Hiroki Matsukata

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Matsukata Hiroki (松方弘樹 July 23, 1942 – ) is a Japanese actor. Born Meguro Kōju (目黒 浩樹) to jidaigeki actor Konoe Jūshirō and actress Mizukawa Yaeko, he has one younger brother, actor Meguro Yūki.

As a young man, he aspired to be a singer, but turned to acting, making his debut at age 17. He worked for Tōei, specializing in jidaigeki and yakuza films. In 1969 he switched to Daiei as a replacement for Ichikawa Raizo, starring in many films. On returning to Tōei, he played in supporting roles, including Sakai Kin'ya in the Battles Without Honor and Humanity, starring Bunta Sugawara.

With ex-wife actress Nishina Akiko he has two children. Son Nishina Masaki and daughter Nishina Hitomi are both in the entertainment industry.

[edit] Credits

Matsukata has at least 27 film credits. An early appearance was in The Magic Serpent (1966). In addition to Battles Without Honor and Humanity, he starred in both the original 1984 Shura no Mure and the 2002 remake. In addition, he has appeared in at least 16 V-Cinema titles. His television credits include the title role in Meibugyō Tōyama no Kin-san (1988–1998), the lead character Yaguchi Mansaku in Hadaka no Deka, and one of the central characters in HOTEL. He played Ōishi Kuranosuke in the 1994 TBS Daichūshingura. Commercial endorsements include Nissan Laurel automobiles and Suntory Hops Nama and Dry beers. Matsukata also appeared as a guest seiyu in the NHK anime series Agasa Kuristii no Mei Tantei Powaro to Maapuru ("Agatha Christie's Famous Detetcives Poirot and Marple").