--- name: "Eijirō Tōno" canonical: "https://film.one/person/eijiro-tono" fi1m_id: "eijiro-tono" imdb_id: "nm0867391" tmdb_id: 106165 wikidata_id: "Q3049379" roles: ["Actor"] born: "17 September 1907" died: "8 September 1994" reviewed_on_fi1m: 5 average_fi1m_score: 90 average_as: "actor" average_over: 5 updated: "2026-09-26T14:25:07.332584+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Eijirō Tōno ## Identity Eijirō Tōno - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/eijiro-tono - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** eijiro-tono - **IMDb ID:** nm0867391 - **TMDB ID:** 106165 - **Wikidata ID:** Q3049379 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eijir%C5%8D_T%C5%8Dno, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3049379, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0867391/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/106165 Actor. Born 17 September 1907 in Tomioka, Japon. Died 8 September 1994. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 17 September 1907, Tomioka, Japon - **Died:** 8 September 1994 - **Active:** 1953–1963 - **Also known as:** Tōno Eijirō, Эйдзиро Тоно, 东野英治郎, 東野英治郎, 本庄克二, Katsuji Honjo - **Frequently works with:** [Chishū Ryū](https://film.one/person/chishu-ryu.md), [Kōgo Noda](https://film.one/person/kogo-noda.md), [Yasujirō Ozu](https://film.one/person/yasujiro-ozu.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 90, as actor, over 5 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1950s 94 (2), 1960s 88 (3) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 90 to 85 across 5 titles - **Score spread:** 5 at 80+, 0 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 3 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 5, Thriller 2, Action 1, Crime 1, Mystery 1 - **Screen time:** 12 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $916m across 3 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eijir%C5%8D_T%C5%8Dno, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3049379, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0867391/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/106165 ## Streaming the US now - **HBO Max:** [*Tokyo Story*](https://film.one/film/tokyo-story.md) (92), [*Yojimbo*](https://film.one/film/yojimbo.md) (88), [*An Autumn Afternoon*](https://film.one/film/an-autumn-afternoon.md) (86) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Eijirō Tōno > Eijirō Tōno makes a tavern keeper or a bitter drinking companion worth watching without insisting on our attention. We value that grounded supporting work; *Yojimbo* and *Tokyo Story* are the places to begin. In *Yojimbo* (1961), Eijirō Tōno’s Gonji is the tavern keeper who becomes the wandering samurai’s ally and confidant. Beside Toshirō Mifune’s scruffy, calculating performance, his grounded presence is useful: the leading man has someone credible to talk to. Akira Kurosawa’s thriller depends on sharply staged action and dark humour, and Tōno belongs comfortably in that company without competing for the centre. The scheming does grow repetitive, but the film gives us ample reason to stay with it. The earlier *Tokyo Story* (1953) gives him Numata, the elderly protagonist’s bitter drinking companion, rather than anyone likely to put things right. We were upset by the family’s ordinary neglect, because Yasujirō Ozu makes it recognisable without supplying an easy villain. Chishū Ryū and