[2] In 1942, Yamagata and So Yamamura formed the Bunkaza Theatre Company.

[3] In 1949 he made his film debut with Kirareya Senta.

[3] Yamagata became famous for his role in 1953 film Gate of Hell.

[3] He became a character actor and often played villainous roles.

[3] In 1973, Yamagata landed main role on the TV jidaigeki Kenkaku Shōbai.