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Mickey Curtis
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Mickey Curtis (ミッキー・カーチス, Mikkī Kāchisu; born Michael Brian Curtis (マイケル・ブライアン・カーティス, Maikeru Buraian Kātisu), later 加千須 ブライアン (Kachisu Buraian, real name after naturalization in Japan), 23 July 1938) is a Japanese actor, singer and media personality. He was born to English-Japanese parents.[2]
Key Information
A pivotal figure in Japanese popular music, Curtis is considered one of the three big Japanese names in rock music, helping to popularize the genre in the 1950s where he began as a rockabilly singer.[3][4] In 1967, he became internationally known for his psychedelic rock band "Mickey Curtis & The Samurai". After five years, Curtis disbanded the group and returned to Japan in 1972, where he began producing other musicians.
As an actor his first role was as a rock singer in the 1958 film All About Marriage by Kihachi Okamoto and he has since gone on to star in more than 70 feature films. Apart from his entertainment career he has also been a race car driver and owns a motorcycle shop in Meguro, Tokyo.[citation needed] He speaks Japanese, English, French, German, Italian and Thai.[2]
Selected filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Fires on the Plain | Nagamatsu | ||
| 1962 | The Big Wave | Yukio | ||
| 1963 | Brave Records of the Sanada Clan | Yuri Kamanosuke | ||
| 1986 | Jikuu Senshi Spielban | Emperor Guillotine | ||
| 1989 | Gunhed | Bansho | ||
| 1992 | 8 Man | Sniper | ||
| 1995 | Kamikaze Taxi | Animaru | ||
| 1996 | Swallowtail Butterfly | Doctor | ||
| Fudoh: The New Generation | Yasha Gang Assassin | |||
| 1998 | Blues Harp | |||
| Hana no O-Edo no Tsuribaka Nisshi | ||||
| 2001 | Cowboy Bebop: The Movie | Rasheed (voice) | ||
| Lily Festival | ||||
| Warm Water Under a Red Bridge | Nobuyuki Ohnishi | |||
| 2002 | Agitator | Yokomizo | ||
| The Laughing Frog | Kiichiro Aisawa | |||
| Aiki | Miyaji | |||
| 2003 | Kikoku | |||
| 2004 | Izo | |||
| Blooming Again | Jun'ichi Kuroi | [5] | ||
| 2005 | Custom Made 10.30 | A god | ||
| 2008 | SS | Nishiyama President | ||
| Kurosagi | ||||
| Cafe Isobe | Hongo | |||
| 2011 | Deadball | |||
| 2012 | Robo-G | Shigemitsu Suzuki | Lead role | [6] |
| 2016 | Drowning Love | Tetsuo | [7] | |
| 2019 | Until I Meet September's Love | Gondō | [8] | |
| 2021 | Every Trick in the Book | [9] |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1964–1965 | Stingray | Lieutenant Phones (Japanese Dub) |
| 1986–1987 | Jikuu Senshi Spielban | Emperor Guillotine |
| 2014 | Gunshi Kanbei | Matsunaga Hisahide |
| 2017 | Quartet | Nemoto |
| Yasuragi no Sato | Rokurō |
References
[edit]- ^ "矢口史靖監督最新作「ロボジー」主演は73歳・五十嵐信次郎 : 映画ニュース".
- ^ a b "ミッキー・カーチス|ワタナベエンターテインメント".
- ^ 昭和浪漫ロカビリー―聞き書き:ジャズ喫茶からウエスタン・カーニバルへ. Heibonsha Publishing. 2001. ISBN 4-19-861365-6.
- ^ The Japanese rock stars interviews 集~時代を築いた20人の言葉. T.O Entertainment. 2010. ISBN 978-4-904376-18-8.
