Otoko wa Tsurai yo
Encyclopedia
Otoko wa tsurai yo is a Japan
ese film series starring Kiyoshi Atsumi
as "Tora-san" (寅さん), a kind-hearted vagabond who is always unlucky in love. The series itself is often referred to as "Tora-san" by its fans. Spanning 48 installments released between 1969 and 1995, All of the Otoko wa tsurai yo films except episodes 3 and 4 were directed by Yōji Yamada
, who also wrote (or co-wrote) all the screenplays. The series was considered by the Guinness Book of World Records to be the longest movie series in the world, until it was surpassed by the Huang Fei-Hong
series. However, unlike the Otoko wa tsurai yo series, it was not principally helmed by one director.
Each film featured a different leading lady, called a Madonna, and a different region of Japan. (There were also episodes that featured scenes in Arizona
and Vienna
.)
Two films were usually made each year between 1969–1989, one for summer and one for New Year release. From 1990-1995 only one film was made each year, for New Year release. AnimEigo
released the series for the first time in the United States
in 2009 under the title "Tora-san".
The film series ended after Atsumi's declining health and death from lung cancer at age 68 without Tora-san ever settling down and finding domestic happiness. Atsumi was so identified with the Tora-san character that his death was also considered by fans to be the death of Tora-san. Director Yamada decided not to continue the series after Atsumi's death. However, he instead reworked a Tora-san script stuck in development as "Niji wo Tsukamu Otoko" starring Nishida Toshiyuki as a traveling cinema operator. Although "Niji" was a tribute to movies in general, the final scenes were Yamada's touching, loving post-humous tribute to the Tora-san series and to Atsumi Kiyoshi. Almost all of the principal actors from "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" have cameos in the "Niji" film, and the Tora-san character even makes a surprise cameo appearance near the end of the movie hinting that perhaps Tora is still out there somewhere. The film ends with a dedication to Atsumi Kiyoshi.
. His sole surviving family members include Sakura (his kind-hearted half-sister), Hiroshi (Sakura's husband), Mitsuo (Sakura and Hiroshi's son), Tatsuzō (Tora-san's elderly uncle) and Tsune (Tora-san's elderly aunt). Tatsuzō and Tsune run a traditional sweets (Dango) shop in Shibamata. The film often begins with Tora-san dreaming of doing grand deeds, anxious to be worthy of his family, usually resulting in disappointment and subsequent awakening.
Tora-san unexpectedly drops in on his family. While the family is glad to see him, Tora-san's stay eventually causes some kind of ruckus and usually a violent family argument ensues. He then storms off with his belongings just as suddenly as he arrived.
Some time later, he arrives in some remote town planning to peddle his wares to the locals. There, he meets the "Madonna", a local damsel in distress. Tora-san usually tells the damsel to look him up at his family's dango shop in Shibamata. The damsel takes him up on his offer and Tora-san invariably returns. Torasan falls head over heels in love with her (though he always seems oblivious to his own feelings). However, in his shy efforts to win the Madonna's heart, Tora usually ends up inadvertently bringing her together with an old flame or another man. Tora-san invariably ends up heartbroken but puts on a brave face and wanders off again on his journey to heal his broken heart.
Kobayashi Shun'ichi renamed the show Otoko wa tsurai yo. In the final episode of the TV series, Torajirō dies of a snakebite. This denouement made the audience angry and a film version of Otoko wa tsurai yo followed. Initially, Shochiku
(松竹), the distributing agency, was not enthusiastic, but Yōji Yamada's persuasiveness ultimately prevailed. With the exception of Morikawa Shin, the supporting cast of the television version did not reprise their roles in the film series - though Sato Gajiro appears in several of the films as "Gen-chan" and Nagayama Aiko is the Madonna in the 6th film.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese film series starring Kiyoshi Atsumi
Kiyoshi Atsumi
Kiyoshi Atsumi , born Yasuo Tadokoro , was a Japanese film actor....
as "Tora-san" (寅さん), a kind-hearted vagabond who is always unlucky in love. The series itself is often referred to as "Tora-san" by its fans. Spanning 48 installments released between 1969 and 1995, All of the Otoko wa tsurai yo films except episodes 3 and 4 were directed by Yōji Yamada
Yoji Yamada
is a Japanese film director best known for his Otoko wa Tsurai yo series of films and his Samurai Trilogy ....
