Japanese movie stars died at 68

Here are 5 famous actors from Japan died at 68:

Kiyoshi Atsumi

Kiyoshi Atsumi (March 10, 1928 Taitō-August 4, 1996 Tokyo) also known as Yasuo Tadokoro, Tadokoro Yasuo, Atsumi Kiyoshi or 田所康雄 was a Japanese actor.

He is best known for his role as Tora-san in the long-running film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo (It's Tough Being a Man). Atsumi appeared in 48 films as Tora-san between 1969 and 1995, and the series set a Guinness World Record for the longest running film series with the same lead actor. Atsumi's portrayal of the hapless and kind-hearted Tora-san earned him numerous awards and the love of fans all over Japan. Outside of his work in the Tora-san series, Atsumi also had a successful career as a singer and comedian. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 68.

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Nakamura Kichiemon I

Nakamura Kichiemon I (March 24, 1886 Asakusa, Tokyo-September 5, 1954) also known as Kichiemon Nakamura, 中村 吉右衛門, 中村吉右衛門 (初代), しょだい なかむら きちえもん, なかむら きちえもん, 初代 中村 吉右衛門, 秀山 or 波野 辰次郎 was a Japanese actor. He had two children, Seiko Fujima and Nakamura Kichiemon II.

Nakamura Kichiemon I was a kabuki actor and one of the most prominent actors of his time. He made his stage debut in 1902 and went on to become a leading figure in the kabuki world. He was known for his powerful performances and was highly regarded for his ability to portray a wide range of characters.

In addition to his work in kabuki, Nakamura Kichiemon I also appeared in several films and television dramas. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Order of the Sacred Treasure and the Order of Culture.

After his death in 1954, his son Nakamura Kichiemon II continued the family tradition and became an accomplished kabuki actor in his own right. Today, the Nakamura family is considered one of the most distinguished families in the world of kabuki.

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Ryūnosuke Tsukigata

Ryūnosuke Tsukigata (March 18, 1902 Misato-August 30, 1970) a.k.a. 月形 龍之介, 門田 潔人, 月形 竜之介, 月形 龍之助, 中村 東鬼蔵, 門田 東鬼蔵, 月形 陽候, つきがた はるさぶろう, Tokizo Nakamura, Nakamura Tokizo, Kiyoto Monden, Monden Tokizo, Harusaburo Tsukigata, Tokizo Monden, Tsukigata Ryūnosuke, Monden Kiyoto, Tsukigata Harusaburo or Ryunosuke Tsukigata was a Japanese actor. He had one child, Tetsunosuke Tsukigata.

Ryūnosuke Tsukigata was born in Misato, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. He began his acting career in 1927, with his debut film "Gunchō Tsuma Kurabe". He appeared in more than 300 films during his career which spanned over four decades. Tsukigata was known for his versatile acting skills, and he played a wide range of roles from samurai to police officers. He was particularly renowned for his performances in jidaigeki (period dramas) and yakuza films. One of his most famous roles was as the ruthless Police Detective Tajima in Akira Kurosawa's "Stray Dog" (1949).

Tsukigata was also a director, and he directed a few films in the 1950s. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon, the Order of the Sacred Treasure (5th class), and the Order of the Rising Sun (4th class) for his contributions to Japanese cinema. He passed away on August 30, 1970, at the age of 68.

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Toshiro Mayuzumi

Toshiro Mayuzumi (February 20, 1929 Yokohama-April 10, 1997 Kawasaki) also known as Toshirô Mayuzumi or Mayuzumi Toshiro was a Japanese film score composer, composer and actor. He had one child, Rintaro Mayuzumi.

He died in liver failure.

Mayuzumi was known for his avant-garde and experimental approach to music composition. He was heavily influenced by traditional Japanese music, as well as jazz and contemporary Western classical music. Mayuzumi's film scores include the critically acclaimed Akira Kurosawa films "Yojimbo" and "Sanjuro", as well as "The Bible" and "The Quiller Memorandum". He also composed ballets, operas, and other theatrical works. Mayuzumi was awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal in 1985 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1995 for his contributions to music. He was also an accomplished actor, appearing in several films and TV dramas throughout his career.

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Ureo Egawa

Ureo Egawa (May 7, 1902 Yokohama-May 20, 1970) otherwise known as Furetsu Nishiyama or Willy was a Japanese actor and film director.

He began his acting career in the early 1920s and quickly gained popularity for his performances in a number of silent films. As he progressed in his career, Egawa transitioned to directing and went on to direct several successful films, including "The Lady Pioneers" and "The Sister of Mercy".

In 1937, Egawa was drafted into the Japanese Imperial Army and served as a captain in World War II. After the war, he continued working in the film industry and also became a television personality. Egawa died in 1970 at the age of 68. His contributions to the film industry in Japan have earned him a place in the country's cinema history as one of its greatest stars.

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