Setsuko Hara carry the performances we most admire here; Tōno’s smaller contribution fits a film that allows people to be disappointing without dismissing them. The deliberate pace asks for patience at first, though the smaller roles are one reason not to hurry it. These parts sit within a long run of supporting work, from the late 1940s to 1990, including seven films with Kurosawa and four with Ozu. In *Seven Samurai* (1954) he is a kidnapper; in *An Autumn Afternoon* (1962), a former teacher running a noodle shop. He was frequently cast as factory workers, policemen and elders, and his naturalistic acting suits people whose standing is established without a long explanation. The later title role in the television period drama *Mito Kōmon* (1969–1983), sustained for 381 episodes, makes clear that he was not confined to small parts. We would still begin with the films, where the contrast between Kurosawa and Ozu lets us see how useful the same grounded actor can be in different company. *Yojimbo* is the easier invitation, provided a little repetitive plotting is not a deterrent. Save *Tokyo Story* for an evening when there is no need to hurry. ## Biography Eijirō Tōno (東野英治郎) was a Japanese actor. Born on 17 September 1907 in Tomioka, Gunma, he died on 8 September 1994 in Tokyo. Over a career spanning more than fifty years he appeared in nearly 250 films and over 400 television productions, as well as numerous stage plays. He trained at Meiji University and was a founding member of the Haiyuza Theatre Company. Tōno is known in the West for supporting roles in films directed by Akira Kurosawa, including *Seven Samurai* (1954) and *Yojimbo* (1961), and by Yasujirō Ozu, including *Tokyo Story* (1953) as Numata and *An Autumn Afternoon* (1962). He also appeared in *High and Low* (1963), *Red Beard* (1965), *Tora! Tora! Tora!* (1970) as Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, and his final film *A-ge-man* (1990). In Japan he starred as the title character in the long-running jidaigeki television series *Mito Kōmon* from 1969 to 1983. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (5) - *High and Low* (1963), Fi1m 90, as Factory Worker — [page](https://film.one/film/high-and-low.md) - *An Autumn Afternoon* (1962), Fi1m 86, as Sakuma, The 'Gourd' — [page](https://film.one/film/an-autumn-afternoon.md) - *Yojimbo* (1961), Fi1m 88, as Gonji, Tavern Keeper — [page](https://film.one/film/yojimbo.md) - *Seven Samurai* (1954), Fi1m 95, as Kidnapper — [page](https://film.one/film/seven-samurai.md) - *Tokyo Story* (1953), Fi1m 92, as Numata — [page](https://film.one/film/tokyo-story.md) ## Complete filmography (306) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Tales of a Golden Geisha* (1990), as Prime Minister - *Days with Harasu* (1989), Actor - *Death of a Tea Master* (1989), as Kokei - *So What* (1988), Actor - *Shocking! in Japan -by G.F.Bigo-* (1984), as Narration (voice) - *The Fox Dancing in the Dusk* (1984), Actor - *Adrift at Sea* (1983), Actor - *Choji Snack Bar* (1983), Actor - *The King and His Vassal 2 - The Great Riot of Edo* (1982), Actor - *The King and His Vassal* (1981), Actor - *The Last Game* (1979), Actor - *Hunter in the Dark* (1979), as Shogen - *Lord Mito* (1978), as Tokugawa Mitsukuni - *Island of Hell* (1977), as Kaemon Kito - *水戸黄門 第3部* (1971), series, Actor - *First-Decade Boss vs. Second-Decade Staff: Mon-Fri-Fri* (1971), as Keinosuke Takamatsu, Dainippon Steel President - *The Battle of Okinawa* (1971), as Yoshijirō Umezu - *First-Decade President vs. Second-Decade Staff* (1971), as Keinosuke Takamatsu - *Will to Conquer* (1970), as Sezaemon - *水戸黄門　第2部* (1970), series, Actor - *Five Gents and a Kuniang* (1970), as Gōji Keinosuke - *The Summit of Mt. Fuji* (1970), Actor - *Tora! Tora! Tora!