Mikijiro Hira (November 21, 1933 – October 23, 2016) was a Japanese actor, considered one of the most influential performers of modern theatre in his country. His career is inextricably linked to his long and prolific collaboration with director Yukio Ninagawa, under whose direction he delivered memorable performances of Shakespearean classics, playing the roles of Macbeth, King Lear, and Othello. Internationally acclaimed, he also distinguished himself in complex and iconic roles such as Medea and Oedipus Rex, often performed on world tours. Beyond the stage, Hira was also active in cinema, appearing in films by notable directors such as Takashi Miike, including "13 Assassins" (2010) and "Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai" (2011). His numerous awards include the Japanese government's Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon (1998) and an appointment as an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contribution to the promotion of British theatre in Japan.