| Tak Sakaguchi | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 15, 1975 Ishikawa, Japan |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2000 - present |
Tak Sakaguchi (坂口 拓 Sakaguchi Taku, born March 15, 1975) is a Japanese actor, director, fight choreorapher, and stuntman. He is best known for his lead role in Ryuhei Kitamura's cult film, Versus. Sakaguchi is a talented martial artist, and as such, stars in films featuring copious fight scenes and performs all of his own stunts. He is known to be skilled in Bājíquán, Shaolin Kenpo, boxing, kick boxing, and mixed martial arts. Sakaguchi is a Christian.[1][2]
Contents |
Before entering into the film industry, Sakaguchi was an underground street fighter who was well known for his skill in the martial arts. He was discovered by then-unknown director Ryuhei Kitamura, who recruited Sakaguchi for a lead role in Versus. Since then, Sakaguchi has appeared in several films directed by Kitamura; in particular the Azumi films, Kitamura's short in the Jam Films titled The Messenger and minor roles in Aragami and Alive. He played a larger role in the quirky, yet successful Battlefield Baseball (produced by Kitamura), but has yet to acquire the same success he did with Versus.
2006 saw Sakaguchi in more mainstream roles, such as Yashamaru in Shinobi: Heart Under Blade, and "Grave" in Death Trance. He also guest-starred in the Japanese tokusatsu show, Kamen Rider Kabuto, as the villain Reiji Nogi/Cassisworm.
More recently, Sakaguchi made his directorial debut with Sakigake!! Otokojuku (a.k.a. "Samurai School"), in which he also starred, wrote the screenplay, and choreographed the action sequences. He made a cameo appearance in Yoshihiro Nishimura's 2008 exploitation film, Tokyo Gore Police, as well as directed/starred in Yoroi: Samurai Zombie, based on a story by Ryuhei Kitamura.