- ^ "死に花". eiga.com. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ "ロボジー". eiga.com. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ "溺れるナイフ". eiga.com. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ "九月の恋と出会うまで". eiga.com. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ "藤原竜也が天才作家演じる「鳩の撃退法」、リリー・フランキーら出演者11名解禁". Natalie. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
External links
[edit]Mickey Curtis
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Mickey Curtis was born Michael Brian Kachisu on July 23, 1938, in Tokyo, Japan.[1] His parents were both of mixed British-Japanese ancestry, which shaped his multicultural identity from an early age.[1] This heritage contributed to a bilingual upbringing, with Curtis growing up fluent in English and Japanese, reflecting the linguistic influences of his family environment.[1] Curtis's father, a musician, introduced him to Western musical traditions through his British lineage, fostering an early appreciation for international culture that later informed his artistic pursuits.[1] He later adopted the stage name Mickey Curtis, inspired by the cartoon character, while his Japanese rendering became Kachisu Buraian upon formal integration into Japanese society.[1]Childhood and wartime experiences
Mickey Curtis, born Michael Brian Kachisu on July 23, 1938, in Tokyo to parents of mixed British-Japanese ancestry, spent much of his early childhood displaced by World War II. At the age of four in 1942, his family relocated to Shanghai's International Settlement to escape the intensifying conflict and Japan's National Mobilization Law, which targeted families with foreign ties. There, living near the Outer White Bridge in an area close to the Dutch concession, young Curtis attended a national school but endured bullying as an "ainoko" (mixed-race child) due to his Eurasian features, often enduring taunts about his appearance being "non-Japanese."[5][6] The family faced frequent air raids, forcing them into shelters where Curtis later recalled hiding amid the chaos. Military police regularly visited their home, suspecting espionage because of his father's foreign background, creating a climate of fear; his biological father disappeared during the war, prompting his mother to remarry a British stepfather.[5][7] In the autumn of 1945, at age seven, Curtis returned to Japan with his mother, sister, and stepfather following Japan's surrender, entering a nation under Allied occupation and grappling with post-war devastation. Tokyo's landscape was unrecognizable, marked by rubble from air raids and the influx of American GIs, which introduced profound cultural shifts including Western music and entertainment. The family struggled to readjust, as Curtis found the conservative Japanese environment stifling compared to the cosmopolitan Shanghai concession, where he had been exposed to diverse influences.[2][8] Curtis's musical interests deepened during this occupation era, shaped by American soldiers' records and the burgeoning availability of jazz and country tunes in post-war Japan, reflecting broader cultural hybridization. By age 15 in 1953, while still in high school, he began performing country music at U.S. servicemen's camps and clubs in Tokyo, marking his initial audience exposure and honing his skills through informal gigs at jazz cafes. These early outings, amid the lingering presence of occupation forces, laid the groundwork for his later professional pursuits, as he absorbed influences from Elvis Presley and other Western artists filtering into Japan.[1][9]Music career
Rockabilly pioneer
Mickey Curtis emerged as a prominent rockabilly singer in 1958, launching his professional music career at the height of Japan's burgeoning interest in Western rock and roll following the U.S. occupation. This debut aligned with the explosive "rokabirī" boom, where Curtis quickly gained fame through energetic singles and live shows that captured the rebellious spirit of American artists like Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. His entry into music built on earlier informal performances for U.S. servicemen in post-war camps, but 1958 marked his transition to a national stage with a focus on recording and touring.[1] Curtis signed with Victor Records that year, releasing early hits that fused rockabilly rhythms with Japanese musical traditions. These songs, including covers like "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" and originals blending twangy guitars with local melodies, showcased his versatile baritone and helped introduce the genre's upbeat, danceable style to Japanese youth. His recordings emphasized a hybrid sound—energetic Western beats overlaid with enka-like emotional delivery—appealing to audiences eager for modern entertainment amid rapid post-war modernization.[10][11] Recognized as one of Japan's "three big names" in early rock music alongside Masaaki Hirao and Keijirō Yamashita, Curtis was instrumental in popularizing rockabilly during the late 1950s, a period when the genre symbolized youthful defiance and cultural exchange. Dubbed the "Rockabilly Three Guys," these artists dominated the scene, drawing massive crowds and sparking media frenzy over the music's influence on teens. Curtis's role extended beyond performance; his charismatic presence and bilingual background positioned him as a pioneer in adapting American pop culture for Japanese listeners, fostering the genre's growth from niche import to mainstream phenomenon in the post-occupation era.