, who also wrote (or co-wrote) all the screenplays. The series was considered by the Guinness Book of World Records to be the longest movie series in the world, until it was surpassed by the Huang Fei-Hong
Wong Fei Hung
Wong Fei-hung was a Chinese martial artist, a traditional Chinese medicine physician, acupuncturist and revolutionary who became a folk hero and the subject of numerous television series and films. He was considered an expert in the Hung Gar style of Chinese martial arts. Wong is visibly the most...
series. However, unlike the Otoko wa tsurai yo series, it was not principally helmed by one director.
Each film featured a different leading lady, called a Madonna, and a different region of Japan. (There were also episodes that featured scenes in Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
and Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
.)
Two films were usually made each year between 1969–1989, one for summer and one for New Year release. From 1990-1995 only one film was made each year, for New Year release. AnimEigo
AnimEigo
AnimEigo is an American entertainment company that licenses and distributes anime, samurai films and Japanese cinema. The company was founded in 1988 in Ithaca, New York by Robert Woodhead and Roe R. Adams, III. It is now based in Wilmington, North Carolina, and run by Natsumi Ueki, Robert's wife...
released the series for the first time in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in 2009 under the title "Tora-san".
The film series ended after Atsumi's declining health and death from lung cancer at age 68 without Tora-san ever settling down and finding domestic happiness. Atsumi was so identified with the Tora-san character that his death was also considered by fans to be the death of Tora-san. Director Yamada decided not to continue the series after Atsumi's death. However, he instead reworked a Tora-san script stuck in development as "Niji wo Tsukamu Otoko" starring Nishida Toshiyuki as a traveling cinema operator. Although "Niji" was a tribute to movies in general, the final scenes were Yamada's touching, loving post-humous tribute to the Tora-san series and to Atsumi Kiyoshi. Almost all of the principal actors from "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" have cameos in the "Niji" film, and the Tora-san character even makes a surprise cameo appearance near the end of the movie hinting that perhaps Tora is still out there somewhere. The film ends with a dedication to Atsumi Kiyoshi.
Basic Plot
All of the Tora-san movies had the same basic plot with some minor variations. Kuruma Torajirō (or Tora-san), a traveling salesman whose sole possessions include only the contents of a small suitcase, the clothes on his back and some pocket money, wanders from town to town peddling his wares. He yearns to return to his home in Shibamata, Katsushika, TokyoKatsushika, Tokyo
is one of the special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It lies in the northeast of the ward area. The ward calls itself Katsushika City in English.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population of 429,289 and a density of 12,600 people per km²...
. His sole surviving family members include Sakura (his kind-hearted half-sister), Hiroshi (Sakura's husband), Mitsuo (Sakura and Hiroshi's son), Tatsuzō (Tora-san's elderly uncle) and Tsune (Tora-san's elderly aunt). Tatsuzō and Tsune run a traditional sweets (Dango) shop in Shibamata. The film often begins with Tora-san dreaming of doing grand deeds, anxious to be worthy of his family, usually resulting in disappointment and subsequent awakening.
Tora-san unexpectedly drops in on his family. While the family is glad to see him, Tora-san's stay eventually causes some kind of ruckus and usually a violent family argument ensues. He then storms off with his belongings just as suddenly as he arrived.
Some time later, he arrives in some remote town planning to peddle his wares to the locals. There, he meets the "Madonna", a local damsel in distress. Tora-san usually tells the damsel to look him up at his family's dango shop in Shibamata. The damsel takes him up on his offer and Tora-san invariably returns. Torasan falls head over heels in love with her (though he always seems oblivious to his own feelings). However, in his shy efforts to win the Madonna's heart, Tora usually ends up inadvertently bringing her together with an old flame or another man. Tora-san invariably ends up heartbroken but puts on a brave face and wanders off again on his journey to heal his broken heart.
