**Akira Ishihama** is a prolific Japanese actor with a long and distinguished film and television career that began in the mid-20th century. Known for his dignified presence and ability to portray complex and often tormented characters, he has collaborated with numerous prominent directors.

He is particularly remembered for his work with Akira Kurosawa, playing Ondonokami in the epic *Kagemusha* (1980), a role that highlighted his intensity and gravitas. He also had a role in *Ran* (1985).

Ishihama distinguished himself in a wide range of roles, from samurai to government officials, often giving his characters an aura of wisdom or inner conflict. His filmography ranges from historical dramas to contemporary ones, establishing him as a recognizable and respected face of Japanese cinema.