Is Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa A-List?
No — Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is currently ranked C tier — recognizable within their niche but with limited mainstream visibility.
Ranking Timeline
The Last Emperor Role
Early role in 'The Last Emperor', gaining exposure.
Kickboxer 2
Plays main villain in martial arts movie Kickboxer 2.
Mortal Kombat's Shang Tsung
Breakthrough role as Shang Tsung in 'Mortal Kombat', establishing him as a villain.
The Phantom
Appears as antagonist in The Phantom.
Bridge Role
Has a recurring role on 'Nash Bridges', providing steady work.
Hachiko: A Dog's Story
Appears in Hachiko: A Dog's Story, with Richard Gere.
Continued Acting Roles
Continues taking on various acting roles, maintaining a steady career but not achieving major mainstream success.
Character Actor
Remains a recognizable character actor, primarily known for villainous roles.
Last updated: February 21, 2026