Yūsaku Matsuda

Yūsaku Matsuda was a Japanese actor born on September 21, 1949, in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. He was known for his charismatic and intense performances in both film and television.

Matsuda rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming one of Japan’s most popular and influential actors. He often portrayed complex, morally ambiguous characters, and his intense on-screen presence captivated audiences.

Some of Matsuda’s notable film roles include his portrayal of the detective Shunsaku Kudo in the “Detective Story” series, starting with “The Beast Must Die” (1974). He also starred in films like “The Execution Game” (1978), “Black Rain” (1989), and “A Taxing Woman” (1987), for which he won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor.

In addition to his success in film, Matsuda also made appearances on television, starring in popular dramas such as “The Younghusband Expedition” (1976) and “Tantei Monogatari” (1979-1980).

Tragically, Matsuda’s career was cut short when he passed away on November 6, 1989, at the age of 40 due to bladder cancer. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting impact on Japanese cinema and is remembered as one of Japan’s most talented and iconic actors.