He spent the next decade working with various theatrical troupes until he made his film debut in 1947, with Shochiku Studios.

[4][1] At Toho he was featured in two very popular series, the "Wakadaishō series" ("Young Guy") movies starring Yūzō Kayama,[4] and the "Shacho" ("Company President") movies[4] featuring the Crazy Cats (クレージーキャッツ) comedy team.

[1] In addition to Ishirō Honda's King Kong vs. Godzilla, Arishima appeared in two Toho fantasy films directed by Senkichi Taniguchi: The Lost World of Sinbad (Daitozoku) (1963) and The Adventure of Taklamakan (Kiganjō no bōken) (1966).

[4] Arishima's slight physical build contrasted well with the portly comedian Frankie Sakai, leading to their teaming in several comedies.

[citation needed] He was also popular on several television shows, one of his last roles being "Kanō Gorōzaemon," the elderly advisor to the shogun in Abarenbō Shōgun.