Japanese movie stars died at 76
Here are 12 famous actors from Japan died at 76:
Takashi Shimura
Takashi Shimura (March 12, 1905 Ikuno-February 11, 1982 Tokyo) also known as Shoji Shimazaki, Shimura Takashi or Shimazaki Shoji was a Japanese actor.
He died as a result of emphysema.
Shimura is perhaps best known for his work with director Akira Kurosawa. He appeared in 21 of Kurosawa's films, including "Seven Samurai" and "Ikiru." Shimura also worked with other notable Japanese directors such as Kenji Mizoguchi and Ishiro Honda.
In addition to his film work, Shimura also had a successful career in theater. He was a member of the Shiki Theatre Company and appeared in numerous plays throughout his career.
Shimura was admired for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray both dramatic and comedic roles. He won several awards throughout his career, including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor and the Mainichi Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Today, Shimura is remembered as one of Japan's greatest actors and a true icon of Japanese cinema.
Read more about Takashi Shimura on Wikipedia »
Kazuo Hasegawa
Kazuo Hasegawa (February 27, 1908 Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-April 6, 1984 Tokyo) also known as Chôjirô Hayashi, Chojiro Hayashi, Hasegawa Kazuo, 長谷川 一夫, Hayashi Chomaru, 林 長丸, はやし ちょうまる, はせがわ かずお, Chomaru Hayashi, はやし ちょうじろう, 林 長二郎 or Hayashi Chojiro was a Japanese actor. His children are called Naritoshi Hayashi, Michiko Ono and Kiyo Hasegawa.
Kazuo Hasegawa was a versatile actor who appeared in over 160 films throughout his career. He was best known for his roles in historical films, particularly those based on works by Japanese author Yasunari Kawabata. Hasegawa began his acting career in the 1930s and quickly gained a reputation for his talent and range. He appeared in films of many genres, including drama, comedy, and action, and was equally skilled in each.
Hasegawa's personal life was also marked by tragedy. His wife and young son were killed in the bombing of Tokyo during World War II. Despite this devastating loss, Hasegawa continued to work and became one of the most respected actors of his time.
In addition to his acting career, Hasegawa was also a painter and calligrapher. His work was exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Japan.
Kazuo Hasegawa passed away in 1984 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's greatest actors.
Read more about Kazuo Hasegawa on Wikipedia »
Tetsu Komai
Tetsu Komai (April 23, 1894 Kumamoto-August 10, 1970 Gardena) was a Japanese actor.
He died as a result of heart failure.
Tetsu Komai was born in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, in 1894. He started his acting career in the early 1920s, appearing in popular Japanese films such as Orochi (1925) and The Neighbor's Wife and Mine (1931). In the 1940s, he starred in several propaganda films for the Imperial Japanese Army, including the controversial documentary Battle of Malaya (1942). After World War II, he continued to act in films, including Yasujiro Ozu's Late Spring (1949) and Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954). Komai also worked in theater in both Japan and the United States. He moved to California in the 1960s and continued to work in films such as Flower Drum Song (1961) and Hell to Eternity (1960). He passed away in Gardena, California in 1970 at the age of 76.
Read more about Tetsu Komai on Wikipedia »
Osamu Kobayashi
Osamu Kobayashi (November 22, 1934 Tokyo-June 28, 2011 Bunkyō) a.k.a. Kobayashi Osamu was a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He died as a result of pancreatic cancer.
During his career, Osamu Kobayashi acted in various films and television dramas. He was also known for his voice acting work, lending his voice to several popular anime characters such as Daisuke Jigen from the Lupin III franchise, Detective Megure from Detective Conan, and Doctor Ochanomizu from Astro Boy. Kobayashi was a respected figure in the Japanese entertainment industry and his contributions were recognized by his peers. He received the Seiyu Award for lifetime achievement in 2010, a year before his passing.
Read more about Osamu Kobayashi on Wikipedia »
Makoto Fujita
Makoto Fujita (April 13, 1933 Ikebukuro-February 17, 2010 Suita) a.k.a. Makoto Harada, 藤田 まこと, はらだ まこと, ふじた まこと, Fujita Makoto, 原田 眞, Harada Makoto, Haguretei Umanosuke or はぐれ亭馬之助 was a Japanese actor, comedian and singer. He had one child, Emiko Fujita.
He died caused by aortic aneurysm.
Makoto Fujita began his entertainment career as a singer, under the name Haguretei Umanosuke. He became known for his comedic acting, particularly in the television series "Shimura Ken no Bakatono-sama" and "Ranma 1/2." Fujita's talent for physical comedy earned him a devoted following in Japan, and he was also well-respected for his work as a stage actor. In addition to his entertainment career, Fujita was a passionate collector of Japanese antiques, particularly those related to the samurai. He often appeared on television and in print discussing his collection and advocating for the preservation of Japanese cultural heritage. Fujita's death in 2010 was mourned by fans throughout Japan, and he remains an influential figure in Japanese comedy and entertainment.
Read more about Makoto Fujita on Wikipedia »
Kōji Wakamatsu
Kōji Wakamatsu (April 1, 1936 Wakuya-October 17, 2012 Shinjuku) a.k.a. Takashi Ito, Wakamatsu Kōji, Ito Takashi, Kôji Wakamatsu or Koji Wakamatsu was a Japanese film director, screenwriter, film producer and actor.