* (1970), as Admiral Chuici Nagumo - *Five Gents Fly to Taiwan* (1970), as Takeyunosuke Gōji - *Tora-san's Cherished Mother* (1969), as Sanpo Sensei - *水戸黄門　第１部* (1969), series, Actor - *5 Gents Fly to Kyushu Part II* (1969), as Umehara Kannosuke (textile CEO) - *Goyokin* (1969), Actor - *5 Gents Fly to Kyushu* (1969), as Kannosuke Umehara (President, Marubō Textiles) - *Crazy Big Discovery* (1969), Actor - *The Flame of Youth* (1968), Actor - *It's Tough Being a Man* (1968), series, Actor - *It's Tough Being a Man (Television Drama DVD Edit Edition)* (1968), Actor - *Monument to the Girl's Corps* (1968), as Nakaji, Principal - *Song of Vengeance* (1968), as 看守Ａ - *Horus: Prince of the Sun* (1968), as Ganko (voice) - *Kill!* (1968), as Hyogo Moriuchi - *The Saga of Tanegashima* (1968), as Kinbei Yaita - *Wild Ducks and Green Onions* (1968), Actor - *Japan's No. 1 Best Man* (1967), Actor - *Young Boss: Leader's Flesh* (1967), Actor - *The Burning Sun* (1967), Actor - *Shogun and His Mistress 2* (1967), as Narrator - *Monsieur Zivaco* (1967), Actor - *Goal for the Young* (1967), Actor - *Botchan shain seishun de tsuppashire!* (1967), Actor - *Botchan shain seishun wa ore no monoda!* (1967), Actor - *Three Faces of Love* (1967), as Soga - *Industrial Spy Free-for-All* (1967), Actor - *Zatoichi's Cane Sword* (1967), as Senzo - *Journey to the North* (1967), as Kichinosuke Kawara - *The Great White Tower* (1966), as Professor Teizō Azuma - *Dash to the Sun* (1966), Actor - *Lost Sex* (1966), as Neighbor / Writer - *Kill the Night Rose* (1966), Actor - *Dynamite Doctor* (1966), as Marshal - *Four and A Half Mats* (1966), as Uyu - *Silence Has No Wings* (1966), Actor - *A Company President's Life Story* (1966), as Ōta Gōzaemon (Ōnichi Wool President) - *Prison Walls of Abashiri 3* (1965), as Seizo - *An Innocent Witch* (1965), Actor - *Blood and Sea* (1965), Actor - *Sword of the Beast* (1965), as Minister - *The Spy* (1965), Actor - *Illusion of Blood* (1965), Actor - *Life of Matsu the Untamed* (1965), Actor - *Japan's No. 1 Sesame Paste Man* (1965), Actor - *The Last Judgment* (1965), Actor - *Start Here* (1965), as President Sagara - *Red Beard* (1965), as Goheiji - *Salaryman's Medal* (1965), Actor - *Samurai Assassin* (1965), as Masagorō Kisoya - *Five Gents' Trick Book* (1965), Actor - *The Donkey Comes on a Tank* (1964), Actor - *Eddy Currents of Life* (1964), as Shigesuke Hayashi - *Modern Gentleman* (1964), Actor - *The Sandal Keeper* (1964), Actor - *Aa Seishun no Mune no Chi wa* (1964), Actor - *The Naked Executive* (1964), as Kosugi, president - *A Story from Echigo* (1964), Actor - *A Public Benefactor* (1964), Actor - *Our Happiness Alone* (1964), Actor - *The Bride is Fifteen* (1964), Actor - *Pale Flower* (1964), as Yasuoka - *Miyamoto Musashi IV: The Duel at Ichijo-ji Temple* (1964), as Haiya - *白さぎと少年* (1964), as Narrator (voice) - *Shinobi no Mono 3: Resurrection* (1963), as Hideyoshi Toyotomi - *Fight of the Gamblers* (1963), Actor - *Ukyunosuke on Patrol* (1963), Actor - *Tange Sazen* (1963), Actor - *The