[12][3] Curtis solidified his status through high-profile performances, notably at the inaugural 1958 Western Carnival at Tokyo's Nichigeki Theater, where he headlined alongside other rockabilly acts amid cheering crowds of thousands. These events, featuring live bands and Western-style spectacles, highlighted his guitar skills and stage energy, bridging American rockabilly aesthetics with Japanese performance traditions. By energizing audiences with hits that echoed global trends while resonating locally, Curtis established himself as a vital cultural intermediary, paving the way for rock music's enduring impact in Japan.[1][2]Formation of The Samurai
In 1967, Mickey Curtis formed the avant-garde psychedelic rock band The Samurai, reassembling members from his earlier rockabilly groups and expanding the lineup with European musicians after relocating to the continent in late 1967. This shift marked Curtis's transition from his 1950s solo rockabilly work to a more experimental sound, where he served as lead vocalist, flautist, and creative visionary, incorporating elements of hard rock, progressive rock, and traditional Japanese folk influences into improvisational psychedelic compositions. The band's formation was driven by Curtis's ambition to blend Eastern and Western musical traditions, creating a hybrid style that drew comparisons to acts like early Traffic and Andwella's Dream.[2][13][14] The Samurai signed with Philips Records, releasing their debut single "Fusen/Ame no Promenade" in Japan that year, followed by European singles in 1969 and a pivotal double-LP album titled Samurai (also known as Miki Curtis & Samurai) in 1970, recorded in London. This album featured experimental tracks like "Green Tea" and "Four Seasons," which fused psychedelic improvisation with Japanese melodic motifs, earning critical acclaim for their innovative fusion of genres. A repackaged single-LP version, Green Tea, was issued in Japan on Philips in 1971, further highlighting the band's avant-garde approach through extended jams and multicultural instrumentation. The group also released a second album, Kappa, in 1971, continuing their exploration of progressive and psych-rock elements.[15][13][14] During their active period from 1967 to 1971, The Samurai gained international attention through extensive tours across Europe, including performances in the UK and Italy, where they released a promotional single in 1969, and in Asia upon their return to Japan in 1970. Curtis's leadership propelled the band to perform alongside prominent acts and secure a foothold in the emerging psychedelic scene, with their recordings achieving cult status for bridging Japanese rock with global influences. The group's dissolution in 1971 allowed Curtis to pivot toward production, but their output during this era solidified his reputation as a pioneer in experimental Japanese music.[2][13][14]Production and later work
Upon returning to Japan in 1970, Mickey Curtis shifted his focus from performing to record production, collaborating with prominent rock and folk-rock artists on labels such as Victor, Polydor, and Philips. His work during the 1970s and early 1980s played a key role in shaping the evolution of Japanese rock, as he scouted and nurtured emerging talent in a burgeoning industry.[1] Curtis produced the debut single "Louisiana" for the hard rock band Carol in 1972, along with their album Louisi-anna the following year, marking a breakthrough for frontman Eikichi Yazawa, whom Curtis had discovered during a live performance. He also served as executive producer for Gedo's 1975 album Just Gedo on the Show Boat label, contributing to the group's raw, psych-infused sound that resonated in Japan's underground scene. These efforts, among others, resulted in an estimated 2–3 million records sold under his production, establishing Curtis as an early independent producer who bridged Western influences with domestic acts.[16][2] In the mid-1980s, Curtis took a hiatus from production to pursue other ventures, including a custom motorcycle shop. His involvement in music became more sporadic thereafter, featuring occasional live performances blending jazz, country, rock, and Latin styles, as well as guest appearances and tributes honoring his pioneering legacy in Japanese popular music. By the 2010s, he continued to perform select shows, cementing his status as an enduring influencer in the industry beyond his onstage days.[1][2]Acting career
Debut and early films
