SINGAPORE – He is the quintessential Japanese actor who has cornered Hollywood’s market playing feudal warlords or modern-day crime bosses, gaining global recognition in the process.

With a katana, he sliced and diced his way through action flicks, sparring with the likes of Tinseltown A-listers such as Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman, as well as Hong Kong stars like Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen.