The Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa house sits quietly in the hills of Los Angeles, home to one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors. Fans know him best as the fearsome Shang Tsung from Mortal Kombat, but behind the scenes, Tagawa lives a surprisingly private life. His residence reflects decades of steady work in film and television. The property showcases classic California architecture mixed with Japanese-inspired design elements.
After more than 40 years in the entertainment industry, he’s built a comfortable life away from the cameras. His home tells the story of an actor who values privacy, tradition, and family. The house stands as proof that consistent work and smart choices pay off over time.
Who is Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa?
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is a Japanese-American actor who’s appeared in over 100 films and TV shows since the 1980s. Born in Tokyo and raised in Southern California, he became famous for playing villains and martial arts masters. His role as Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie made him a household name among gaming and action movie fans. Beyond acting, Tagawa is a skilled martial artist who holds black belts in multiple disciplines.
His net worth sits around $10 million after decades of steady work. He doesn’t own yachts or private islands like some Hollywood stars. Instead, he’s focused on building a solid real estate portfolio in California. He drives modest vehicles and lives below his means compared to other actors with similar career lengths. His primary residence in Los Angeles is his most valuable asset, worth an estimated $2.5 million today.
Tagawa owns two homes total—his main house in LA and a smaller property in Hawaii. He doesn’t own a private jet and typically flies commercial when traveling for work. His financial approach mirrors his personality: practical, grounded, and focused on long-term stability rather than flashy displays of wealth.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Tokyo, Japan |
| Age | 74 years old |
| Nationality | Japanese-American |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Martial Artist |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Primary Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Secondary Property | Maui, Hawaii |
| Total Homes Owned | 2 |
| Cars Owned | 2 (Toyota Tacoma, Honda Accord) |
| Martial Arts Ranks | Multiple black belts |
| Years Active | 1981-present |
| Famous Roles | Shang Tsung (Mortal Kombat), Colonel Saito (The Man in the High Castle) |
Where Does Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Live Now?
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa lives in Los Angeles, California, where he’s resided for most of his adult life. He chose LA because it’s the center of the entertainment industry and where most of his work opportunities arise. His home sits in a quiet neighborhood away from the tourist areas and celebrity hotspots. He values privacy and selected a location that allows him to live normally without constant attention.
The actor splits his time between his LA residence and his smaller home in Maui, Hawaii. Hawaii represents his connection to Japanese culture and provides a peaceful retreat when he’s not working. He spends roughly 70% of his time in Los Angeles and the remaining 30% in Hawaii. Both properties reflect his preference for understated comfort over showing off.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa House
The Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa house represents a perfect blend of American and Japanese design principles. Built in 1978, the home features clean lines, natural materials, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. The property spans approximately 2,800 square feet across a single level with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Large windows throughout the home bring in natural light and create connections to the surrounding landscape.
Tagawa purchased the property in 1993 for $485,000 when his career was gaining momentum. He saw potential in the location and the bones of the structure. Over the years, he’s made careful updates that honor the original design while adding modern conveniences. The home sits on half an acre of land, giving him space for a traditional Japanese garden and outdoor training area.
The interior design leans minimal with hardwood floors, white walls, and carefully chosen furniture pieces. He’s incorporated Japanese art, scrolls, and martial arts weapons as decorative elements throughout the space. The home feels lived-in rather than staged—books line the shelves, and family photos cover side tables. It’s a place built for actual living rather than impressing visitors.
1. Where Is Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa House?
The Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa house is located in the hills of Los Angeles, specifically in the Studio City area of the San Fernando Valley. This neighborhood sits north of Beverly Hills and west of Burbank. Studio City offers a suburban feel while remaining close to major film studios and production facilities. The area attracted many entertainment industry professionals during the 1970s and 1980s who wanted space without the Beverly Hills price tag.
His property sits on a quiet residential street lined with mature trees. The elevation provides views of the valley below without the extreme exposure of homes perched on ridgelines. Most neighbors work in entertainment, creating a community of people who understand the need for privacy. The location puts him within a 20-minute drive of most audition locations and studios.
Studio City offers easy access to hiking trails in the nearby mountains. Tagawa can reach Fryman Canyon Park in five minutes, where he often trains and maintains his martial arts practice. The neighborhood includes quality restaurants, grocery stores, and other services within walking distance. Public schools in the area rank above average, which mattered when he was raising his children.
2. Features of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa House
The Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa house showcases mid-century modern architecture with Japanese influences. The single-story layout eliminates stairs and creates a seamless flow between rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living areas blur the line between inside and outside. The original architect designed the home with post-and-beam construction, leaving exposed wooden beams across the ceilings.
