Biography

Zenpaku Kato, also known by his birth name and former stage name Yoshihiro Kato, was a Japanese actor born on October 7, 1958, in Akita Prefecture. He was affiliated with the SAI Production agency. He stood at a height of 174 cm and enjoyed music appreciation as a hobby. His special skill was illustration, and his favorite color was blue. He graduated from Akita Prefectural Yuri Technical High School. Kato made his debut in the stage play "Shitaya Mannencho Monogatari," directed by Yukio Ninagawa. He was known for portraying eccentric antagonistic roles, such as a strict physical education teacher in the 1983 film "Kazoku Geemu" (Family Game), who methodically decides students' desired high schools for exams. He also played the role of Mr. Sugimoto, a department head who bullies subordinates through workplace harassment and power dynamics in the 1992 TV drama "Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni" (Under the Name of Love). Throughout his career, Kato was recognized for his distinctive performances in various mediums, including film, television, and stage. However, on April 27, 2007, at the age of 48, he tragically took his own life through hanging in a park located in Shibuya, Tokyo. His passing was mourned by fellow actors, including Toshi Kazawa, Yoji Tanaka, and Mako Maekawa, who expressed their condolences. (Translated from WIkipedia Japan "加藤善博")