Actor. His father was a contractor who immigrated from Japan, James attended New York University, prior to serving with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After developing an interest in entertainment, he won a talent contest on the "Ted Mack Amateur Hour" and embarked upon a singing career which took him to Las Vegas. This led to his motion picture career which began with "The Crimson Kimono" (1960). He was cast as the leading man opposite Carroll Baker in "Bridge to the Sun" (1961) and opposite Nancy Kwan in "Flower Drum Song" (1961). In 1966 he appeared in the Elvis Presley film, "Paradise Hawaiian Style." He had a featured role in the war picture "Midway" (1976). He may be best remembered by movie audiences for playing 'Mr. Takagi', a character who is doomed by villain 'Hans Gruber' played by Alan Rickman in the action picture "Die Hard" (1988). Among his TV credits include "Naked City", "The Outer Limits", "I Spy", "Mission: Impossible", "Hawaii Five-O" and many others. In 1960, he shared a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
Actor. His father was a contractor who immigrated from Japan, James attended New York University, prior to serving with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After developing an interest in entertainment, he won a talent contest on the "Ted Mack Amateur Hour" and embarked upon a singing career which took him to Las Vegas. This led to his motion picture career which began with "The Crimson Kimono" (1960). He was cast as the leading man opposite Carroll Baker in "Bridge to the Sun" (1961) and opposite Nancy Kwan in "Flower Drum Song" (1961). In 1966 he appeared in the Elvis Presley film, "Paradise Hawaiian Style." He had a featured role in the war picture "Midway" (1976). He may be best remembered by movie audiences for playing 'Mr. Takagi', a character who is doomed by villain 'Hans Gruber' played by Alan Rickman in the action picture "Die Hard" (1988). Among his TV credits include "Naked City", "The Outer Limits", "I Spy", "Mission: Impossible", "Hawaii Five-O" and many others. In 1960, he shared a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
Bio by: C.S.
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