Akira Kobayashi

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Akira Kobayashi (小林 旭 Kobayashi Akira?, born November 3, 1938 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actor. His nickname is Maitogai (マイトガイ "mighty guy"[1]?).


Kobayashi attended Meiji University but left before graduating. He became an actor at Nikkatsu and made his film debut in 1956.[2] He solidified his popularity with such films as Nangoku Tosa o Ato ni Shite (A Farewell to Southern Tosa) and starred in the "Wataridori" ("Rambler") and "Senpūji" ("Whirlwind Child") film series. Kobayashi, along with Yujiro Ishihara and others, formed the core of Nikkatsu Action's golden age.

Kobayashi was married to popular singer Misora Hibari in 1962, but the marriage ended in divorce two years later in 1964.[citation needed]


Kobayashi sang some of the theme songs from his movies such "Gitā o Motta Wataridori" ("The Guitar-toting Rambler") and "Ginza Maitogai" ("Ginza's Whirlwind Child"), which became hits.

In addition to those songs, he performed the song "Jidōsha Shō Ka" ("Auto Show Song") (which, in 2005, is featured in Asahi Breweries' "Cocktail Partner" commercial) and comical songs like "Koi no Yamanotesen" ("The Yamanote Line of Love") and some songs of the enka variety, such as "Mukashi no Namae de Deteimasu" ("I'm Going by My Old Name").




  1. ^ Mighty Guy Label Kobayashi's official site
  2. ^ "Kobayashi Akira". Nihon jinmei daijiten+Plus. Kōdansha. Retrieved 22 January 2012. 

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