Ryôtarô Mizushima

Biography

Mizushima was born in 1884 in Tokyo. He started out working for the Kawakami Otojiro theater group, joining Yoshizawa Shoten in 1910. After this he signed up with Nikkatsu in 1916, where he appeared in films such as Futari Shizuka (Two Quiet People), Yosho no Musume and Dokugusa, mainly in supporting roles. He did, however, play a major role in Dokugusa. In 1920, after joining Kokukatsu, he appeared in Kan Tsubaki (Cold Camellia) with Inoue Masao and Mizutani Yaeko, and he also directed films such as Ikeru Nayami and Hi no Yama. After this he returned to Nikkatsu, where he appeared in films such as Koya o Yuku, Riku no Ichiya, and Warera no Wakakihi. In 1926 Mizushima joined Shochiku Kamata Studios. Initially, he concentrated on period drama, appearing in works such as Onna Sakazaki, before moving into contemporary drama, appearing consecutively in Niwaka Gyosha and Runpen to Sono Musume. In the latter film he appeared alongside Tanaka Kinuyo. With the advent of talkies, Mizushima gave fine supporting performances in Tonari no Yaechan, Kazoku Kaigi, and Ani to Sono Imoto. After this he went on to appear in films such as Hito no Ki mo Shiranaide, Minna Mienakunaru, and Hito no Kage. At Shochiku he played mainly the parts of old men. Mizushima was known as an actor who supported the film world from the late Meiji period onwards.