Akira Kobayashi

Akira Kobayashi (小林 旭, Kobayashi Akira, born November 3, 1938 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actor. His nickname is Maitogai (マイトガイ, "mighty guy"). Kobayashi attended Meiji University but left before graduating. He became an actor at Nikkatsu and made his film debut in 1956. He solidified his popularity with such films as Nangoku Tosa o Ato ni Shite (A Farewell to Southern Tosa) and starred in the "Wataridori" ("Rambler") and "Senpūji" ("Whirlwind Child") film series. Kobayashi, along with Yujiro Ishihara and others, formed the core of Nikkatsu Action's golden age. Kobayashi was married to popular singer Misora Hibari in 1962, but the marriage ended in divorce two years later in 1964. Kobayashi sang some of the theme songs from his...