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James Shigeta

James Shigeta's Hollywood Debut is a Breakthrough Role ("The Crimson Kimono" 1)


Published: Nov. 27, 2007 Modified: April 11, 2025


"The Crimson Kimono" 1

Publicity still for "The Crimson Kimono" (1959) starring James Shigeta and Victoria Shaw.

In his first film, Shigeta plays Detective Joe Kojaku in this film noir mystery directed by Samuel Fuller. While on a case in Little Tokyo, Kojaku and his partner--and best friend from when they served in the war together as members of the 442nd RCT--both fall in love with the same girl, the key witness to the crime.


actors films James Shigeta The Crimson Kimono (film)

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James Shigeta
This collection takes a look at the film career of James Shigeta. James Shigeta is not just an Asian American actor, he is a leading man. During a time when Asian characters were still depicted in "yellow face", Shigeta broke ground as the…
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