Toshiro Mifune


Racing cars are not merely another product. They require great attention, if any success is to be hoped for.

Toshiro Mifune was a Japanese actor who appeared in over 150 feature films. He is best known for his 16-film collaboration with Akira Kurosawa in such works as Rashomon, Seven Samurai, The Hidden Fortress, Throne of Blood, and Yojimbo. He also portrayed Miyamoto Musashi in Hiroshi Inagaki's Samurai Trilogy and one earlier Inagaki film, Lord Toranaga in the NBC television mini series Shōgun, and Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in three different films.

Toshiro Mifune looking inscrutable Toshiro Mifune, as Izō Yamura times a lap Izō Yamura times a lap Izō Yamura times a lap Toshiro Mifune sat in a chair Toshiro Mifune in a chair with his name on the back

Izō Yamura

Mifune plays the part of Izō Yamura, a Japanese industrialist who has formed his own F1 team.

Yamura recruits Pete Aron in an attempt to win the team's first Grand Prix, after Aron's disastrous start to the season left him without a drive.

In fairy tale fashion, Aron registers the team's first ever victory in his very first race for Yamura. He then goes on to score another victory, and a second place to head into the final race of the season just two points behind the championship leader.

Izō Yamura in the pit lane Izō Yamura in the pit lane Toshiro Mifune and James Garner Toshiro Mifune and James Garner
Toshiro Mifune Toshiro Mifune Izō Yamura and Pete Aron on the winner's podium Izō Yamura and Pete Aron on the winner's podium

Script

Izō Yamura Pete Aron

Were you in the war?

Yes. And you?

No, I missed it by a year.

In the war, I was a fighter pilot. I shot down 17 American planes.

Okay.

I believe that some things must not be left unsaid.
There will come a time when you will ask yourself:
"What did he do in the war? This man, Yamura?"

Mr. Yamura, I like you.

Why?

Well, because...
Because you come right to the point.

In a sense you're here because you drive a car the way I conduct my business.
You come right to the point.