Akira Kume (Japanese: 久米 明, Kume Akira; 21 April 1924 – 28 March 2015) was a Japanese actor and voice actor whose career spanned more than six decades in film, television, and theatre. He was noted for his versatility in supporting roles and for his contributions to Japanese post‑war cinema.
Early life and education
Kume was born in Tokyo, Japan. Details of his family background and formal education are limited in publicly available English‑language sources.
Career
Film
Kume made his screen debut in the early 1950s and quickly became a prolific character actor. Over his career he appeared in more than 100 films, often portraying authority figures, elderly men, or comedic supporting characters. Notable film appearances include:
- The Insect Woman (1963), directed by Shōhei Imamura
- Zatoichi and the One-Armed Swordsman (1971)
- The Return of Godzilla (1984)
Television
Kume was a regular presence on Japanese television dramas (known as “dorama”) and variety programs from the 1960s onward. He frequently appeared in period dramas (jidaigeki) and contemporary family series.
Voice work
In addition to on‑screen performances, Kume provided voice dubbing for foreign films released in Japan and contributed voice performances to animated projects, though specific titles are not extensively documented in English sources.
Later years and death
Kume remained active in acting into his eighties. He died of natural causes on 28 March 2015 in Tokyo at the age of 90.
Legacy
Akira Kume is remembered for his consistent presence in Japanese popular media and for his ability to enrich both dramatic and comedic productions with nuanced supporting performances. His extensive filmography provides a valuable snapshot of the evolution of Japanese cinema and television in the latter half of the 20th century.