Elegant Life of Mr. Everyman* (1963), as Akiharu - *A House in the Quarter* (1963), Actor - *The Sea of Eden* (1963), Actor - *The Navy* (1963), Actor - *Shinobi no Mono 2: Vengeance* (1963), as Toyotomi Hideyoshi - *Double Wedding* (1963), as Goro - *Life of Hishakaku 2* (1963), Actor - *Bushido: The Cruel Code of the Samurai* (1963), as Shibiku-Shosuke Hori - *Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai* (1963), Actor - *The Sunshine Girl* (1963), Actor - *High and Low* (1963), as Factory Worker — Fi1m 90, [page](https://film.one/film/high-and-low.md) - *Girls Born in August* (1963), Actor - *Pressure of Guilt* (1963), Actor - *Twin Sisters of Kyoto* (1963), as Sosuke Otomo - *Born in Sin* (1962), Actor - *An Autumn Afternoon* (1962), as Sakuma, The 'Gourd' — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/an-autumn-afternoon.md) - *The Great Wall* (1962), as Li Tang - *Mount Hakone* (1962), Actor - *The Man From the Sea* (1962), Actor - *This Madding Crowd* (1962), as Grandpa Yoshi - *Akitsu Hot Springs* (1962), as Priest - *A Carpenter and Children* (1962), Actor - *The Bandits* (1962), Actor - *Facing to the Clouds* (1962), Actor - *Three Gentlemen from Tokyo* (1962), Actor - *Foundry Town* (1962), as Ishiguro, Tatsugoro (Jun's father) - *Seinen no isu* (1962), Actor - *Musume to watashi* (1962), Actor - *Lady Sen and Hideyori* (1962), as Tokugawa Ieyasu - *Our Marriage* (1962), as Father - *Shimizu Port Salaryman Part II* (1962), Actor - *Season of Farewell* (1962), Actor - *Shimizu Port Salaryman* (1962), Actor - *The Red Shadow* (1961), as Jinzaburô Kamo - *Quick Draw Outlaw: Man of the Great Plains* (1961), Actor - *The Happy-Go-Lucky Guy* (1961), Actor - *Run, Genta, Run!* (1961), Actor - *Wind and waves of the South* (1961), as Genji - *Buddha* (1961), as Suratha - *The Last War* (1961), as Captain Umehara - *Sanctuary* (1961), Actor - *Boss Takes to the Road* (1961), Actor - *Immortal Love* (1961), as Policeman - *The Crimson Plains* (1961), as Shinzô Okui - *The Estuary* (1961), Actor - *The Orphan Brother* (1961), as Sanshô Dayû (voice) - *Jirocho’s Days of Youth: The Youngest Boss in the Tokai Region* (1961), Actor - *Challenge to Live* (1961), Actor - *Fine Man* (1961), Actor - *Yojimbo* (1961), as Gonji, Tavern Keeper — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/yojimbo.md) - *An Edo Magistrate* (1961), Actor - *The Masterless 47 – Part II* (1961), Actor - *Pigs and Battleships* (1961), as Kan'ichi - *For This We Fight* (1961), Actor - *Botchan yarō seizoroi* (1961), Actor - *My Hometown is the Wild West* (1960), Actor - *The Masterless 47* (1960), as Gonosuke Kira - *The War Without Weapons* (1960), as Kamematsu Yamamoto, Senji's father - *Wait for Tomorrow* (1960), as Seisaku Kajiwara - *The Pirates* (1960), Actor - *The Brass General* (1960), Actor - *The Twilight Story* (1960), Actor - *The Brawler* (1960), as Section Chief Kitaura - *New Third Class Executive: Husband Education* (1960), as Isuke Tsujikura - *Police Precinct Part 13* (1960), Actor - *Just Barely* (1960), Actor - *The Master Spearman* (1960), Actor - *The Man of Seven Faces* (1960), as Genkichi Miyashita - *Ajisai no uta* (1960), Actor - *The Gambling Samurai* (1960), as Kansuke - *The Curio Master* (1960), Actor - *The Great Road* (1960), Actor - *The Forbidden Scoop* (1960), Actor - *The Cards Will Tell* (1960), Actor - *New Third Class Executive: Travel, Women