Mizushima was born in 1884 in Tokyo. He started out working for the
Kawakami Otojiro theater group, joining Yoshizawa Shoten in 1910. After
this he signed up with Nikkatsu in 1916, where he appeared in films
such as Futari Shizuka (Two Quiet People), Yosho no Musume and
Dokugusa, mainly in supporting roles. He did, however, play a major
role in Dokugusa.
In 1920, after joining Kokukatsu, he appeared in Kan Tsubaki (Cold
Camellia) with Inoue Masao and Mizutani Yaeko, and he also directed
films such as Ikeru Nayami and Hi no Yama. After this he returned to
Nikkatsu, where he appeared in films such as Koya o Yuku, Riku no
Ichiya, and Warera no Wakakihi.
In 1926 Mizushima joined Shochiku Kamata Studios. Initially, he
concentrated on period drama, appearing in works such as Onna Sakazaki,
before moving into contemporary drama, appearing consecutively in
Niwaka Gyosha and Runpen to Sono Musume. In the latter film he appeared
alongside Tanaka Kinuyo.
With the advent of talkies, Mizushima gave fine supporting performances
in Tonari no Yaechan, Kazoku Kaigi, and Ani to Sono Imoto. After this
he went on to appear in films such as Hito no Ki mo Shiranaide, Minna
Mienakunaru, and Hito no Kage.
At Shochiku he played mainly the parts of old men. Mizushima was known
as an actor who supported the film world from the late Meiji period
onwards.