#Japan #Tokyo #Jinbocho Theater #Kiyoshi Atsumi #Torasan Series

Tribute to Kiyoshi Atsumi: A Retrospective at Jinbocho Theater

Jinbocho Theater, known for showcasing classic Japanese cinema in Tokyo's book district, is set to honor the remarkable life and career of Kiyoshi Atsumi, a national treasure famously known as ‘Torasan’. The special retrospective, running from March 14 to April 3, 2026, will focus on the beloved actor's extensive filmography, marking 30 years since his passing.

Born in Ueno, Tokyo, in 1928, Atsumi's career began in light comedy before transitioning into acting. After facing a significant health challenge when he contracted pulmonary tuberculosis in 1954, he made a triumphant return to the entertainment industry in the late 1950s and gained widespread acclaim on popular television programs such as "Yume de Aimashou" and "Wakai Kisetsu". His breakout role in the film industry arrived in 1963 with "Haikei Tenno Heika sama", a performance that garnered significant recognition and established him as a versatile actor capable of excelling in a wide range of genres, including period drama and contemporary narratives.

Atsumi is best remembered for his portrayal of Torajiro, the lead character in the "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (It's Tough Being a Man) series. This character, which he first played in a television series launched in 1968, became a cultural phenomenon and made Atsumi a household name over the next 27 years. His impressive contributions to Japanese cinema did not go unrecognized; he was awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal in 1988 and the People's Honor Award in 1996, celebrating his impact on the arts in Japan. His legacy endures in the hearts of fans and the annals of Japanese film history.

During this retrospective, Jinbocho Theater will feature films that ranked highly in a recent public poll hosted by the theater’s official X account. Audiences can anticipate special screenings of unique romantic comedies that featured Atsumi and various lesser-known masterpieces that he was involved with as a producer. Each film in the lineup highlights different facets of Atsumi's talent and charm, allowing audiences to experience the diversity of his contributions to cinema.

Featured Films Include:

1. Haikei Tenno Heika Sama (1963)
- Directed by Yoshitaro Nomura
- Co-starring Sachiko Yasuda, Yuuji Naka, and Meiko Nakamura

2. Aah Koenaki Tomo (1972)
- Directed by Masaaki Imai
- Co-starring Koji Moritsugu, Chieko Baisho, and Kunie Tanaka

3. Yuujo (1975)
- Directed by Akira Miyazaki
- Co-starring Kankuro Nakamura (the fifth generation), Keiko Matsuzaka, and Ichiro Arima

4. Torajiro’s Hibiscus (1980)
- Directed and written by Yoji Yamada
- Co-starring Chieko Baisho, Gin Maeda, and Ruriko Asaoka

5. I'm a Bodyguard (1964)
- Directed by Seiji Kumagai
- Co-starring Mie Hama, Ichiro Arima, and Reiko Ohara

6. Father and Son's Grass (1967)
- Directed by Seiji Maruyama
- Co-starring Keiko Awaji, Yuri Hoshi, and Tetsuo Ishidate

7. Comedy: The Man is Charm (1970)
- Directed by Hajime Morisaki
- Co-starring Mitsuko Baisho, Akira Terao, and Hideko Okuyama

8. Torajiro’s Salad Memorial Day (1988)
- Directed and based on the works of Yoji Yamada
- Co-starring Chieko Baisho, Yoshiko Mita, and Hiroko Mita.

9. The Young Boss of Tokai (1961)
- Directed by Masahiro Makino
- Co-starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Michitaro Mizushima, and Jerry Fujio

10. Why is He so Popular with the Ladies? (1962)
- Directed by Kinya Sakai
- Co-starring Chieko Baisho, Midoru Matsubara, and Haruo Tanaka

11. The Village of Eight Tombs (1977)
- Directed by Yoshitaro Nomura
- Co-starring Kenichi Hagiwara, Susumu Fujita, and Mayumi Ogawa

12. Torajiro: Travel, Women, and Torasan (1983)
- Directed and based on the works of Yoji Yamada
- Co-starring Chieko Baisho, Gin Maeda, and Harumi Tsuyuzaki.

For detailed screening times and other essential information regarding the retrospective, please visit the official Jinbocho Theater website. Don't miss this chance to relive the magic of Kiyoshi Atsumi's performances that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Ticket Prices:

• - General: ¥1400
• - Seniors: ¥1200
• - Students: ¥1000

For more information about Jinbocho Theater and this exciting retrospective, visit their official website.

For specific details on the Kiyoshi Atsumi special retrospective, please check out this page.