Television origin
Preceding the first theatrical film of Otoko wa tsurai yo, a teledrama version was broadcast from 1968 to 1969. It was originally titled "Gukei (or "Gukyō")-Kenmai" (愚兄賢妹), meaning "Goofy Brother and Wise Sister." The name comes from the final subtitle of Naite tamaruka (泣いてたまるか). (The star of Naite tamaruka is also Atsumi Kiyoshi.)Kobayashi Shun'ichi renamed the show Otoko wa tsurai yo. In the final episode of the TV series, Torajirō dies of a snakebite. This denouement made the audience angry and a film version of Otoko wa tsurai yo followed. Initially, Shochiku
Shochiku
is a Japanese movie studio and production company for kabuki. It also produces and distributes anime films. Its best remembered directors include Yasujirō Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, Mikio Naruse, Keisuke Kinoshita and Yōji Yamada...
(松竹), the distributing agency, was not enthusiastic, but Yōji Yamada's persuasiveness ultimately prevailed. With the exception of Morikawa Shin, the supporting cast of the television version did not reprise their roles in the film series - though Sato Gajiro appears in several of the films as "Gen-chan" and Nagayama Aiko is the Madonna in the 6th film.
TV Series
- Atsumi Kiyoshi as Kuruma Torajirō 車寅次郎：渥美清
- Nagayama Aiko as Sakura さくら：長山藍子
- Morikawa Shin as Kuruma Tatsuzō 車竜造（おいちゃん）：森川信
- Sugiyama Tokuko as Kuruma Tsune 車つね（おばちゃん）：杉山とく子
- Satō Gajirō as Yūjirō (Torajiro's little brother) 雄二郎：佐藤蛾次郎
- Hisashi Igawa as Suwa Hiroshi (a doctor) 諏訪博士（医師）：井川比佐志
Films
- Atsumi KiyoshiKiyoshi AtsumiKiyoshi Atsumi , born Yasuo Tadokoro , was a Japanese film actor....
as Kuruma Torajirō 車寅次郎:渥美清 - Baishō ChiekoChieko Baishois a Japanese actress and singer.In Japan, she is well known for her performance as Sakura in the Otoko wa Tsurai yo series . In addition, she has acted in most films directed by Yōji Yamada since the 1960s...
as Suwa Sakura 諏訪さくら:倍賞千恵子 - Maeda Gin as Suwa Hiroshi 諏訪博:前田吟
- Morikawa Shin - as Kuruma Tatsuzō (in Films #1 to #8) 車竜造（おいちゃん）:森川信
- Matsumura Tatsuo - as Kuruma Tatsuzō (in Films #9 to #13) 車竜造（おいちゃん）:松村達雄
- Shimojō Masami as Kuruma Tatsuzō (in Films #14 to #48)車竜造（おいちゃん）:下條正巳
- Mizaki Chieko as Kuruma Tsune 車つね（おばちゃん）:三崎千恵子
- Yoshioka HidetakaHidetaka Yoshioka', is a Japanese actor known for his performance in several movies as a child and lately the award-winning TV drama Dr. Koto Shinryojo. He notably played the part of Tora-san's little nephew in the "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" film series, and he appeared in Akira Kurosawa's "Rhapsody in August" and...
as Suwa Mitsuo 諏訪満男:吉岡秀隆（第27作～第48作） - Dazai Hisao as Boss (Katsura Umetarō) 社長・タコ社長（桂梅太郎）:太宰久雄
- Ryū ChishūChishu Ryuwas a famous Japanese film actor, a favourite of the director Yasujiro Ozu. From 1928 to 1992 he appeared in at least 155 films, including Ozu's Tokyo Story and Yoshitaro Nomura's Castle of Sand...
as Gozen-sama 御前様:笠智衆 - Satō Gajirō as Genkō 源公:佐藤蛾次郎
Anime
- Kōichi YamaderaKoichi Yamaderais a Japanese voice actor, actor, tarento, narrator, master of ceremonies and impressionist from Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture. He graduated from Tohoku Gakuin University's economics school, and is currently affiliated with Across Entertainment. Before that, he was affiliated with the Tokyo Actor's...
as Torajirō Kuruma - Yumi TōmaYumi Tomais a Japanese singer and voice actresss from Chiba. She has been part of the singing group Goddess Family Club. Tōma also works for Aoni Production. Because of her mature voice, she often plays strong, beautiful women....
as Lilly - Mari OkamotoMari Okamotois a Japanese actress and voice actress who is currently a member of the Mausu Promotion agency.- Biography :Despite being born in Tokyo, Okamoto was actually raised in Hirakata, Osaka, where she also spent her Elementary School years. In 1961, she made her deput for performing arts activities in...
