In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight trailblazing Japanese American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa was born in Tokyo on September 27, 1950. His mother was a Japanese actress, and his father was a Japanese American soldier in the U.S. Army. He traveled the world as an army brat, but began acting after his family settled in California.
In addition to acting, Tagawa studied the Japanese martial arts of kendo and Shotokan karate, which would prepare him well for future movie roles that would showcase his martial arts prowess.
Tagawa’s big break came in Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 epic film, The Last Emperor. Later, he became known for his iconic portrayal of the sorcerer Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat franchise. He also appeared as Heihachi Mishima in the film adaptation of the Tekken video game franchise and in many other films, including Rising Sun, 47 Ronin, and Elektra.
Not all of his performances included martial arts. For instance, in one of his many television roles, Tagawa portrayed Nobusuke Tagomi, the Trade Minister of the Pacific States of America, in Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle. He also appeared in films such as Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, and Memoirs of a Geisha.
Later in his life, he played an Orthodox priest in the Russian-Japanese film Priest-San. Around this time, he converted to Eastern Orthodoxy and acquired Russian citizenship, in addition to his Japanese and American citizenship.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa died on December 4, 2025, after suffering from complications due to a stroke.
Others we are celebrating in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:
- Miyoshi Umeki, trailblazing Japanese American and Academy Award-winning actress
- Kristin Kish, Chef and television personality
- Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic Champion and “father of surfing”
- Ronny Chieng, award-winning comedian, actor, and writer