and Drinking* (1960), as Isuke Tsujikura (President) - *The Bride from Japan* (1959), as Mieko's father - *The Three Treasures* (1959), as Ootomo - *The Human Wall* (1959), Actor - *Akatsuki no chiheisen* (1959), Actor - *Ripe and Marriageable* (1959), as Saemon, Hikari's father - *Chikamatsu's Love in Osaka* (1959), Actor - *The Beast Shall Die* (1959), as Detective Kuwashima - *Police Precinct: Car 108* (1959), Actor - *High Teen* (1959), Actor - *Good Morning* (1959), as Hiroshi Tomizawa - *Diary of Forsaken Love* (1959), Actor - *Kiku and Isamu: Two Siblings Born in Japan* (1959), as Policeman - *Kaze no uchi so to* (1959), Actor - *The Big Scoop: Challenge at Twilight* (1959), Actor - *The Third Dead Angle* (1959), Actor - *The Human Condition I: No Greater Love* (1959), Actor - *The Stream of Youth* (1959), Actor - *Yajikita dōchū sugoroku* (1958), Actor - *The Days of Evil Women* (1958), Actor - *Theater of Life* (1958), Actor - *The Naked General* (1958), Actor - *The Naked Sun* (1958), as Yoshida - *Diary of a Successful Salaryman Part 3* (1958), as Mouri - *A Grain of Wheat* (1958), as Aisawa - *The Young Beast* (1958), Actor - *Oban kanketsu hen* (1958), Actor - *Beyond the Seasonal Wind* (1958), Actor - *The Ballad of Narayama* (1958), as Messenger - *Night Drum* (1958), Actor - *Angkor Wat Story - Beautiful Sadness* (1958), as Chamberlain - *Firefly Light* (1958), Actor - *Princess of Revenge* (1958), Actor - *Yagyu Secret Scrolls: Ninjitsu - Part II* (1958), as Fugetsusai - *Police Precinct: The Pickpocket Killer* (1957), Actor - *The Eleventh Hour* (1957), Actor - *Black River* (1957), as Kurihara - *The Story of Pure Love* (1957), Actor - *The Lower Depths* (1957), as Tomekichi the Tinker - *Zoku Ôban: Fûun hen* (1957), as Chaplin san - *The Shadow Daughter* (1957), as Shigeo - *Untamed Woman* (1957), as Oshima's father - *Hateful Things* (1957), as Keisuke Kiyama - *Turtledove* (1957), Actor - *Yagyu Secret Scrolls* (1957), as Fugetsusai - *Love of the Princess* (1957), Actor - *An Osaka Story* (1957), as Gonzaemon Hoshino - *Ôban* (1957), as Chaplin-San - *Rice* (1957), Actor - *Shimizu Port of Chivalry* (1957), as Kansuke - *Actress* (1956), Actor - *I Will Buy You* (1956), as Ogushi - *Love on Rainbow Island* (1956), as Shiimbei Hayashi - *The Forest Is Alive* (1956), Actor - *Easy-Going Married Couple* (1956), Actor - *Tears* (1956), Actor - *Undercurrent* (1956), as Yujiro Funaki - *How Sorrowful* (1956), Actor - *Case Files of Zenigata Heiji: The Human-Skin Spider* (1956), Actor - *Asashio yushio* (1956), Actor - *The Legend of the White Serpent* (1956), Actor - *Flowery Brothers* (1956), Actor - *Farewell to Dream* (1956), as Yôichi's father, Genkichi - *The Vampire Moth* (1956), as Tetsuzô Ibuki / Shunsaku Etô - *White Fan* (1956), as Takuetsu - *Early Spring* (1956), as Tokichi Hattori - *Hanayome no tameiki* (1956), Actor - *Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island* (1956), as Baiken Shishido (uncredited) - *Love at Forty* (1955), Actor - *I Live in Fear* (1955), as Old man from Brazil - *Floating Weeds Diary* (1955), as Magoro Ichikawa - *Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple* (1955), as Baiken Shishido - *The Wolves* (1955), Actor - *Murder on the Last Train* (1955), Actor - *Twilight Saloon* (1955), as Onizuka - *Beautiful Days* (1955), as Imanishi's Father - *Burden of Love* (1955), as Jozo Araki - *Here