as Sakura Suwa - Hōchū ŌtsukaHochu Otsuka, also known by the his stage name , is a Japanese voice actor from Okayama Prefecture, affiliated with the talent management firm Crazy Box. He is the official Japanese dub-over artist for: Gary Oldman and Jean-Claude Van Damme....
as Hiroshi Suwa - Minori Yada as Tatsuzō Kuruma
- Mie Azuma as Tsune Kuruma
- Mine Eken as Umetarō Katsura
- Ryūji SaikachiRyuji Saikachiis a Japanese voice actor. most known for the roles of Prof. Pat Pending , Rerere no Ojisan , and Grandfather Otonashi .-Filmography:*3x3 Eyes Seima Densetsu as Tinzin...
as Gozen-sama - Naoki TatsutaNaoki Tatsutais a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Aoni Production.He is most known for the roles of Buta Gorilla , Daima Jin , Oolong , Ashibe's Father , and Scoop-kun ....
as Genkō
Film Series
| Number | Title | Japan Release Date | US Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | It's Tough Being a Man It's Tough Being a Man aka Am I Trying and Tora-san,Our Lovable Tramp is a 1969 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Kiyoshi Atsumi. It is the first entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo") (男はつらいよ) |
August 27, 1969 | July 18, 1974 |
| 2 | Tora-San's Cherished Mother Tora-San's Cherished Mother aka Torasan's Homeward Journey, Am I Trying? Part II, and Torasan Pt. 2 is a 1969 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Kuruma Torajirō , and Orie Satō as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Zoku otoko wa tsurai yo") 続・男はつらいよ |
November 15, 1969 | July 1, 1970 |
| 3 | Tora-san, His Tender Love Tora-san, His Tender Love is a 1970 Japanese comedy film directed by Azuma Morisaki. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Kuruma Torajirō , and Michiyo Aratama as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Fuuten no Tora") 男はつらいよ フーテンの寅 |
January 15, 1970 | October 20, 1973 |
| 4 | Tora-san's Grand Scheme Tora-san's Grand Scheme is a 1970 Japanese comedy film directed by Shun'ichi Kobayashi. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Kuruma Torajirō , and Komaki Kurihara as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Shin otoko wa tsurai yo") 新・男はつらいよ |
February 27, 1970 | July 25, 1973 |
| 5 | Tora-san's Runaway Tora-san's Runaway aka Tora-san Homebound is a 1970 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Aiko Nagayama as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Bōkyō hen") 男はつらいよ 望郷篇 |
August 25, 1970 | May 28, 1971 |
| 6 | Tora-san's Shattered Romance Tora-san's Shattered Romance aka Tora-san in Love is a 1971 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ayako Wakao as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san's Shattered Romance is the sixth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:A girl who... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Junjō hen") 男はつらいよ 純情篇 |
January 15, 1971 | September 1, 1971 |
| 7 | Tora-san, the Good Samaritan Tora-san, the Good Samaritan is a 1971 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Rumi Sakakibara as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Funtō hen") 男はつらいよ 奮闘篇 |
April 28, 1971 | June 25, 1975 |
| 8 | Tora-san's Love Call Tora-san's Love Call aka Tora-san's Love Song is a 1971 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Junko Ikeuchi as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san's Love Call is the eighth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:Hoping to find... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō koiuta") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎恋歌 |
December 29, 1971 | April 14, 1973 |
| 9 | Tora-san's Dear Old Home Tora-san's Dear Old Home aka Tora-san's New Romance is a 1972 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Sayuri Yoshinaga as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Shibamata bōjō") 男はつらいよ 柴又慕情 |
August 5, 1972 | March 10, 1974 |
| 10 | Tora-san's Dream-Come-True Tora-san's Dream-Come-True aka 'Torasan Appears in a Dream is a 1972 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kaoru Yachigusa as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō yumemakura") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎夢枕 |
December 29, 1972 | May 1973 |
