Osama [aka The King from Faust]

Also known as ファウストの王様 (Fausuto no Osama)

Status: Secondary Star (★★)

Despite his regal-sounding name, Osama is more of a father figure than a true monarch. So, while he has been cast in roles of nobility, he’s usually more comfortable in father-figure roles, such as uncles, minsters, T.V. producers, and prison wardens. Although he’s got the personal authority to pull it off, on occasion he might let his over exuberance and demanding nature get the better of him. His heart’s in the right place, but sometimes his fits of bluster and blunder will steal a scene – and cause himself and others some grief at the same time.

Notable Roles

Osama got his big break being cast as the King in Faust (1950) where he played Margarete’s father, and he carried that nobility into his role as the Compte de Guiche in Cyrano the Hero (1953). However, there’s not that much need for a “nobility specialist”, so Osama branched out into roles like playing Martine’s father in the cowboy/western adventure, Black Canyon (1954). After going through a bit of a slump playing “face-in-crowd” roles, his later career saw a bit of a revival playing a prison warden in The Three-Eyed One (1974-78) and then as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Black Jack (1973-83).

Hello, My Name (in English) is…

Osama’s name in English is the literal translation of the Japanese word for “king”, osama.

Distinguishing Features

Although he is sometimes mistaken for Aggo because they both have such enormous chins, Osama can be easily distinguished by his round nose and black-tipped goatee.

Manga Appearances

If you spot an appearance not already listed, please let us know in the comments section below!