**Minoru Chiaki (1917-1999)** was a Japanese actor, celebrated primarily for his numerous collaborations with director Akira Kurosawa. He played memorable roles in many of his masterpieces.

Among the most notable are Hei-hachi in *Seven Samurai* (1954), the priest in *Rashomon* (1950), Yoshiteru Miki in *Throne of Blood* (1957), and the loyal driver in *High and Low* (1963).

Chiaki was renowned for his ability to embody honest characters, often a little clumsy or timid, but always endowed with deep humanity and loyalty. He often played "sidekick" or common man roles, whose presence provided a realistic counterpoint to the main characters. His measured acting and reassuring presence made him one of the most recognizable and beloved supporting actors of classic Japanese cinema.