Japanese Actor. Ato, born Koichi Ato, was an actor known for his appearances in film and television. He joined Haiyuza Theater Co. after graduating from a predecessor to Tokyo Metropolitan University. Ato then went into film and television, often playing “villain roles” early in his career.   His most popular role was of a colleague of the main character in the 1988 “Kyoshi Binbin Monogatari” (Teacher binbin story) television drama series.   Ato’s film credits include “Kagemusha” (1980), “Lady Snowblood” (1973) and “Akai kami no onna” (1979).   Besides his work in “Kyoshi Binbin Monogatari”, he also was featured in such television series as “Jirochô sangokushi” (1991), “Non no kekkon” (1995), and “Matthew’s Best Hit TV” (2004).   In recent years Ato often appeared in travel and food television shows.  He was still working in television up until his passing. (bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye)