
Acting
Mako was born in Kobe, Japan, the son of noted children's book author and illustrator Taro Yashima. His parents moved to the United States when he was a small child. He joined them there after World War II, in 1949, joining the military in the 1950s. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1956. When Mako first joined his parents in the USA, he studied architecture. During his military service, he discovered his theatrical talent, and trained at the Pasadena Community Playhouse. Mako was married to actress Shizuko Hoshi with whom he had two daughters (both are actresses) and three grandchildren.

JAG
1995

Frasier
1993

Columbo
1971

Monk
2002

The West Wing
1999

Diagnosis: Murder
1993

Magnum, P.I.
1980

M*A*S*H
1972

Ironside
1967

Mannix
1967

The A-Team
1983

Love, American Style
1969

Hawaii Five-O
1969

Quincy, M.E.
1976

Tony Awards
1956

The Incredible Hulk
1977

I Dream of Jeannie
1965

The F.B.I.
1965

The Equalizer
1985

The Facts of Life
1979

American Playhouse
1982

The Big Valley
1965

Walker, Texas Ranger
1993

Samurai Jack
2001

Avatar: The Last Airbender
2005

7th Heaven
1996

Burke's Law
1963

77 Sunset Strip
1958

Martial Law
1998

What's New, Scooby-Doo?
2002

Tour of Duty
1987

Duck Dodgers
2003

Kung Fu: The Legend Continues
1993

Wonder Woman
1975

Faerie Tale Theatre
1982

The Time Tunnel
1966