| 11 | Tora-san's Forget Me Not Tora-san's Forget Me Not aka Torasan and his Forget-Me-Not is a 1973 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō wasurenagusa") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎忘れな草 |
August 4, 1973 | January 4, 1974 |
| 12 | Tora-san Loves an Artist Tora-san Loves an Artist aka Tora-san Goes French is a 1973 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Kishi as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Watashi no tora-san") 男はつらいよ 私の寅さん |
December 26, 1973 | May 22, 1974 |
| 13 | Tora-san's Lovesick Tora-san's Lovesick aka Tora-san's Lovesickness is a 1974 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Sayuri Yoshinaga as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō koiyatsure") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎恋やつれ |
August 10, 1974 | |
| 14 | Tora-san's Lullaby Tora-san's Lullaby is a 1974 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Yukiyo Toake as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san's Lullaby is the fourteenth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series. It marks the debut of actor Masami Shimojō in... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō komoriuta") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎子守唄 |
December 28, 1974 | December 1975 |
| 15 | Tora-san's Rise and Fall Tora-san's Rise and Fall aka Tora-san Finds a Sweetheart, Tora-san Meets the Songstress Again and Torasan: Love Under the Umbrella is a 1975 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō aiaigasa") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎相合い傘 |
August 2, 1975 | June 12, 1977 |
| 16 | Tora-san, the Intellectual Tora-san, the Intellectual aka Tora-san Meets a Lady Scholar is a 1975 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Fumie Kashiyama as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Katsushika risshihen") 男はつらいよ 葛飾立志篇 |
December 27, 1975 | December 31, 1976 |
| 17 | Tora-san's Sunrise and Sunset Tora-san's Sunrise and Sunset aka Torasan and the Painter and Tora-san's Sunset Glow is a 1976 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kiwako Taichi as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō yūyake koyake") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎夕焼け小焼け （仮タイトルは「男はつらいよ 柴又の伊達男」） |
July 24, 1976 | May 6, 1977 |
| 18 | Tora's Pure Love Tora's Pure Love aka Torasan Meets his School-Mates and Tora-san's Heart of Gold is a 1976 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Machiko Kyō as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō junjōshishū") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎純情詩集 |
December 25, 1976 | |
| 19 | Tora-san Meets His Lordship Tora-san Meets His Lordship aka Tora-san and a Lord is a 1977 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kyōko Maya as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō to tonosama") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎と殿様 |
August 6, 1977 | August 25, 1978 |
| 20 | Tora-san Plays Cupid Tora-san Plays Cupid aka Tora-san, Hold Out! is a 1977 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Shiho Fujimura as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō gambare!") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎頑張れ! |
December 24, 1977 | |
| 21 | Stage-Struck Tora-san Stage-Struck Tora-san aka Tora-san's Stage-Struck is a 1978 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Nana Kinomi as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō wagamichi wo yuku") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎わが道をゆく |
August 5, 1978 | |
| 22 | Talk of the Town Tora-san Talk of the Town Tora-san aka Torasan and a Lovely Maid is a 1978 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Reiko Ōhara as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Uwasa no torajirō") 男はつらいよ 噂の寅次郎 |
December 27, 1978 | September 28, 1979 |
| 23 | Tora-san, the Matchmaker Tora-san, the Matchmaker aka Tora-san Riding High is a 1979 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kaori Momoi as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Tonderu Torajirō") 男はつらいよ 翔んでる寅次郎 |
August 4, 1979 | May 1980 |
| 24 | Tora-san's Dream of Spring Tora-san's Dream of Spring aka Torasan Dreams Springtime is a 1979 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kyōko Kagawa as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō haru no yume") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎春の夢 |
