Higedaruma

Also known as ヒゲダルマ (Higedaruma)

Hello, My Name (in English) is…

A Daruma doll (達磨) is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism. And the word for moustache is hige (ヒゲ). So, much like Higeoyagi, his named means “Moustached Daruma”

Distinguishing Features

As his name would suggest, he has a somewhat rotund figure, and his his broad black flared-out moustache and beard gives him a rather striking visual appearance.

Status: Minor Star (★)

Although – given his appearance – he seems at first sight to be a slightly old-fashioned, man of action and high adventure, his rough exterior hides a impressive dramatic range. Readers have been impressed by his ability to play both roles of extroverted bluster, as well as his ability to take on roles that call for a delicate and quiet exploration of sorrow.

Notable Roles

He made his debut in The Story of a Miracle Forest (1949), as the swashbuckling swordsman Luigi Vampa – a name was lifted straight from The Count of Monte Cristo, and then used again later in Age of Adventure (1953) by Chikara Aritake. His early career saw him take on swordsman roles in both The Plain of Abusegahara (1950) and in Cyrano the Hero (1953).  However he also turned in a superb performance as a man trying to atone for his warrior past in Tales of Summer Grass (1953).  In a way that became a turning point in his career, and after hanging up his sword he took on the role of the teacher in Captain Ken (1960-61). He has appeared several times in Black Jack (1973-83), and, despite usually being a relatively minor character, his striking visual appearance means he stands out in any scene he’s in.