Tak Sakaguchi

Tak Sakaguchi (坂口 拓, Sakaguchi Taku, born March 15, 1975) is a Japanese actor, director, fight choreographer, and stuntman. He is best known for his role in Ryuhei Kitamura's cult film, Versus. Since his debut, Sakaguchi has worked with Kitamura several times, often appearing alongside fellow Kitamura staple Hideo Sakaki. He has also worked with frequent Kitamura collaborators Yudai Yamaguchi and Yuji Shimomura. Sakaguchi is a talented martial artist, and most often appears in films featuring copious fight scenes, usually performing all of his own stunts. He is purportedly skilled in Bajiquan, Shorinji Kempo, Boxing, Kickboxing, and while recently filming Re:Born learned the tactical martial art Zero Range Combat developed by Yoshitaka Inagawa.[1]

Tak Sakaguchi
Born (1975-03-15) March 15, 1975
Ishikawa, Japan
OccupationActor, Martial Artist
Years active2000 - present

Biography

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, including 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 and directed by Yudai Yamaguchi).

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. In 2008, 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.

In 2011, Sakaguchi reprised his role as Yakyû Jubei in Deadball, a reimagining of Battlefield Baseball, and also co-directed/starred in Yakuza Weapon, based on the manga Gokudō Heiki. In 2013, Sakaguchi announced his retirement from acting to focus on work behind the camera.[2] Despite this, he is expected to reprise his role as KSC2-303 in Ryuhei Kitamura's Versus 2, and has stated that he is currently working on a sequel to Death Trance.[2][3]

Filmography

Actor

Director

Writer

Fight choreographer

TV drama

Notes
  1. "The ultimate action movie "RE:BORN" coming soon! PART3.5". www.youtube.com. Dec 19, 2014. Retrieved 2020-06-30.
  2. "Retirement for Versus and Yakuza Weapon Star Tak Sakaguchi". City on Fire.
  3. "Ryuhei Kitamura Confirms Versus 2 is in the Works". Bloody Disgusting.
  4. "Prisoners of the Ghostland". Sundance Film Festival. Retrieved December 16, 2020.

See also

References
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