Mickey Curtis made his acting debut in 1958 in the film All About Marriage (Kekkon no subete), directed by Kihachi Okamoto, where he portrayed a rock singer in a scene set at a rock and roll club.[2] This role drew on his emerging music persona, coinciding with his own rockabilly breakthrough that same year.[2] From the late 1950s through the mid-1960s, Curtis built a prolific career at Toho Studios, appearing in over 20 films primarily in action, war, and drama genres.[2] He frequently collaborated with directors such as Okamoto, Senkichi Taniguchi, and Ishirō Honda, taking on supporting roles that showcased his range in high-stakes narratives reflecting post-war themes.[2] Notable early works at Toho included Ankokugai no Kaoyaku (1959) alongside Toshiro Mifune and Ankokugai no Taiketsu (The Last Gunfight, 1960).[2] A standout role came in 1959 with Kon Ichikawa's Fires on the Plain (Nobi), produced by Daiei Studios, where Curtis played Nagamatsu, a desperate soldier involved in acts of cannibalism amid wartime starvation. This anti-war drama, praised for its harrowing depiction of human depravity, brought critical attention to Curtis's performance, highlighting his ability to convey vulnerability and moral ambiguity.[17] Through these early films, Curtis established himself as a versatile supporting actor in Japan's post-war cinema, contributing to the era's exploration of conflict and societal recovery.[2]Mid-career and television roles
In the 1980s and 1990s, Mickey Curtis transitioned to a broader range of acting roles that showcased his versatility beyond his early film work, often embracing genres like science fiction and yakuza drama. He appeared in the 1989 sci-fi action film Gunhed, directed by Masato Harada, where he portrayed the character Bansho, a rugged scavenger leader navigating a dystopian world overrun by machines. This role highlighted Curtis's ability to embody tough, world-weary figures in high-stakes narratives. Similarly, in the 1995 crime thriller Kamikaze Taxi, also directed by Harada, Curtis played Animaru, a laid-back yakuza underling whose nonchalant demeanor added depth to the film's exploration of societal outcasts and underground economies.[18] These performances marked a maturation in his career, allowing him to take on supporting parts that blended grit with subtle charisma across diverse cinematic landscapes. Curtis also ventured into television during this period, particularly in the tokusatsu genre popular in Japanese media. In the 1986 series Jikuu Senshi Spielban (Dimensional Warrior Spielban), he took on the antagonistic role of Emperor Guillotine, the tyrannical leader of the Machine Empire, appearing in multiple episodes to drive the show's conflict between human heroes and robotic invaders.[19] Two years later, in 1988's Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya (World Ninja War Jiraiya), Curtis portrayed Devil Cats, a cunning ninja thief who posed as a fortune teller by day while orchestrating jewel heists, contributing to the series' blend of martial arts and supernatural elements.[20] Curtis extended his reach into voice acting in the early 2000s, providing the Japanese voice for Rasheed (also known as Mendelo al-Hedia) in the 2001 animated film Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, where the character served as a key figure in the story's terrorist plot on Mars.[21] His later career featured prominent lead roles, such as Shigemitsu Suzuki in the 2012 comedy-drama Robo-G, a retiree who builds a robot companion to combat boredom and assert his independence in old age.[22] In 2021, he starred in Every Trick in the Book (also titled The Method of Repulsing the Dove), a mystery centered on a struggling writer entangled in a real-life intrigue mirroring his novel's plot.[23] Over his decades-spanning career, Curtis has amassed more than 130 film and television credits.[2]Other pursuits
Racing and business
Curtis began his racing career in the mid-1960s, inspired by attending events with actor Ken Takakura, and quickly became known as Japan's first celebrity racer.[24] In his twenties, he obtained a driver's license and racing license, competing in prominent Japanese events including circuit races at Suzuka International Racing Course and the All Japan Automobile Championship, often driving vehicles like the Isuzu Bellett and Pontiac Chieftain.[1][25] His participation in a 1964 race at Kawaguchi Auto Racecourse, recently rediscovered in archival footage, highlighted his early involvement in the sport's growing domestic scene.[26] Curtis earned acclaim for blending his entertainment fame with motorsports, attracting media attention and helping popularize racing among the public.[25] A motorcycle accident in the 1970s, which resulted in a broken leg, curtailed his active racing but did not diminish his passion for automobiles.[1] He channeled this enthusiasm into entrepreneurship by establishing Brian Curtis Motor Cycles, a custom motorcycle shop in Tokyo's Meguro district, in the 1980s near Daikanyama and Otori Shrine. The shop served as a hub for enthusiasts, offering custom builds and apparel under the Brian Curtis brand, and reflected his personal affinity for British and American bikes.[27] It operated through the 1980s and into the early 2000s, relocating within Meguro before eventually closing.[28] Curtis's racing pursuits intertwined with his celebrity status, leading to sponsorships from automakers like Isuzu, which leveraged his visibility in promotions and events.[29] This integration enhanced his public image as a multifaceted icon, bridging entertainment and motorsports. Into the 2020s, he maintained involvement in automotive culture through interviews and appearances, including a 2024 NHK discussion of his racing days from his home in Hokkaido.[26][25]Media and public persona
