Ichirō Arishima

Who was Ichirō Arishima?

Ichirō Arishima was a Japanese comedian and actor. Nicknamed "The Japanese Chaplin," he is best known outside Japan for his appearance as Tako, the promoter of King Kong in King Kong vs. Godzilla.

Arishima's real name was Tadao Oshima. He was born in Nagoya and both of his parents died when he was a teenager. His love of the theater began in childhood, and he moved to Tokyo in 1936 to pursue that interest. He spent the next decade working with various theatrical troupes until he made his film debut in 1947, with Shochiku Studios' Wakaki hi no chi wa moete. He became a household name in Japan after his move to Toho in 1955. At Toho he was featured in two very popular series, the "Wakadaisho" movies starring Yuzo Kayama, and the "Shacho" movies featuring the "Crazy Cats" comedy team. In addition to Ishirō Honda's King Kong vs. Godzilla, Arishima appeared in two Toho fantasy films directed by Senkichi Taniguchi: The Lost World of Sinbad and The Adventure of Taklamakan.

Arishima's slight physical build contrasted well with the portly comedian, Frankie Sakai leading to their teaming in several comedies. He was also popular on several television shows, one of his last roles being "Kanō Gorōzaemon," the elderly advisor to the shogun in Abarenbō Shōgun.