Takeshi Kitano Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Awards, Movies, Books, Wife, Children

Takeshi Kitano, also known by his stage name Beat Takeshi, is a multifaceted Japanese entertainer renowned for his work as a comedian, actor, director, and television personality.

He gained international acclaim for his role in the film “Violent Cop” (1989), which he also directed, marking his transition from comedy to serious cinema.  

Profile

• Full name: Takeshi Kitano
• Nickname: Beat Takeshi
• Date of birth: January 18, 1947
• Age: 78 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Adachi, Tokyo, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese
• Profession: Comedian, actor, director, television personality, author, screenwriter
• Height: 5 ft 6¼ in (1.68 m)
• Parents: Kikujiro Kitano (father), Saki Kitano (mother)
• Siblings: Masaru Kitano (brother), Shigekazu Kitano (brother), Yasuko Kitano (sister)
• Spouse: Mikiko Kitano (married in 1983, divorced in 2019)
• Children: Shōko Kitano, Atsushi Kitano
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: Shintoism
• Ethnicity: Japanese
• Net worth: Between $5 million and $20 million

Early Life and Education

Takeshi Kitano was born on January 18, 1947, in Adachi, Tokyo, Japan. Raised in a working-class family, his father, Kikujiro Kitano, was a house painter and occasional drinker who often disappeared for extended periods. His mother, Saki Kitano, worked tirelessly to support the family, emphasizing the importance of education for her children.

Kitano was the youngest of four children, with siblings Shigekazu, Masaru, and Yasuko. He initially pursued a degree in engineering at Meiji University but dropped out to enter the entertainment industry in 1972, adopting the stage name Beat Takeshi.  

Personal Life

Takeshi Kitano was married to Mikiko Kitano from 1983 until their divorce in 2019. They have two children: Shōko Kitano and Atsushi Kitano. Shōko is a singer and actress known for her debut under the name Shōko Matsuda and her appearance in her father’s film “Hana-bi” (1997). As of now, Kitano is possibly single.  

Career

Kitano’s career began in comedy, where he gained popularity as part of the duo “Two Beat.” He transitioned into acting and directing with his directorial debut in “Violent Cop” (1989).

His filmography includes notable works such as “Hana-bi” (1997), which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and “Zatoichi” (2003). Kitano is also known for hosting the game show “Takeshi’s Castle” (1986–1990).

Awards

• 1997: Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for “Hana-bi” (Won)
• 2003: Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival for “Zatoichi” (Won)
• 2003: Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival for “Zatoichi” (Won)
• 2003: Best Director at the Blue Ribbon Awards for “Zatoichi” (Won)
• 2003: Best Director at the Japan Academy Prize for “Zatoichi” (Won)

Net Worth

Takeshi Kitano’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $20 million. His wealth primarily stems from his extensive career in entertainment, including acting, directing, and television hosting.

Social Media

• N/A

Filmography

Film

• 1989: Violent Cop – Azuma
• 1990: Boiling Point – Uehara
• 1991: A Scene at the Sea – Director
• 1993: Sonatine – Murakawa
• 1995: Getting Any? – Asao
• 1996: Kids Return – Director
• 1997: Hana-bi – Nishi
• 1999: Kikujiro – Kikujiro
• 2000: Brother – Yamamoto
• 2003: Zatoichi – Zatoichi
• 2005: Takeshis’ – Beat Takeshi/Mr. Kitano
• 2007: Glory to the Filmmaker! – Kitano
• 2010: Outrage – Otomo
• 2012: Beyond Outrage – Otomo
• 2017: Outrage Coda – Otomo
• 2017: Ghost in the Shell – Aramaki
• 2023: Kubi – Director

Television

• 1986–1990: Takeshi’s Castle – Host
• 1990–present: Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle – Host
• 1991–present: Takeshi’s Hidden Camera – Host
• 1997–present: Beat Takeshi’s Unbelievable – Host

Books

• 1990: A Guru Is Born
• 1997: Asakusa Kid
• 2002: Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle
• 2004: Takeshi Kitano’s All-Out War
• 2005: Beat Takeshi’s Outrage
• 2007: Takeshi Kitano’s Complete Works