December 28, 1979 | June 1, 1980 |
| 25 | Tora's Tropical Fever Tora's Tropical Fever aka Torasan Goes to Hisbiscus Land is a 1980 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō haibisukasu no hana") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎ハイビスカスの花 |
August 2, 1980 | December 26, 1980 |
| 26 | Foster Daddy, Tora! Foster Daddy, Tora! aka Torasan's Song of the Seagull is a 1980 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ran Itō as his love interest or "Madonna". Foster Daddy, Tora! is the twenty-sixth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō kamome uta") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎かもめ歌 |
December 28, 1980 | |
| 27 | Tora-san's Love in Osaka Tora-san's Love in Osaka aka Tora's Many-Splintered Love is a 1981 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Matsuzaka as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san's Love in Osaka is the twenty-seventh entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Naniwa no koi no Torajirō") 男はつらいよ 浪花の恋の寅次郎 |
August 8, 1981 | January 1, 1982 |
| 28 | Tora-san's Promise Tora-san's Promise aka Torasan and a Paper Balloon is a 1981 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Mikiko Otonashi as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō kamifūsen") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎紙風船 |
December 29, 1981 | June 1982 |
| 29 | Hearts and Flowers for Tora-san Hearts and Flowers for Tora-san is a 1982 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ayumi Ishida as his love interest or "Madonna". Hearts and Flowers for Tora-san is the twenty-ninth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:During his travels,... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō ajisai no koi") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎あじさいの恋 |
August 7, 1982 | December 24, 1982 |
| 30 | Tora-san, the Expert Tora-san, the Expert is a 1982 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Yuko Tanaka as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san, the Expert is the thirtieth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Hana mo arashi mo Torajirō") 男はつらいよ 花も嵐も寅次郎 |
December 28, 1982 | |
| 31 | Tora-san's Song of Love Tora-san's Song of Love aka Torasan's Journey with a Lady is a 1983 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Harumi Miyako as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Tabi to onna to Torajirō") 男はつらいよ 旅と女と寅次郎 |
August 6, 1983 | January 20, 1984 |
| 32 | Tora-san Goes Religious? Tora-san Goes Religious? aka Torasan Whistling is a 1983 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Takeshita as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Kuchibue o fuku Torajirō") 男はつらいよ 口笛を吹く寅次郎 |
December 28, 1983 | June 29, 1984 |
| 33 | Marriage Counselor Tora-san Marriage Counselor Tora-san is a 1984 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Rie Nakahara as his love interest or "Madonna". Marriage Counselor Tora-san is the thirty-third entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:In Shibamata, Tokyo,... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Yogiri ni musebu torajirō") 男はつらいよ 夜霧にむせぶ寅次郎 |
August 4, 1984 | December 21, 1984 |
| 34 | Tora-san's Forbidden Love Tora-san's Forbidden Love is a 1984 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Reiko Ōhara as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō shinjitsu ichiro") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎真実一路 |
December 28, 1984 | May 1985 |
| 35 | Tora-san, the Go-Between Tora-san, the Go-Between is a 1985 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kanako Higuchi as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-san, the Go-Between is the thirty-fifth entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:In Nagasaki, Tora-san and an... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō ren'aijuku") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎恋愛塾 |
August 3, 1985 | |
| 36 | Tora-san's Island Encounter Tora-san's Island Encounter aka Torasan, From Shibamata with Love is a 1985 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Komaki Kurihara as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Shibamata yori ai wo komete") 男はつらいよ 柴又より愛をこめて |
