Yasuaki Kurata

Yasuaki Kurata (born March 20, 1946) is a Japanese martial artist and actor, best known for his work in Hong Kong action films. He holds dan ranks in karate (7th degree), judo (3rd degree), and aikido (2nd degree).

Kurata was born and raised in Sakura-mura, Niihari District, Ibaraki (now part of Tsukuba). Kurata studied performing arts at Nihon University and Toei Theater School. In 1966, Kurata began his career as an actor in Marude Dameo, a Japanese TV series.

In 1971, Kurata made his Hong Kong debut in the Shaw Brothers Studio kung-fu movie Angry Guest (悪客). Since then he has appeared in numerous other films and TV series within the genre. In Japan, he gained popularity for his role in the television series G-Men '75. He is perhaps best known for his extended battle against Jet Li in Fist of Legend and for his villainous role in So Close. He is fluent in Cantonese. He was close friends with Bruce Lee during his career.

In addition to his work as an actor, Kurata runs the stunt agency Kurata Promotion (established 1976 under the name Kurata Action Club), teaches at a private college (the University of Creation, Art, Music & Social Work), is chief advisor to the All Japan Nunchaku League, and in 2004 published a book, Hong Kong Action Star Kōyūroku (香港アクションスター交友録 ) . He runs karate dojos in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hong Kong.