Tetsuro Tamba
(Tiger Tanaka) images

Tetsuro Tamba playing Tiger Tanaka

Born in Tokyo, Japan on 17th July 1922

Starred In You Only Live Twice (1967)

film information

Tiger Tanaka played by Tetsuro Tamba is the second ally of You Only Live Twice. After Bond breaks into Mr Osato’s safe, Aki provides Bond with a getaway car. Confused about Aki’s involvement with the death of Dikko Henderson, he questions her motives.

Bond makes pursuit of Aki when she runs off, leading Bond to Tanaka’s secret headquarters. Bond confirms Tanaka’s identity by asking him how he feels about him. Tanaka understandably hesitates saying the code words “I love you", but this puts Bonds suspicions to rest. Tanaka takes Bond aboard his luxurious personal train that travels under the streets of Tokyo on route to his personal retreat.

Tiger supplies Bond with the latest intelligence through out the film, and educates Bond into becoming a Ninja at his Ninja training school. After Bond and Kissy Suzuki discover Ernst Stavro Blofelds lair, Bond sends Kissy back to bring Tanaka’s group of elite Ninjas. Tanaka and his men are then able to assist Bond in taking control over Blofelds lair. After Blofeld blows up the volcano, everyone escapes down a vent leading to the sea, where everyone seems to disappear apart from Bond and Kissy.

character information

Tiger Tanaka is head of the Japanese Secret Service who provides Bond with invaluable assistance. With vast resources at his command, from his base under the streets of Tokyo, his personal retreat in the hills and Ninja training school, Tanaka plays a major role in stopping SPECTRE’s plans to start World War III. Like Bonds previous charismatic allies, the two become friends, and Bond is treated to his first proper ‘civilised bath’ where Bond pays special complements to a line of beautiful women. A total professional at his work, yet friendly, loyal and comical at times, Tiger Tanaka proves to one of Bonds most helpful allies, also saving Bonds life a number of times throughout the film. §