Name: Shinichi Chiba
Nickname: Sonny Chiba
Real Name: Sadao Maeda
Date Of Birth: January 23, 1939
Birthplace: Fukuoka, Kyushu
Profession: Action Film Legend & Original Founder of "The Japan Action Club"
Favorite Actors: Steve McQueen & Alain Delon
Most Famous Screen Character: Takuma Tsurugi, the Mercenary in "The Streetfighter" Trilogy
Martial Arts Training: Kyokushin-Ken under Masatatsu Oyama & Seishin-Kai Goshin-Budo under Shogo Kuniba
Levels Obtained: 2nd-Dan Blackbelt in Gojuryu - 2nd-Dan Blackbelt in Judo - 4th-Dan Blackbelt in Ninjutsu - 1st Dan Blackbelt in Kendo - 1st-Dan Blackbelt in Shorinji Kempo

"An actor's body should be full of emotions, whether it is happiness or sorrow, pain or joy, enraged or elated. You have to express yourself with your whole body. Japanese actors don't normally do this. What I'm doing as an action star is what every actor should be doing. Action is drama. If we cannot make the audience laugh, smile or cry with us, we are not actors. That may be idealistic -- but it's true." -- Shinichi Chiba

The ˇViva Chiba! list was created in honor of the man, the myth, the legend of the action film: Shinichi "Sonny" Chiba. Members can discuss his television and film career, the Japan Action Club, and more. As a member you are encouraged to share ideas and thoughts, trade videos, memorabilia, but maintain mutual respect for the subject and each other. No flaming allowed! So have a good time, or be crushed in X-Rayed fury and be banished!

August Ragone
Founder & Moderator