Yasuaki Kurata (born March 20, 1946) is a Japanese martial artist and actor, best known for his work in Hong Kong action films.

Kurata was born and raised in Sakura-mura, Niihari District, Ibaraki (now part of Tsukuba).

In 1966, Kurata began his career as an actor in Marude Dameo, a Japanese TV series.

[1] In 1971, Kurata made his Hong Kong debut in the Shaw Brothers Studio kung-fu movie Angry Guest (悪客).

[2][3] He is perhaps best known for his extended battle against Jet Li in Fist of Legend and for his villainous role in So Close.