Ken Takakura
Shintoho declared bankruptcy in 1961, forcing Ishii to seek employment at another studio. He moved to Toei Company where he directed "Flower and Storm and Gang" ("Hana to Arashi to Gang") (1961), starring Ken Takakura. His 1965 "Abashiri Bangaichi" with Takakura would solidify that actor's stardom and give Ishii his biggest success of the 1960s. Ishii would go on to direct 10 of the 18 films in this series.