December 28, 1985 | |
| 37 | Tora-san's Bluebird Fantasy Tora-san's Bluebird Fantasy aka Tora-san, Bluebird of Happiness is a 1986 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Etsuko Shihomi as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Shiawase no aoi tori") 男はつらいよ 幸福の青い鳥 |
December 20, 1986 | June 1987 |
| 38 | Tora-san Goes North Tora-san Goes North aka Torasan, Remind Shiretoke is a 1987 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Takeshita as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Shiretoko bojō") 男はつらいよ 知床慕情 |
August 15, 1987 | January 11, 1990 |
| 39 | Tora-san Plays Daddy Tora-san Plays Daddy aka Torasan's Tale is a 1987 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Akiyoshi as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō monogatari") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎物語 |
December 26, 1987 | |
| 40 | Tora-san's Salad-Day Memorial Tora-san's Salad-Day Memorial is a 1988 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Yoshiko Mita as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō sarada kinenbi") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎サラダ記念日 |
December 24, 1988 | |
| 41 | Tora-San Goes to Vienna Tora-San Goes to Vienna is a 1989 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Takeshita as his love interest or "Madonna". Tora-San Goes to Vienna is the forty-first entry in the popular, long-running Otoko wa Tsurai yo series.-Synopsis:During his wandering... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō kokoro no tabiji") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎心の旅路 |
August 5, 1989 | November 1989 |
| 42 | Tora-san, My Uncle Tora-san, My Uncle is a 1989 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Gotō as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Boku no ojisan") 男はつらいよ ぼくの伯父さん |
December 27, 1989 | January 11, 1990 |
| 43 | Tora-san Takes a Vacation Tora-san Takes a Vacation is a 1990 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Gotō as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō no kyūjitsu") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎の休日 |
December 22, 1990 | |
| 44 | Tora-san Confesses Tora-san Confesses is a 1991 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Gotō as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō no kokuhaku") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎の告白 |
December 21, 1991 | March 1992 |
| 45 | Tora-San Makes Excuses Tora-San Makes Excuses is a 1992 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Kumiko Gotō as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō no seishun") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎の青春 |
December 26, 1992 | |
| 46 | Tora-san's Matchmaker Tora-san's Matchmaker is a 1993 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Keiko Matsuzaka as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō no endan") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎の縁談 |
December 25, 1993 | |
| 47 | Tora-san's Easy Advice Tora-san's Easy Advice is a 1994 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Rino Katase as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Haikei, Kuruma Torajirō sama") 男はつらいよ 拝啓車寅次郎様 |
December 23, 1994 | |
| 48 | Tora-san to the Rescue Tora-san to the Rescue is a 1995 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō kurenai no hana") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎紅の花 |
December 23, 1995 | |
| Special | Tora's Tropical Fever Tora's Tropical Fever aka Torasan Goes to Hisbiscus Land is a 1980 Japanese comedy film directed by Yoji Yamada. It stars Kiyoshi Atsumi as Torajirō Kuruma , and Ruriko Asaoka as his love interest or "Madonna"... ("Otoko wa tsurai yo: Torajirō haibisukasu no hana tokubetsuhen") 男はつらいよ 寅次郎ハイビスカスの花 特別篇 |
December 1997 |
Madonnas
Each movie had a female guest star with whom Tora-san would usually fall head over heels (Although in the latter movies, Tora would play more of a surrogate father figure to the younger female stars.) These characters were referred to as Madonnas. Each Madonna was played by an ingenue who was popular at the time of the movie's release. The list of Madonnas is as follows:| Movie # | Madonna played by: | Role: |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 光本幸子(Mitsumoto Sachiko) | Fuyuko, the Taishaku-ten Priest's daughter. |
