Koichi Iwaki

Born: 1951-03-21

Birthplace: Nakano, Tokyo, Japan

Biography

Kōichi Iwaki (岩城滉一, Iwaki Kōichi, born Lee Gwon-il) is a Japanese actor. Before entering the entertainment industry, Iwaki lived a high-profile life on the streets of Tokyo, which directly led to his discovery by movie producers. He was the vice-leader of COOLS, a legendary "hardcore" biker gang based in Harajuku and Omotesando, which he co-led with fellow future Japanese actor Hiroshi Tachi. He was scouted by the film studio Toei after photos of him riding his Harley-Davidson FLH1200 appeared in popular magazines like Heibon Punch and Weekly Playboy. Iwaki debuted in 1975 with the film Seishun Sanka: Boryoku Gakuen Dai Kakumei and quickly became the face of Toei's biker-themed "delinquent" movies.

Known For

The Bullet Train
HiGH&LOW The Movie 2: End of Sky
Proof of the Man
She Cat
The Mole Song: Undercover Agent Reiji
Silver Hawk
Anita
The Beast to Die
Memoirs of a Murderer
The Mole Song: Hong Kong Capriccio

Top Movie Credits

The Bullet Train Akira Tôgô
HiGH&LOW The Movie 2: End of Sky Kimitatsu Kurosaki
Proof of the Man Kyohei Kori
She Cat Shirley
The Mole Song: Undercover Agent Reiji Shuho Todoroki
Silver Hawk Akira Shiraishi
Anita Japanese Record Company President
The Beast to Die Youki
Memoirs of a Murderer Daisuke Tachibana
The Mole Song: Hong Kong Capriccio Shuho Todoroki