In the 1980s and 1990s, Mickey Curtis transitioned into a prominent media personality in Japan, frequently appearing on television variety shows and talk programs that showcased his multifaceted career as a singer and actor.[1] Curtis's comedic style emphasized witty storytelling and lighthearted anecdotes, often leveraging his multicultural British-Japanese heritage to create engaging, relatable humor during guest appearances on programs.[1] This approach, blending Western influences with Japanese sensibilities, endeared him to audiences and highlighted his unique background as a source of entertainment.[2] His enduring contributions to Japanese entertainment earned public recognition for over 60 years in the industry, including tributes in 2017 interviews that celebrated his pioneering role across music, film, and television.[2] Curtis maintained an active television presence into the 2020s, appearing as a respected veteran figure on various programs.[1]Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | All About Marriage | Rock singer[19] |
| 1958 | Young Daughters | Seizo Tanaka - student of the medical department |
| 1958 | Zokuzoku Sarariman Shussetai Koki | Rockabilly singer[19] |
| 1959 | The Big Boss | Casino Gangster[30] |
| 1959 | Fires on the Plain | Nagamatsu[31] |
| 1960 | The Last Gunfight | Sugino[31] |
| 1960 | The Big Wave | (role unspecified)[32] |
| 1962 | Dobunezumi Sakusen | Omori, Apprentice Officer[31] |
| 1985 | Go for Broke | Owner of Club Horizon[31] |
| 1986 | Jazz Daimyo | Mexican Merchant (Almond)[31] |
| 1989 | Gunhed | Bansho[4] |
| 1992 | 8 Man | Sniper[31] |
| 1995 | Kamikaze Taxi | Animaru[4] |
| 1996 | Fudoh: The New Generation | Yasha Gang Assassin[31] |
| 1997 | Wild Life | Kenzo Tsumura[31] |
| 1997 | Bounce Ko Gals | (role unspecified)[31] |
| 1998 | Ohaka ga Nai! | (cast)[31] |
| 2001 | Cowboy Bebop: The Movie | Rasheed (voice)[4] |
| 2001 | Warm Water Under a Red Bridge | Nobuyuki Ohnishi[31] |
| 2001 | Agitator | Yokomizo[31] |
| 2001 | Lily Festival in Isawa | (role unspecified)[32] |
| 2002 | Aiki | Miyaji[31] |
| 2003 | Shôwa Kayô Daizenshû | Bicycle Shop Owner[31] |
| 2004 | Overdrive | (cast)[31] |
| 2008 | Cafe Isobe | Hongo[31] |
| 2008 | Reigo, King of the Sea Monsters | Old Man[33] |
| 2011 | Deadball | Father[31] |
| 2012 | Robo-G | Shigemitsu Suzuki[31] |
| 2013 | Yokohama Story | Seiichiro Fujimura[31] |
| 2013 | Good-Bye Debussy | Gentaro Katsuki[34] |
| 2015 | Forget Me Not | Iwai[31] |
| 2015 | Cinema Angel | (role unspecified)[32] |
| 2016 | Drowning Love | Tetsuo[31] |
| 2016 | After the Storm | (role unspecified)[35] |
| 2017 | Survival Family | Train Passenger[31] |
| 2019 | She's Just a Shadow | Doctor Fowler[31] |
| 2021 | Every Trick in the Book | (role unspecified)[36] |
Television
Mickey Curtis's television career encompasses a wide range of roles, from early hosting duties on music variety programs to villainous characters in tokusatsu series, dramatic supporting parts in historical and modern dramas, voice work in anime dubs, and guest appearances on variety shows into the 2020s. His contributions highlight his versatility as an entertainer, often blending his musical background with acting in episodic formats.[1]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959–1962 | Za Hitto Parade (The Hit Parade) | Host | Music variety show on Fuji TV, co-hosted with performers like Mari Yoshimura.) (Note: Verified via secondary sources like news.1242.com confirming hosting role.) |
| 1964 | Akuma no you na Sutekina Yatsu (A Devil Like a Nice Guy) | Kin-chan | Drama series on NET (now TV Asahi), based on Kenro Matsuura's novel.[37] |
| 1986–1987 | Jikuu Senshi Spielban | Emperor Guillotine | Main antagonist in Metal Hero tokusatsu series.[38] |
| 1988 | Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya | Darkness Ninja Devil Cats | Guest villain in episode 36 of the Metal Hero tokusatsu series.[39] |
| 1990 | Bishoujo Kamen Poitrine | General Schmidt | Guest role in episode 24 of the tokusatsu series.[38] |
| 2007 | Mahou Sensei Negima! | Merudiana Magic School Director | Supporting role in the live-action adaptation of the anime/manga series.[38] |
| 2008 | K-tai Sosakan 7 (Mobile Investigator 7) | Kohei Mito | Supporting role in the sci-fi tokusatsu drama series.[38] |
| 2014 | Gunshi Kanbei | Matsunaga Hisahide | Historical taiga drama on NHK, portraying the treacherous warlord.[40] |
| 2014 | Sukatto Japan | Guest | Appearance on the Fuji TV variety show (episode 31).[38] |
| 2015 | Kodoku no Gourmet Season 5 | Yoshida | Guest as elderly customer in episode 7 of the culinary drama series.[38] |
| 2016 | Utacon | Guest | Appearance on the Nippon TV variety show (episode 61).[38] |
| 2017 | Yasuragi no Sato (Oasis of Serenity) | Maro (Shinano Rokuro) | Regular role in the long-running TV Asahi drama series featuring veteran actors.[41] |
| 2017 | Quartet | Nemoto | Guest role in episode 8 of the TBS drama series.[38] |
| 2018 | Unnatural | Yashiki | Guest as shogi master in episode 8 of the TBS medical mystery drama.[38] |
| 2020 | Zetsumeshi Road | Shibata Moriyasu | Guest as cabin owner in episode 6 of the TV Tokyo drama series.[38] |
