Chishū Ryū (1904-1993) was an iconic Japanese actor whose long film career is inextricably linked to the golden age of Japanese cinema. He is most renowned for his prolific and profound collaboration with director Yasujirō Ozu, appearing in almost all of his films.

Ryū skillfully embodied archetypes of elderly men, fathers, and grandfathers, characters often grappling with family transitions and the challenges of post-war modernity. His style was characterized by quiet dignity, restrained expressiveness, and a profound humanity that shone through minimalist gestures and gazes.

Among his most memorable roles are those in Ozu's masterpieces such as "Tokyo Story" (Tokyo Monogatari), where he portrays the aging father, "Late Spring" (Banshun), and "Early Summer" (Bakushū). His discreet yet powerful presence made him a symbolic face of classic Japanese cinema.