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Nishida Toshiyuki
Toshiyuki Nishida is one of Japan's most famous and beloved comedic actors. He is known in the West for his portrayal of Pigsy in Season One of "Saiyūki" (NHK, 1978-1980), a historical television soap that was imported to Britain and Australia, where it eventually gained a cult fan base; and for his starring role in the long-running comedy film series "The Fishing Maniac's Diary." The latter series was hugely successful in Japan, and it is the role he is best known for in his home country. Viewers in the United States, however, may know Nishida best from his role as chef Maezumi, Brittany Murphy's mentor, in the dramatic comedy "The Ramen Girl" (2008).