Sonny Chiba

Sonny Chiba is still one of the most memorable Japanese figures, especially in the world of martial arts. He was the founder of the Japan Action Club which provided any type of show especially for Tokusatsu like Kamen Rider, Super Sentai and Metal Hero with the best martial artists he could find which helped some newbies climb all the way from regular acting to good acting. 

I think his most unforgettable role has to be when he appeared in "Storm Riders" as the main antagonist Lord Thunder. Why? He appeared in a film where his voice was dubbed because he was Japanese and he performed rather impressive martial arts, showing that Japan Action Club was more than meets the eye. And his greatest contribution has to be with Toei Studios where he is helping fuel Tokusatsu series until this very day with Japan Action Enterprises which was formerly Japan Action Club, which his principles in martial arts keeps it more flexible.