Tetsuya Takeda

Tetsuya Takeda (born April 11, 1949) is a Japanese actor, singer, lyricist, television host, and screenwriter. Best known as the lead vocalist of the folk band Kaientai, Takeda has also made a profound impact in film, television, and literature. His role as Kinpachi Sakamoto in the long-running drama 3rd Year Class B, Mr. Kinpachi made him a national figure, while his musical contributions, especially to Doraemon films, solidified his influence across generations.

Early Life and Education

Takeda was born in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, as the youngest of five siblings. His parents were originally from Kumamoto Prefecture. Despite failing his preferred high school entrance exam, he was accepted into Fukuoka Prefectural Chikushi Chuo High School, where he served as student council president. He later enrolled in Fukuoka University of Education to study special education but dropped out after seven years. His mother continued paying tuition in case he chose to return.

Musical Career

In 1972, Takeda formed Kaientai with Kazuo Chiba and Toshio Nakamuta. The group initially struggled, but the song "Ballad Dedicated to Mother" (1973), written as an apology to his mother, became a breakout hit. Other notable songs include "Words to Give" and "Looking Back, I’ve Come So Far." The band disbanded in 1982 but reunited in 1993 and resumed activities permanently in 1994. Takeda also wrote lyrics for many Doraemon film songs and declared retirement from the role after the passing of creator Fujiko F. Fujio.

Acting Career

Takeda received widespread acclaim for his debut film role in The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness (1977), earning the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actor. He starred in the detective series Detective Story, writing the script and playing the lead role. He is also renowned for playing Kinpachi Sakamoto in 3rd Year Class B, Mr. Kinpachi (1979–2011), and appeared in numerous historical dramas including Ryoma-den and Taiga series. Takeda often portrayed figures like Sakamoto Ryoma and Fukuzawa Yukichi.

Writing and Directing

Under the pen name Aoi Katayama, Takeda authored several scripts for film, television, and stage, including Bakumatsu Youth Graffiti series. He also created the manga Oi! Ryoma and Pro Golfer Oribe Kinjiro, the latter adapted into a film series where he served as actor, writer, and director.

Recognition and Academic Roles

Although a university dropout, Fukuoka University of Education awarded Takeda an honorary bachelor’s degree in 2008 for his cultural contributions. He later became a special lecturer, discussing topics like the literary interpretations of Kenji Miyazawa’s works.

Television Appearances and Commercial Work

Takeda has been a frequent guest and commentator on TV programs such as Wide na Show, Nep League, and Prebat!!. He has served as the face of Maruchan’s “Red Kitsune Udon” commercials since 1978, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest use of a single actor in a commercial series.

Personal Traits and Interests

Takeda is known for his admiration of historical figure Sakamoto Ryoma, naming his band Kaientai after Ryoma’s naval organization. A self-proclaimed Jackie Chan fan, he occasionally incorporates martial arts flair into his acting. Though outspoken and sometimes critical, particularly of Osaka culture, he has performed numerous roles in Kansai dialect.

Legacy

With a career spanning over five decades, Tetsuya Takeda remains a household name in Japan. His contributions to education-themed drama, socially impactful music, and historical narratives continue to influence generations of viewers and creators.

Notable Works

• Music: "Ballad Dedicated to Mother," "Words to Give," "Cheers"

• TV: 3rd Year Class B, Mr. Kinpachi, Ryoma-den, White Night

• Films: The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness, Detective Story, Pro Golfer Oribe Kinjiro series

• Books/Scripts: Oi! Ryoma, Bakumatsu Youth Graffiti series

Awards

• 1977 Hochi Film Award for Best New Actor

• 1978 Japan Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor

• 1980 Japan Record Award for Lyricist (for “Words to Give”)

Ongoing Projects

Takeda continues to appear on radio (Tetsuya Takeda’s Morning File) and television, most recently as a special cast member on variety and educational programs.