Shintaro Katsu was a prominent Japanese actor, director, and producer, best known for his role as the iconic samurai Zatoichi. Born on June 29, 1931, in Osaka, he became a cultural icon in Japan during the 1960s and 1970s. Katsu's portrayal of the blind swordsman combined action with deep emotional storytelling, earning him widespread acclaim. In addition to his acting career, Katsu was also involved in film production and direction. He founded his own production company, Katsu Production, which produced many films, including the popular Zatoichi series. Katsu's influence on Japanese cinema remains significant, and he passed away on June 21, 1997.