Kōji Mitsui - Actor Profile

Kōji Mitsui

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 6, 1910
Birth Place: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

About Kōji Mitsui

Mitsui Koji ( March 6, 1910 - April 20, 1979 ) was a Japanese actor. His real name was Mitsui Hikohide. After the war, he played an active role as a supporting actor in films directed by Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu . His former stage name was Mitsui Hideo. Changed his stage name to Mitsui Koji in Ozu's Hen in the Wind (1948) . His role as the playboy Kisaburo in Kurosawa Akira 's The Lower Depths (1957) won him the Best Supporting Actor award at the 12th Mainichi Film Awards and the 8th Blue Ribbon Awards, solidifying his status as a supporting actor. After going freelance in 1960, he worked not only in films but also in television dramas and on stage, but after undergoing surgery for a stomach ulcer in 1971, his health deteriorated and he scaled back his acting career. He died of heart failure on April 20, 1979 at a hospital in Kamakura. He was 69 years old.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Kōji Mitsui reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Kōji Mitsui's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 80% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Kōji Mitsui remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Times of Joy and Sorrow, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Kōji Mitsui Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Kōji Mitsui's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Kōji Mitsui.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1975 Great Jailbreak - Hit Similar →
1971 The Battle of Okinawa - Super Hit Similar →
1970 Dodes'ka-den Foodstand owner Hit Similar →
1968 Nanami: The Inferno of First Love Mr. Otagaki Hit Similar →
1967 The Greatest Challenge of All - Hit Similar →
1967 Japan's Longest Day Old Journalist Hit Similar →
1965 Red Beard Heikichi Super Hit Similar →
1965 A Fugitive from the Past Motojima Hit Similar →
1964 Woman in the Dunes Village Elder Super Hit Similar →
1963 Young Swordsman Yabe Senjuro Hit Similar →
1963 Young Guy in Hawaii - Average Similar →
1963 High and Low Second Reporter Super Hit Similar →
1962 The Body - Hit Similar →
1962 Gang vs. Gang - Hit Similar →
1962 Tokyo Bay Narcotics Control Agent Hayashi Hit Similar →
1962 Mother Country - Hit Similar →
1962 The Inheritance - Hit Similar →
1961 Epitaph to My Love Torikie Hit Similar →
1961 Killers on Parade - Average Similar →
1960 The Bad Sleep Well Reporter A Super Hit Similar →
1959 Floating Weeds Kichinosuke Super Hit Similar →
1959 Thus Another Day Man A Flop Similar →
1959 Kiku and Isamu: Two Siblings Born in Japan Shopkeeper Average Similar →
1959 Lucky Dragon No. 5 - Hit Similar →
1959 The Human Condition I: No Greater Love Furuya Super Hit Similar →
1958 The Hidden Fortress Guard (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1957 Times of Joy and Sorrow Mr. Kanemaki Super Hit Similar →
1957 The Lower Depths Yoshisaburo the Gambler Hit Similar →
1957 The Lonely Swordsman (Part 2) - Average Similar →
1956 I Will Buy You Tamekichi Kurita Hit Similar →
1956 The Thick-Walled Room - Hit Similar →
1956 The Monster Cat of the Fifty-Three Stations - Super Hit Similar →
1956 Early Spring Hirayama Super Hit Similar →
1955 Here Is a Spring - Hit Similar →
1953 Love Letter - Hit Similar →
1953 Always in My Heart Part 2 - Hit Similar →
1953 Always in My Heart - Hit Similar →
1951 Five Men of Edo Kodaira Flop Similar →
1951 Carmen Comes Home Oka Average Similar →
1950 Scandal Cameraman A Hit Similar →
1948 A Hen in the Wind Hideo Hit Similar →
1945 Victory Song Kawanishi Flop Similar →
1942 There Was a Father Graduate Hit Similar →
1935 A Hero of Tokyo Hideo Nemoto Flop Similar →
1934 A Story of Floating Weeds Shinkichi Hit Similar →
1934 A Mother Should Be Loved Kousaku Average Similar →
1934 Street Without End Guest (at café) Hit Similar →
1933 The Boss's Son at College Kitamura Hit Similar →
1933 Dragnet Girl Hiroshi Hit Similar →
1932 No Blood Relation Guy on bike Hit Similar →

Kōji Mitsui - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Kōji Mitsui?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kōji Mitsui is "Times of Joy and Sorrow" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Kōji Mitsui acted in?

Kōji Mitsui has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Kōji Mitsui?

Other notable films include "High and Low", "Woman in the Dunes", and "The Human Condition I: No Greater Love".