**Hisashi Igawa** (born in 1936) is a highly esteemed Japanese actor, known for his long and prolific film career. He has demonstrated remarkable versatility, excelling at embodying characters who are often humble, pensive, or ordinary men, imbuing them with extraordinary depth.

His career is inextricably linked to that of some of the greatest Japanese directors. For Akira Kurosawa, he acted in seminal works such as *Ran*, *Kagemusha*, *Dersu Uzala*, and *Madadayo*. He was also a constant presence in films by Shōhei Imamura, notably including *The Ballad of Narayama* and *Black Rain*. He also collaborated with Yasujirō Ozu on *An Autumn Afternoon*, the master's final film. His understated yet impactful style has made him an essential performer, capable of elevating every scene.