Sachio Sakai (1925-1998) was a prolific and versatile Japanese actor. His long career is inextricably linked to his collaboration with director Akira Kurosawa, for whom he appeared in twelve films, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in his cinema. His most celebrated performances include roles in masterpieces such as *Seven Samurai* (1954), where he played the friendly samurai Heihachi, *Throne of Blood* (1957), *The Hidden Fortress* (1958), *Yojimbo* (1961), and *High and Low* (1963). Known for his expressive face and his ability to shift from comedic to dramatic registers, Sakai distinguished himself as one of the most reliable character actors of his generation. In addition to his partnership with Kurosawa, he worked in numerous other productions and also directed several films. He received significant recognition for his career, including the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1966.