Masaaki Sakai

Where to watch Masaaki Sakai in the UK

Find every Masaaki Sakai film and TV show streaming, free, or available to rent in the UK. Updated daily — verified 5 May 2026.

Born the son of Shunji Sakai, a famous comedian in Japan, Sakai initially came to fame by fronting the group sounds band The Spiders. This group, formed in 1962, was popular throughout the 1960s; they spawned several hit songs as well as thirteen situation comedy films featuring their music. He took the title role of Songoku (Monkey) in the 1970s Japanese TV program Saiyūki. This gained him fame in many English-speaking countries in the early 1980s when it was dubbed by the BBC and retitled Monkey. Due to his fame playing the mythical character Songoku, Sakai created a dance called "the Monk…

  • Acting
  • Born 6 August 1946 (age 79)
  • 57 credits

Masaaki Sakai films streaming in the UK

Most-watched films featuring Masaaki Sakai, available across UK streaming, rent and buy.

Masaaki Sakai TV shows streaming in the UK

Selected TV credits featuring Masaaki Sakai.

Full filmography

Every credit ScreenSearch indexes for Masaaki Sakai, ranked by popularity. Click any title for UK streaming, rent and buy options.

Masaaki Sakai — FAQ

Where can I watch Masaaki Sakai films in the UK?

Masaaki Sakai's films and TV shows are available across UK streaming services. Click any title in the filmography below to see exactly which UK service has it — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, NOW, Sky, MUBI and more — updated daily.

What are Masaaki Sakai's most popular films?

Most-watched Masaaki Sakai films currently: High School Third Graders (1963), The Greatest Challenge of All (1967), The Castle of Crossed Destinies (2012), I Am A Man of Honor (1977), Final Take: The Golden Age of Movies (1986).

What TV shows has Masaaki Sakai appeared in?

Selected TV credits: Monkey (1978), Churasan (2001), Furuhata Ninzaburo (1994), Tokugawa Yoshinobu (1998), The Black Swindler (2006).

Looking for a specific title?

Type any film or TV show and ScreenSearch will instantly tell you which UK service has it.

Search any title