Mitsuho Maeda (born 1949) is a Japanese former actor and businessman who performed under the names Jiro Chiba and Jiro Yabuki. Originally from Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, he is the younger brother of actor Sonny Chiba. After training at the Bungakuza theatre company’s acting institute, he made his acting debut in the television drama “Black Chamber” in 1969. From 1971, he played Kazuya Taki, an FBI agent who supports the heroes in “Kamen Rider.” His subsequent work included the special-effects television series “Robot Detective” and “Akumaizer 3,” as well as film roles. He retired from acting in 1982, moved into management at Japan Action Club (JAC), and established the clothing brand JAC Brothers. He later returned to his home region and worked in carpentry and forestry. In 2008, he founded the nonprofit Forest Design Institute. He runs Jiiji no Mori, an outdoor play area within Tokyo German Village in Sodegaura, where children can explore and play in natural surroundings. His journey through acting, business, and forestry is recounted in “Chiba Jiro: Henshin Shinakatta Otoko no Monogatari,” whose title means “Jiro Chiba: The Story of a Man Who Did Not Transform.” The memoir covers his childhood, theatrical training, and experiences on the set of “Kamen Rider.” It also examines his complicated relationship with his older brother and his decision to leave acting for business, and includes a conversation with fellow actor Takeshi Sasaki. The book follows how skills acquired through carpentry and forestry eventually became the basis for building places where children could play outdoors.
