Akira Kobayashi


Akira Kobayashi is a Japanese actor and singer. His nickname is Maito Gai.

Biography

Kobayashi attended Meiji University but left before graduating. He became an actor at Nikkatsu and made his film debut in 1956. He solidified his popularity with such films as Nangoku Tosa o Ato ni Shite and starred in the "Wataridori" and "Senpūji" 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.

Music

Kobayashi sang some of the theme songs from his movies such "Gitā o Motta Wataridori" and "Ginza Maitogai", which became hits.
In addition to those songs, he also performed the song "Jidōsha Shō Ka" and comical songs like "Koi no Yamanotesen" and a few songs of the enka variety, such as "Mukashi no Namae de Dete imasu" and "Tsuite kuru kai".

Selected filmography

;Films
;Television
He is a professional golf player. He belongs to the International Sports Promotion Society.