink sake
Sake, also spelled saké ( ; also referred to as Japanese rice wine), is an alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. Despite the name ''Japanese rice wine'', sake, and indee ...
in the style of the character of the film.
During this period of his career, Japan soon lost the war
War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular o ...
and the US army
The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cla ...
began to restrict Jidaigeki
is a genre of film, television, video game, and theatre in Japan. Literally meaning "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier—''Portrait of Hel ...
as a ‘hotbed of feudalism.’ Thus, the stars of Jidaigeki
is a genre of film, television, video game, and theatre in Japan. Literally meaning "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier—''Portrait of Hel ...
formed troupes and traveled around the country. During this time, Bantsuma perfected his skills further and in 1948 he peaked once again with his performance in the film '' Ōshō''. Director Daisuke Itō spoke of Bantsuma's wide range and depth, his convincing and humanistic portrayal of the protagonist, and stated that despite his big status in the film industry, Bantsuma was the obvious choice for the part of Sankichi, a man of the lowest social ranks.
On 7 July 1953, Bantsuma died at the age of 51 of cerebral hemorrhage
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), also known as cerebral bleed, intraparenchymal bleed, and hemorrhagic stroke, or haemorrhagic stroke, is a sudden bleeding into the tissues of the brain, into its ventricles, or into both. It is one kind of bleed ...
while filming '' Abare-Jishi''.[ A grave has been built in his memory in Nisonin, ]Kyoto
Kyoto (; Japanese: , ''Kyōto'' ), officially , is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Kyoto forms a part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kobe. , the ci ...
and Bantsuma lives on through the continued popularity of his films and the impact he made to the history of Japanese cinema
The has a history that spans more than 100 years. Japan has one of the oldest and largest film industries in the world; as of 2021, it was the fourth largest by number of feature films produced. In 2011 Japan produced 411 feature films that ea ...
.
Filmography
*'' Kosuzume Toge'' (1923, Director: Numata Koroku)
*'' Gyakuryu'' (1924, Director: Buntaro Futagawa)
*'' Kageboshi'' (1925, Director: Buntaro Futagawa)
*''Orochi
, or simply , is a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed Japanese dragon/serpent.
Mythology
Yamata no Orochi legends are originally recorded in two ancient texts about Japanese mythology and history. The 712 AD transcribes this dragon name ...
'' (1925, Director: Buntaro Futagawa)
*'' Ranto no Chimata'' (1926, Director: Yasuda Kempo)
*'' Chizome no Jujika'' (1927, Director: Norikuni Yasuda)
*''Sakamoto Ryoma
Sakamoto (written: ) is the 40th most common Japanese surname. A less common variant is . Notable people with the surname include:
*Chika Sakamoto (born 1959), voice actor and singer
*Fuyumi Sakamoto (born 1967), enka singer
*, Japanese professio ...
'' (1928, Director: Edamasa Yoshiro)
*'' Karasu-gumi'' (1930, Director: Minoru Inuzuka)
*'' Koina no Ginpei, Yuki no Wataridori'' (1931, Director: Tomikazu Miyata)
*'' Sunae Shibari-Morio Jushiro'' (1935, Director: Minoru Inuzuka)
*'' Niino Tsuruchiyo'' (1935, Director: Ito Daisuke)
*'' Chikemuri Takadanobaba'' (1937, Director: Hiroshi Inagaki
was a Japanese filmmaker best remembered for the Academy Award-winning '' Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto'', which was released in 1954.
Career
Born in Tokyo as the son of a shinpa actor, Inagaki appeared on stage in his childhood before joining t ...
)
*'' Chushingura'' (1938, Director: Makino Masahiro, Ikeda Tomiyasu)
*'' Mazo'' (1938, Director: Hiroshi Inagaki
was a Japanese filmmaker best remembered for the Academy Award-winning '' Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto'', which was released in 1954.
Career
Born in Tokyo as the son of a shinpa actor, Inagaki appeared on stage in his childhood before joining t ...
)
*'' Zoku Mazo-Ibara Ukon'' (1939, Hiroshi Inagaki
was a Japanese filmmaker best remembered for the Academy Award-winning '' Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto'', which was released in 1954.
Career
Born in Tokyo as the son of a shinpa actor, Inagaki appeared on stage in his childhood before joining t ...
)
*'' Tsubanari Ronin'' (1939, Director: Ryohei Arai)
*'' Zoku Tsubanari Ronin'' (1940, Director: Ryohei Arai)
*'' Muhomatsu no issho'' (1943, Director: Inagaki Hiroshi)
*'' Noroshi wa Shanghai ni agaru'' (1944, Director: Hiroshi Inagaki
was a Japanese filmmaker best remembered for the Academy Award-winning '' Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto'', which was released in 1954.
Career
Born in Tokyo as the son of a shinpa actor, Inagaki appeared on stage in his childhood before joining t ...
, Feng Yuek)
*'' Tokai Suikoden'' (1945, Director: Hiroshi Inagaki
was a Japanese filmmaker best remembered for the Academy Award-winning '' Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto'', which was released in 1954.
Career
Born in Tokyo as the son of a shinpa actor, Inagaki appeared on stage in his childhood before joining t ...
, Daisuke Itō)
*'' Suronin Makaritoru'' (1947, Director: Daisuke Itō)
*'' Tsukinode no Ketto'' (1947, Director: Santaro Marune)
*'' Oushou'' (1948, Director: Daisuke Itō)
*'' Yabure-daiko'' (1949, Director: Keisuke Kinoshita
was a Japanese film director and screenwriter.Ronald Berganbr>"A satirical eye on Japan: Keisuke Kinoshita" ''The Guardian'', 5 January 1999. While lesser-known internationally than contemporaries such as Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi and Yasu ...
)
*'' Oboro Kago'' (1951, Director: Daisuke Itō)
*'' Oedo Go-nin Otoko'' (1951, Director: Daisuke Itō)
*'' Inazuma Soshi'' (1951, Director: Hiroshi Inagaki
was a Japanese filmmaker best remembered for the Academy Award-winning '' Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto'', which was released in 1954.
Career
Born in Tokyo as the son of a shinpa actor, Inagaki appeared on stage in his childhood before joining t ...
)
*'' Abare-jishi'' (1953, Director: Osone Tatsuo)
See also
* Jidaigeki
is a genre of film, television, video game, and theatre in Japan. Literally meaning "period dramas", they are most often set during the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868. Some, however, are set much earlier—''Portrait of Hel ...
* Benshi
were Japanese performers who provided live narration for silent films (both Japanese films and Western films). ''Benshi'' are sometimes called or .
Role
The earliest films available for public display were produced by Western studios, portraying ...
* Cinema of Japan
The has a history that spans more than 100 years. Japan has one of the oldest and largest film industries in the world; as of 2021, it was the fourth largest by number of feature films produced. In 2011 Japan produced 411 feature films that e ...
References
*'Bantsuma-The Life of Tsumasaburo Bando', Digital Meme and Matsuda Film Productions
*'Commentary: Bantsuma-Bando Tsumasaburo no Shogai', Yutaka Matsuda (Matsuda Film Productions)
*'Bantsuma Cinema News', November 1929 issue, February 1930 issue, as cited in 'Bantsuma In and Out, The Life of Tsumasaburo Bando'
*'Bantsuma's "New Breeze"', Midori Sawato (Motion Picture Benshi)
External links
*
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bando, Tsumasaburo
1901 births
1953 deaths
Japanese male silent film actors
Japanese male film actors
Male actors from Tokyo
20th-century Japanese male actors