Ken Watanabe is a Japanese actor known for his roles in Hollywood films such as The Last Samurai and Inception. The spelling of his name is pronounced as /kɛn wɑtɑnɑbɛ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. In Japanese, his name would be written as 渡辺 謙. The first syllable of his first name is pronounced with an "e" sound, while his last name is pronounced with a "w" sound, despite the absence of a "w" letter in the Japanese syllabary.
Ken Watanabe is a Japanese actor, whose full name is Ken Watanabe (渡辺 謙). He was born on October 21, 1959, in Koide, Niigata, Japan. Watanabe gained international recognition for his standout performances in both Japanese and American films.
With a career spanning over three decades, Ken Watanabe has established himself as one of Japan's most renowned and respected actors. He is known for his versatility and ability to seamlessly transition between different roles, be it in period dramas, contemporary films, or international blockbusters.
Watanabe made his international breakthrough with his portrayal of Lord Katsumoto Moritsugu in the epic historical film "The Last Samurai" (2003) alongside Tom Cruise. This critically acclaimed performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Asian actor to be recognized in this category since 1984.
Throughout his career, Watanabe has demonstrated his incredible acting prowess, capturing audiences with his charismatic presence and profound performances. He has successfully showcased his talents in a variety of films, including "Memoirs of a Geisha" (2005), "Inception" (2010), "Godzilla" (2014), and "The King and I" (2018). He has received widespread acclaim for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and emotion.
In addition to his film work, Watanabe has also been involved in stage productions, displaying his exceptional skills as a theater actor. He continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry, both in Japan and internationally, and his contributions have greatly enriched the cinematic landscape.
The name "Ken Watanabe" does not have a direct etymology as it is a combination of a given name and a surname. "Ken" is a common masculine given name in Japan, meaning "modest" or "humble", while "Watanabe" is a Japanese surname that has various origins and meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it. It is worth noting that "Ken Watanabe" is the name of a Japanese actor, and the etymology of his given name and surname would relate to their respective meanings in Japanese language and culture.