As well as playing traditional heroes from kabuki (traditional drama), gidayu and kyogen (farce), he made use of his athleticism in many monster and ninja movies.
歌舞伎、義太夫、狂言などに登場するありとあらゆるヒーローはもちろん、その激しい動きを生かして怪獣・忍術ものも多く作られた。