The main living space opens directly to the backyard through sliding glass doors. This design creates an extended entertaining area during California’s mild weather. The kitchen received updates in 2010 with new appliances and countertops while maintaining the original cabinet structure. Tagawa chose simple materials—granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and white subway tile backsplashes.
The master suite occupies the eastern corner of the home, catching morning light. It includes a private bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower. Three additional bedrooms provide space for family members and guests. One bedroom serves as his home office where he reviews scripts and manages business affairs.
The backyard features a carefully maintained Japanese garden with a koi pond, stone paths, and pruned trees. He designed and built much of the garden himself using traditional techniques he learned from Japanese masters. A covered patio area includes built-in seating and a fire pit for evening gatherings. Behind the garden sits a small structure he uses as a martial arts training dojo.
3. House Amenities
The Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa house includes a custom Japanese garden with koi pond, outdoor training dojo, covered patio with fire pit, updated kitchen with modern appliances, hardwood floors throughout, central heating and cooling, attached two-car garage, laundry room, home office space, and a meditation room. The property also features mature landscaping, automatic sprinkler system, security cameras, and a private driveway with gated entry for added privacy and security.
4. Neighborhood Area
Studio City attracts creative professionals, executives, and families who want space without extreme commutes. The neighborhood developed during the 1950s and 1960s as television production expanded in Los Angeles. CBS Studio Center sits at the heart of the community, providing jobs and economic stability. Home values have climbed steadily over the past three decades as LA’s entertainment industry grew.
Ventura Boulevard runs through the center of Studio City, offering restaurants, shops, and services. The street includes everything from casual cafes to upscale dining establishments. Residents can walk to grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks. The neighborhood maintains a village-like atmosphere despite being part of a major city.
Fryman Canyon and Wilacre Park provide outdoor recreation options with hiking trails and city views. Many residents walk their dogs or exercise on these trails daily. The area stays relatively quiet compared to Hollywood or downtown LA. Crime rates remain below the city average, making it attractive for families.
Schools in Studio City rank among the better options in Los Angeles Unified School District. Harvard-Westlake, a prestigious private school, sits nearby and draws families willing to pay premium tuition. The neighborhood includes religious institutions representing multiple faiths. Community events happen regularly at local parks and recreation centers.
Market Value
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1978 |
| Purchase Year | 1993 |
| Purchase Price | $485,000 |
| Current Estimated Value | $2,500,000 |
| Property Size | 2,800 square feet |
| Land Size | 0.5 acres |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Annual Property Tax | $31,250 (estimated) |
| Value Appreciation | 415% since purchase |
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Real Estate Portfolio
Tagawa grew up in various locations across Southern California as his family moved for his father’s military career. His childhood homes included base housing and modest rental properties near military installations. He didn’t grow up wealthy, which shaped his practical approach to money and real estate later in life.
His first property purchase came in 1988 when he bought a small condo in North Hollywood for $145,000. He lived there for five years while his career built momentum. The condo provided equity that he used as a down payment on his current Studio City home. He sold the North Hollywood property in 1995 for $198,000, making a small profit that he invested wisely.
The Studio City home remains his primary residence after more than 30 years of ownership. He’s never considered selling despite offers from developers and other buyers. The property holds too much personal meaning—he raised his children there and built the Japanese garden by hand. Market forces suggest he could sell for $2.5 million or more, but he has no intention of moving.
His second property sits in Maui, Hawaii, purchased in 2005 for $380,000. This smaller home spans about 1,400 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property sits near the coast but not directly on the beach, keeping costs reasonable. Current estimates put its value around $850,000. He uses this home as a personal retreat and rarely rents it out.
Tagawa never invested heavily in real estate speculation or flipping properties. His portfolio remains small and focused on places he actually uses. This approach differs from many actors who buy multiple properties as investments. He prefers stable, long-term ownership over quick profits. His real estate strategy mirrors his career—steady, reliable, and built on solid foundations.
Conclusion
The Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa house stands as proof that success doesn’t require excess. His Studio City home, purchased for under $500,000 in 1993, now represents a smart investment worth five times its original price. Yet he didn’t buy it to make money—he bought it to build a life. The property reflects his values: simplicity, connection to nature, and respect for tradition. His Japanese garden and training dojo show what matters most to him. After decades playing villains on screen, his real life looks quite different. He’s a family man who values privacy, practices martial arts daily, and lives below his means. His home tells a story more interesting than any movie role—the story of building something meaningful that lasts.
Comments are closed.