- In 1949, Raizo formed a study group with two other young kabuki performers. These were Risho Arashi (known later in his kabuki career as Arashi Kichisaburo VIII, and as Yataro Kitagami in his acting career) and Nakamura Taro II. They called this group the "Tsukushikai" which can be translated as "exhaustive meeting," and together they focused diligently on training.
- Often worked with actors Katsu Shintaro, Tomisaburo Wakayama, Shigeru Amachi, Shiho Fujimura and Naoko Kubo.
- A very private man during his lifetime, he would socialize with production staff mostly and would invite them home for dinner, or lunch. He didn't much like "glitzy and neon-decked or famous restaurants," but instead "would nearly always eat regular restaurants, without any regards to social standing.
- Best known for the roles of Nemuri Kyoshiro in "Sleepy Eyes of Death" film series and Ishikawa Goemon in "Shinobi no Mono" film series.
- Started out as kabuki actor, but later switched to motion pictures.
- Ranked 3rd on the list "All Time Best Japanese Film Stars: Male Actors" by Kinema Junpo magazine in 2014.
- Frequently worked with directors Kenji Mizoguchi, Seiji Hoshikawa and Kazuo Ikehiro.
- The fan club called "Raizo-kai" was formed in 1974.
- Won the Kinema Junpo Award for best male actor in a leading role, and the Blue Ribbon Award for best performer in a leading role for Conflagration (1954).
- Nearly at the end of his life and career, he expressed desire to work as a director. He admired Kabuki dramatist Kawatake Mokumi and wanted to capture his works on film.
- Ranked 6th on the list "Film Stars of the 20th Century: Male Actors" by Kinema Junpo magazine in 2000.
- In 1971, director Seiji Hoshikawa claimed that Raizo's death was a precursor for Daiei studio's bankruptcy after his death.
- In 1968, he wanted to start his own theater production called "Teatoro Kaburaya", in which he would assume the position as a producer. However, he had to halt his plans due to the illness. The theater never started any operations.
- According to director Ikehiro Kazuo, Ichikawa was known for not socialized often with fellow actors, but mostly with production staff. He was also known for his strict work code, he did not tolerate unprofessional approach to work by other co-workers and was vexed by careless work. Also, according to Kazuo, he was brutally honest towards the people he did not like. But, generally, he was cordial.
- Suffered from weak legs, which he personally loathed. At one point he was sent to Sumo wrestling club to strengthen his legs, but to no avail. As the time went by, he adapted to it and created his own unique composure.
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