Ren Osugi (1951-2018) was a prolific and versatile Japanese actor, with a career spanning over 40 years and over 400 film and television credits.

Gaining renown for his frequent collaborations with director Takeshi Kitano, he appeared in many of his most acclaimed films, including *Sonatine* (1993), *Hana-bi* (1997), where he delivered a memorable performance as former police officer Horibe, and *Kikujiro* (1999).

Osugi was known for his extraordinary ability to embody a wide range of characters: from menacing yakuza to resolute detectives, from ordinary men to vulnerable or eccentric figures. His style was characterized by a quiet intensity, a magnetic screen presence, and the ability to leave an indelible mark even in supporting roles. He also worked with other prominent directors such as Takashi Miike (*Audition*, *Shinjuku Triad Society*) and Kiyoshi Kurosawa.