**Sakae Ozawa** (1912-1968) was a prolific Japanese actor whose career was deeply shaped by post-war cinema. Recognized for his charismatic presence, he is most celebrated for his frequent and impactful collaborations with director Akira Kurosawa, becoming a recurring face in his masterpieces.

Among his most significant performances with Kurosawa are the woodcutter in *Rashomon* (1950), Rikichi, the tormented farmer, in *Seven Samurai* (1954), Miki in *Throne of Blood* (1957), and the police chief in *High and Low* (1963).

Ozawa specialized in portraying complex and often ambiguous characters: authoritarian figures, corrupt bureaucrats, officers, or morally compromised individuals. His acting was characterized by a controlled intensity and the ability to convey both astuteness and a profound despair, making him a memorable performer in Japanese cinema.