The screenplay for the 1959 production Hiroshima mon amour required Eiji Okada to memorize his dialogue phonetically because he lacked proficiency in the French language. This performance as the character identified only as Lui brought the Japanese actor international recognition, marking a departure from his background in mining and traveling sales.
Early Life and War Service
Born in 1920 in Chōshi, Japan, Okada spent his youth in the Empire of Japan. His early education took place at Keio University. Before establishing his presence in the cinematic arts, he experienced life as a laborer, serving as a miner and working as a traveling salesman. His life path changed following service in the Imperial Japanese Army during the second global conflict.
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While his domestic work included roles in the established Japanese studio system as both an actor and film editor, his global reputation rests on several high-profile projects. In 1963, he appeared in The Ugly American, receiving second billing behind Marlon Brando. He followed this with a role in the 1964 production Woman in the Dunes, directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara. This film was an adaptation of a novel written by Kōbō Abe, featuring Okada as the entomologist Niki Junpei.
Personal Life and Final Years
Okada married Aiko Wasa. Together, the couple operated a theatre company within Japan, balancing their professional commitments to the stage with his film career. Okada lived until 1995, eventually dying in Tokyo on 14 September. The cause of death at age 75 was recorded as heart failure.
Fast facts
- Born: 1920, Chōshi, Japan
- Died: 14 September 1995, Tokyo
- Education: Keio University
- Occupations: Actor, film editor
- Key Film: Hiroshima mon amour (1959)
- Key Film: Woman in the Dunes (1964)
- Key Film: The Ugly American (1963)
- Spouse: Aiko Wasa
Questions readers ask
Did Eiji Okada speak French during the filming of Hiroshima mon amour?
No, he did not speak the language and memorized the script phonetically for the production.
What was Eiji Okada's profession before he became an actor?
He worked as a miner and a traveling salesman prior to his acting career.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, film editor and film actor