Is a Spring* (1955), Actor - *Policeman's Diary* (1955), as Old man Murata - *The Cock Crows Twice* (1954), Actor - *Women's House* (1954), Actor - *The Moon Over the Ruined Castle* (1954), Actor - *The Surf* (1954), as Schoolmaster - *Woman of Fire* (1954), Actor - *The Black Current* (1954), Actor - *Midori no nakama* (1954), Actor - *The Street Without Sun* (1954), as President Kunio - *Seven Samurai* (1954), as Kidnapper — Fi1m 95, [page](https://film.one/film/seven-samurai.md) - *The Glorious Days* (1954), Actor - *Bored Hatamoto: House of Skulls* (1954), Actor - *Tokyo Story* (1953), as Numata — Fi1m 92, [page](https://film.one/film/tokyo-story.md) - *Waseda University* (1953), as Guest Nomura - *The Wild Geese* (1953), as Suezo - *Girls in the Orchard* (1953), Actor - *Hiroba no kōdoku* (1953), Actor - *Shishun no izumi* (1953), as Nakamura, a policeman - *The Tattoo Murder Case* (1953), Actor - *Asama no karasu* (1953), Actor - *Jūdai no seiten* (1953), Actor - *One Thousand Ryo Ship in the Wind and Clouds* (1952), Actor - *Her Secret* (1952), Actor - *Jinsei Gekijo: dai ichi bu* (1952), Actor - *Muntinlupa no yo wa fukete* (1952), as Kozo Kawai - *Beauty and the Thief* (1952), as Jurota - *Children of Hiroshima* (1952), Actor - *Sword for Hire* (1952), Actor - *The Yamabiko School* (1952), Actor - *Farewell to Spring* (1952), as Sakichi Arakawa - *The Man from the Moon* (1951), Actor - *Sasaki Kojiro* (1951), Actor - *風雲児* (1951), Actor - *Freedom School* (1951), Actor - *Ginza Cosmetics* (1951), as Hyôbei Sugano - *Zoku Sasaki Kojiro* (1951), Actor - *Yasubei Nakayama* (1951), Actor - *Les Miserables II: Banner of Love and Freedom* (1950), Actor - *Les Miserables I: God and the Devil* (1950), Actor - *A Man from Akagi* (1950), Actor - *Heat and Mud* (1950), Actor - *Kazanmyaku* (1950), Actor - *Devil's Gold* (1950), Actor - *Rinchi* (1949), Actor - *Chobei the Rogue* (1949), Actor - *Stray Dog* (1949), Actor - *Late Night Confession* (1949), Actor - *Flame of My Love* (1949), as State Councillor Itô - *Apostasy* (1948), Actor - *A Woman in the Typhoon Area* (1948), as Yoshii - *As If To Kill* (1948), Actor - *Rira no hana wasureji* (1947), Actor - *The Love of the Actress Sumako* (1947), Actor - *Duel at Moonrise* (1947), Actor - *Marriage* (1947), as Fumie's father - *Morning for the Osone Family* (1946), as Ippei Yamaka - *Kigeki wa owarinu* (1946), Actor - *The Young Women of Izu* (1945), Actor - *Otome no iru kichi* (1945), Actor - *Army* (1944), as Sakuragi - *Jubilation Street* (1944), as Shingo’s father - *Sinking the Unsinkable* (1944), Actor - *Navy* (1943), as Teacher Ogata - *Port of Flowers* (1943), as Hayashida ## Gallery - ![『用心棒』 (1961)](https://film.one/media/person/59931/gallery-0140ff560dd8.jpg) 『用心棒』 (1961) — キネマ旬報社, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Kinema-Junpo-1961-April-special-1.jpg/1280px-Kinema-Junpo-1961-April-special-1.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Eijirō Tōno](https://film.one/media/person/59931/gallery-5cb7c586afb9.jpg) Eijirō Tōno — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Other awards — 2 won - Medal with Purple Ribbon 1975: Medal with Purple Ribbon (won) - Blue Ribbon Awards for Best Supporting Actor 1955: Blue Ribbon Awards for Best Supporting Actor (won) *From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.* --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/eijiro-tono