Yasuaki Kurata - Actor Profile

Yasuaki Kurata

Acting
Freshness: Jan 25, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 20, 1946
Birth Place: Niihari, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

About Yasuaki Kurata

Yasuaki Kurata (born March 20, 1946), a.k.a David Kurata, is a Japanese actor specializing in action movies. An accomplished martial artist, he has dan ranks in karate (5th degree), judo (3rd degree), and aikido (2nd degree). He is perhaps best known for his extended battle against Jet Li in Fist of Legend and for his villainous role in So Close. He is fluent in Cantonese. Kurata's home town is Sakura-mura, Niihari District, Ibaraki (now part of Tsukuba). Having studied performing arts at Nihon University and Toei Theater School, he began to work as an actor in the late 1960s. In 1971, Kurata made his Hong Kong debut in the Shaw Brothers Studio kung-fu movie Angry Guest  . Since then he has appeared in numerous other films and TV series within the genre. In addition to his work as an actor, Kurata runs the stunt agency Kurata Promotion (established 1976 under the name Kurata Action Club),  teaches at a private college (the University of Creation, Art, Music & Social Work),  is chief advisor to the All Japan Nunchaku League, and in 2004 published a book, Hong Kong Action Star Kōyūroku. Description above from the Wikipedia article Yasuaki Kurata, licensed under CC-BY-SA,full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Yasuaki Kurata reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Action

The majority of Yasuaki Kurata's filmography leans towards the Action 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 48% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Yasuaki Kurata remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Fatal Strike, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Yasuaki Kurata Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Yasuaki Kurata's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Yasuaki Kurata.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 Enter the Clones of Bruce Self Super Hit Similar →
2019 Black Fox: Age of the Ninja Hyoe Isurugi Hit Similar →
2018 Iceman: The Time Traveler Bei Tiao Hit Similar →
2018 Golden Job Morimoto Average Similar →
2017 The Brink Chen Ding-Kui Average Similar →
2017 The Empty Hands Akira Hirakawa Average Similar →
2017 God of War Kumasawa Average Similar →
2012 The Last Tycoon - Average Similar →
2010 Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen Chikaraishis Vater Hit Similar →
2009 Blood: The Last Vampire Kato Takatora Average Similar →
2009 Shinjuku Incident Taro Watagawa Hit Similar →
2006 GoGo Sentai Boukenger The Movie: The Greatest Precious Kouichi Akashi Hit Similar →
2002 So Close Master Hit Similar →
2000 Conman in Tokyo Tetsuo Average Similar →
1994 Fist of Legend Fuimo Funakoshi Super Hit Similar →
1989 Bloodfight Masahiko Kai Average Similar →
1988 Seven Days War Sakai Average Similar →
1987 Eastern Condors Vietnamese Captain Hit Similar →
1986 The Seventh Curse Captain Ho Hit Similar →
1986 A Book of Heroes Yamashita sensei Average Similar →
1986 Millionaires' Express Japanese Ninja Hit Similar →
1985 Police Story Passerby (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1985 Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters Takei Super Hit Similar →
1985 Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars Parachute Assassin Hit Similar →
1984 Ninja Thunderbolt - Hit Similar →
1983 Aces Go Places II Bull Average Similar →
1983 Deadly Life of a Ninja Iga Ninja Leader Average Similar →
1982 Legend of a Fighter Teacher Kong Ho San Average Similar →
1981 The Legend of the Owl - Hit Similar →
1981 Eijanaika Hanjiro Average Similar →
1978 Heroes of the East Takeno Hit Similar →
1978 Edge of Fury Mr King Average Similar →
1977 V.I.P. - Super Hit Similar →
1976 Which Is Stronger, Karate or the Tiger? Ryuzaki Tetsuji Hit Similar →
1976 Dragon Princess Masahiko Okizaki Average Similar →
1975 The Return of Sister Street Fighter Go Kurosaki Average Similar →
1975 The Golden Triangle - Average Similar →
1974 Sister Street Fighter: Hanging by a Thread Shunsuke Tsubaki Average Similar →
1974 The Executioner Kurayamada Hit Similar →
1974 Little Godfather from Hong Kong Sakada (Chong) Hit Similar →
1974 Call Me Dragon Panther / Leopard Head Average Similar →
1974 Fatal Strike - Super Hit Similar →
1974 The Fists of Vengeance Kiro-san Average Similar →
1973 Gold Snatchers - Average Similar →
1973 Seven to One Nightclub Singer / Killer Hit Similar →
1973 A Girl Called Tigress Chiau Kung Hit Similar →
1972 Four Riders Lei Tai Average Similar →
1972 The King of Boxers Tu Pien Average Similar →
1972 The Prodigal Boxer Iron Hand Tan Average Similar →
1972 The Angry Guest Katsu Average Similar →

Yasuaki Kurata - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Yasuaki Kurata?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Yasuaki Kurata is "Fatal Strike" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Yasuaki Kurata acted in?

Yasuaki Kurata has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Yasuaki Kurata?

Other notable films include "V.I.P.", "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters", and "Enter the Clones of Bruce".