| 2 | 佐藤オリエ(Sato Orie) | Tsubouchi Natsuko, the English teacher's daughter |
| 3 | 新珠三千代(Aratama Michiyo Michiyo Aratama was a Japanese actress who appeared in leading and supporting roles in such films as Hiroshi Inagaki's Chushingura, Kihachi Okamoto's Samurai Assassin and Sword of Doom, and Masaki Kobayashi's Kwaidan, Hymn to a Tired Man and The Human Condition trilogy.- Filmography :* Suzaki paradise: Akashingō ... ) | O-Shizu, the ryokan kamisan |
| 4 | 栗原小巻(Kurihara Komaki) | Usami Haruko, the kindergarten teacher |
| 5 | 長山藍子(Nagayama Aiko) | Setsuko, the fried tofu shopkeeper's daughter |
| 6 | 若尾文子(Wakao Ayako Ayako Wakao is a Japanese actress. Contracted to Daiei Studios in 1951 as part of the fifth "New Face" group, she often appeared in the films of director Yasuzo Masumura... ) | Akashi Yuko, the niece of Tsune's cousin's husband |
| 7 | 榊原るみ(Sakakibara Rumi) | Ota Hanako, the disabled school assistant from Aomori |
| 8 | 池内淳子(Ikeuchi Junko) | Rokuhara Takako, the coffee shop owner |
| 9 | 吉永小百合(Yoshinaga Sayuri) | Utako, the tourist / writer's daughter |
| 10 | 八千草薫(Yachigusa Kaoru) | Chiyo, the barber |
| 11 | 浅岡ルリ子(Asaoka Ruriko) | Lily, the lounge singer |
| 12 | 岸恵子(Kishi Keiko) | Ritsuko, the artist |
| 13 | 吉永小百合(Yoshinaga Sayuri) | Utako, the writer's daughter |
| 14 | 十朱幸代(Toake Yukiyo) | Kyoko, the nurse |
| 15 | 浅岡ルリ子(Asaoka Ruriko) | Lily, the lounge singer |
| 16 | 樫山文枝(Kashiyama Fumie Fumie Kashiyama is a Japanese actress who is currently a member of The Mingei Theatre Company.In 1966, she played the main protagonist in the NHK morning drama series Ohanahan. She has also performed in other television dramas and comedy films such as the role of Reiko in Tora-san, the Intellectual... ) | Reiko, the grad student / instructor of archeology |
| 17 | 太地喜和子(Taichi Kiwako) | Botan, the geisha |
| 18 | 京マチ子(Kyo Machiko) | Yagyu Aya, Mitsuo's teacher's mother |
| 19 | 真野響子(Maya Kyouko) | Mariko, the lordship's daughter in law |
| 20 | 藤村志保(Fujimura Shiho) | Fujiko, the electrician's sister |
| 21 | 木の実ナナ(Kinomi Nana) | Nanako, the SKD dancer |
| 22 | 大原麗子(Oohara Reiko) | Sanae, the divorcee |
| 23 | 桃井かおり(Momoi Kaori) | Hitomi, the runaway bride |
| 24 | 香川京子(Kagawa Kyouko) | Keiko, the English teacher's mother |
| 25 | 浅岡ルリ子(Asaoka Ruriko) | Lily, the lounge singer |
| 26 | 伊藤蘭(Ito Ran Ran Ito is a Japanese actress and previous member of the 1970s idol group Candies. She is married to Mizutani Yutaka, a famous actor in Japan. She won the award for best supporting actress at the 2nd Yokohama Film Festival for Disciples of Hippocrates.-Filmography:... ) | Sumire, the school dropout |
| 27 | 松坂慶子(Matsuzaka Keiko) | Fumi, the Osaka geisha |
| 28 | 音無美紀子(Otonashi Mikiko) | Mitsue, the tekiya's widow |
| 29 | いしだあゆみ(Ishida Ayumi) | Kagari, the maid |
| 30 | 田中裕子(Tanaka Yuko) | Keiko Ogawa, the tourist / department store worker |
| 31 | 都はるみ(Miyako Harumi) | Harumi Kyo, the enka singer |
| 32 | 竹下景子(Takeshita Keiko) | Tomoko, the Rendai-ji priest's daughter |
| 33 | 中原理恵(Nakahara Rie) | Fuuko, the hairdresser |
| 34 | 大原麗子(Oohara Reiko) | Fujiko, the missing salaryman's wife |
| 35 | 樋口可南子(Higuchi Kanako) | Wakana Egami, the Catholic lady's granddaughter |
| 36 | 栗原小巻(Kurihara Komaki) | Machiko, the junior high school teacher |
| 37 | 志穂美悦子(Shihomi Etsuko) | Miho, the Kabuki actor's daughter |
| 38 | 竹下景子(Takeshita Keiko) | Rinko, the veteranarian's daughter |
| 39 | 秋吉久美子(Akiyoshi Kumiko) | Takai Takako |
| 40 | 三田佳子(Mita Yoshiko) | Machiko, the doctor |
| 41 | 竹下景子(Takeshita Keiko) | Kumiko, the tourguide |
| 42 | 後藤久美子(Gotou Kumiko); 檀ふみ (Dan Fumi) | Oikawa Izumi, Mitsuo's girlfriend; Izumi's mother |
| 43 | 後藤久美子(Gotou Kumiko)/ 夏木マリ (Natsuki Mari) | Oikawa Izumi, Mitsuo's girlfriend |
| 44 | 後藤久美子(Gotou Kumiko) / 吉田日出子 (Yoshida Hideko) | Oikawa Izumi, Mitsuo's girlfriend |
| 45 | 後藤久美子(Gotou Kumiko)/ 風吹ジュン (Fubuki Jun) | Oikawa Izumi, Mitsuo's girlfriend |
| 46 | 松坂慶子(Matsuzaka Keiko) | Sakaide Yoko |
| 47 | かたせ梨乃(Katase Rino) | Miya Noriko, the photographer |
| 48 | 浅岡ルリ子(Asaoka Ruriko） | Lily, the lounge singer |
Further reading
- "Tora-san" in Schilling, Mark. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Pop Culture. New York: Weatherhill, 1997, pp. 268–272. ISBN 9780834803800.