Renowned Japanese actor Ken Takakura died of malignant lymphoma early on Nov. 10, media reported Tuesday. He was 83.

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Takakura was one of Japan’s premier actors, making his film debut in 1956’s “Denko Karate Uchi” (Lightning Karate Blow).

He was known for his starring roles in 1977’s “Shiawase no Kiiroi Hankachi” (The Yellow Handkerchief), which was directed by Yoji Yamada, as well as series of gangster films in the 1960s.

Takakura gained acclaim with Western audiences for his roles in director Sydney Pollack’s 1974 film “The Yakuza,” starring Robert Mitchum, and director Ridley Scott’s 1989 hit film “Black Rain,” which he starred in alongside Michael Douglas and Andy Garcia.