Before entering acting, Sugimoto performed as a rock-band member, then debuted in the 1983 film Hakujasho, earning the Japan Academy Prize for best newcomer. He built a varied portfolio across film, television, stage and commercials, with early titles such as Tokyo Eyes and later collaborations with directors like Takeshi Kitano in Outrage and Junji Sakamoto in Strangers in the City. Notable films…
