Although he was not Akira Kurosawa's best-known actor (Toshirô Mifune had this honor), Shimura appeared in more Kurosawa films than
Mifune, totaling 19. However (especially in later years), many of his
characters had smaller, supporting roles.
One of the few actors to reprise a role in the Godzilla (Godzilla (1954)) series.
He reprised his role of Doctor Yemane in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) (aka
Godzilla's Counterattack or Gigatis: the Fire Monster).