He made his debut in the 1987 production of Voice Review Stay Gold, and was named Best Newcomer at the Japanese Academy Awards in 1992. He dubbed over Tom Hanks' voice for the Japanese version of Toy Story.
He was born Kiyoshi Karasawa in Tokyo.
He became an expert in swordplay and fighting and used these skills in his films.
He married actress Tomoko Yamaguchi in December 1995.
He dubbed over the Japanese version of the 2004 American film, The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks.
