Film · Japan · 1920–1997
Toshiro Mifune Life & Career Timeline
Kurosawa’s volcanic leading man and a defining figure of world cinema.
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19201931194219531964197519861997
TMToshiro MifuneFilm · Japan
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About Toshiro Mifune
Toshiro Mifune brought physical danger, humour and moral complexity to samurai epics, modern dramas and global television.
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Toshiro Mifune biography
Toshiro Mifune timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Qingdao
Toshiro Mifune was born to Japanese parents and grew up in Japanese-occupied China.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpMilitary aerial photography
Drafted into the Imperial Japanese Army, Mifune worked in aerial photography.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpSnow Trail
His first film role began an extraordinary post-war screen career.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpDrunken Angel
Akira Kurosawa cast Mifune as a volatile gangster, beginning their defining partnership.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpStray Dog
Mifune’s young detective pursued a stolen pistol through the post-war city.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpRashomon
The Venice-winning film introduced Kurosawa, Mifune and Japanese cinema to a vast international audience.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpThe Idiot
Kurosawa adapted Dostoevsky with Mifune in a central role.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpSeven Samurai
As Kikuchiyo, Mifune combined ferocity, comedy and pathos in a world-cinema landmark.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpThrone of Blood
Mifune played a Macbeth-like warrior in Kurosawa’s Noh-inflected adaptation.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpThe Hidden Fortress
The adventure became a key influence on later global blockbuster storytelling.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpYojimbo
Mifune’s wandering swordsman inspired an international cycle of remakes.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpSanjuro
The sequel deepened the ronin’s humour and tactical brilliance.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpHigh and Low
As an executive facing a kidnapping, Mifune delivered tightly controlled modern drama.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpRed Beard
The medical epic became the final Mifune–Kurosawa collaboration.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpMifune Productions expands
His production company gave Mifune greater control over international and Japanese projects.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpShōgun
As Lord Toranaga, Mifune reached a huge global television audience.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpJapan Academy honour
Mifune received recognition for his lasting contribution to Japanese film.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpDies in Tokyo
Mifune died aged 77, leaving one of cinema’s most influential bodies of performance.
Source: www.japan-academy-prize.jpExplore related timelines
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This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Toshiro Mifune or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
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About the Toshiro Mifune timeline
Who is Toshiro Mifune?
Toshiro Mifune brought physical danger, humour and moral complexity to samurai epics, modern dramas and global television.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1920–1997.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
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