None of us knows how long he shall live or when his time will come. But soon, all that will be left of our brief lives is the pride our children feel when they speak our names.

I've been wearing kimono for several years, and armor.

It's a Samurai story [47 ronin], so if we change too much Japanese audiences will have strong against feelings to the film. It's not good.

A lot of country making films in English, but in Japan we are very shy to speak English.

It's very difficult to introduce the world to our culture.

I believe, the Japanese film industry must be open.

I saw a lot of 47 Ronin on the TV, in the films, and I've done Chushingura Gaiden Yotsuya Kaidan [Crest of Betrayal, 1994] directed by Kinji Fukasaku.

I was a child actor, so when I started filming when I was five years old, it was a long time ago.

This is almost the most famous story The last samurai - Samurai story - in Japan.

I've done Last Samurai in Japan, in LA, in New Zealand. Even in Japan it is very hard to shoot, because there's been so many changes. Only around a temple can we shoot.

This is a good thing, mixing culture to make something new, something no one has ever seen. This is kind of a new history.

It's all about Perfection or the tolerance of Imperfection

Dare to dream.

A rational man never distorts or corrupts his own standards...in order to appeal to the irrationality, dishonesty or stupidity of others.

If you go to heaven without being naturally qualified for it you will not enjoy it there.

I believe anger is a wasted emotion, and I don't like to waste emotions.

I never trusted a man who never smoked or drank.

I told Warren if he mentions Prop. 13 one more time, he has to do 500 push-ups.

I prefer the school of life.

You are a great problem-creator. Just understand this and suddenly problems disappear.

Listen not to a tale-bearer or slanderer, for he tells thee nothing out of good-will; but as he discovereth of the secrets of others, so he will of thine in turn.