Isao Kimura (June 22, 1923 – July 4, 1981) was a Japanese actor, best known for his intense performances in Akira Kurosawa's films. His career gained significant recognition after he played the tormented criminal Yusa in the film noir *Stray Dog* (1949). However, his most internationally famous role remains that of Katsushiro Okamoto, the youngest and most idealistic of the samurai, in the masterpiece *Seven Samurai* (1954). His fruitful collaboration with Kurosawa also included appearances in pivotal films such as *Ikiru* (1952) and *I Live in Fear* (1955). A versatile and prolific actor, Kimura was also active in theater, where he founded and directed his own company, demonstrating a deep commitment to the art of acting. For his performance in *Street of Violence* (1950), he won the prestigious Mainichi Film Award for Best Actor, a testament to his acclaimed talent in his home country.