He died caused by traffic collision.
Kōji Wakamatsu was considered one of the most important figures from the Japanese New Wave era of the 1960s and 1970s. He directed over 100 films, many of which were controversial due to their graphic depictions of sex and violence. Wakamatsu's films often tackled subjects considered taboo in Japanese society, such as political corruption and prostitution. He was also a staunch activist and supporter of leftist and anti-establishment movements in Japan. In addition to his work in film, Wakamatsu was a prolific writer, penning numerous essays and books on film and social issues. Despite his controversial reputation, he remained a highly respected figure in Japanese cinema until his death in 2012.
Read more about Kōji Wakamatsu on Wikipedia »
Tôru Abe
Tôru Abe (March 28, 1917 Munakata District, Fukuoka-July 18, 1993) also known as Tooru Abe or Toru Abe was a Japanese actor.
He died as a result of cancer.
Tôru Abe began his career on stage and made his acting debut in the 1940s. He later transitioned to film and television and appeared in numerous productions throughout his career. Abe was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to take on a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic.
Some of his notable film roles include "Yatsu Haka-mura" (1961), "Red Lion" (1969), and the acclaimed "Black Rain" (1989), directed by Shohei Imamura. Abe also had a successful career in television, appearing in a number of popular dramas such as "Tokugawa Ieyasu" (1983).
Aside from his work in film and television, Abe was also a dedicated theater actor and director, and was a founding member of the Bungakuza theater company.
Throughout his career, Tôru Abe received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performances, including the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, which he received in 1986. His influence on Japanese cinema and theater continues to be felt to this day.
Read more about Tôru Abe on Wikipedia »
Kanjūrō Arashi
Kanjūrō Arashi (December 8, 1903 Kyoto-October 21, 1980 Kyoto) also known as Kanjuro Arashi, Chosaburo Arashi, Chôsaburô Arashi, Teruichi Takahashi, Arakan, Arashi Kanjūrō, Arashi Nagasaburo, 嵐 寛壽郎, たかはし てるいち, あらし ながさぶろう, 嵐 長三郎, 嵐 徳太郎, Arashi Wakadayu, あらし とくたろう, Nagasaburo Arashi, 嵐 和歌太夫, Tokutaro Arashi, 高橋 照一, 嵐 寛寿郎, Takahashi Teruichi, Arashi Tokutaro, あらし わかだゆう, 天狗のおじさん, アラカン or Arashi Kanjuro was a Japanese actor.
He was best known for his roles in jidaigeki, historical dramas set in feudal Japan, and yakuza films. Arashi began his acting career in the 1920s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that he became a prominent figure in the film industry. He appeared in over 200 films during his career, often playing tough, no-nonsense characters. Arashi was also a martial arts expert, having trained in judo, kendo, and karate. He was a member of the Japan Action Club, an organization founded by legendary martial arts actor Sonny Chiba, and served as a mentor to actors such as Toshiro Mifune and Ken Takakura. Arashi received numerous awards for his contributions to Japanese cinema, including the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1977.
Read more about Kanjūrō Arashi on Wikipedia »
Onoe Shoroku II
Onoe Shoroku II (March 28, 1913 Tokyo-June 25, 1989) also known as Fujima Yutaka or Yutaka Fujima was a Japanese dancer and actor. He had two children, Onoe Tatsunosuke I and Fujima Kanza.
He died in acute pneumonia.
Onoe Shoroku II was born into a family of Kabuki actors in Tokyo, Japan. He started his career in the arts as a Kabuki actor, taking on the name Onoe Shoroku at the age of 16. However, he later shifted his focus towards traditional Japanese dance, becoming a prominent figure in the art form.
Throughout his career, Onoe Shoroku II performed in numerous productions and was known for his refined and elegant style of dance. He was also active in the film industry, appearing in several movies throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
In addition to his contributions to the performing arts, Onoe Shoroku II was also known for his efforts in preserving traditional Japanese culture. He served as the chairman of the Japan Traditional Dance Association and was a frequent participant in festivals and cultural events.
Onoe Shoroku II's legacy continues to influence the world of traditional Japanese dance today, and his contributions to the arts are celebrated both in Japan and around the world.
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San'yūtei Enraku V
San'yūtei Enraku V (December 29, 1932 Tokyo City-October 29, 2009 Nakano, Tokyo) a.k.a. Hiromi Yoshikawa, Enraku San-yūtei V, Godaime San-yūtei Enraku or Enraku Sanyûtei was a Japanese comedian and actor.
He was the fifth generation of the San'yūtei Enraku rakugo storytelling tradition. Enraku V began his career as a rakugo performer, but also performed in films, television dramas, and variety shows. He was known for his mastery of the art of rakugo, which involves the telling of comic and sometimes bawdy stories in a traditional Japanese style. Enraku V was also an accomplished actor, appearing in a number of films and television dramas during his career. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1993 for his contributions to Japanese culture. Enraku V continued to perform rakugo until his death in 2009 at the age of 76.
Read more about San'yūtei Enraku V on Wikipedia »
Jirō Sakagami
Jirō Sakagami (April 16, 1934 Kagoshima Prefecture-March 10, 2011 Tochigi Prefecture) also known as Jiro Sakagami was a Japanese comedian, singer and actor.
He was part of the comedy duo "The Drifters" along with his friend and longtime partner, Ken Shimura. Sakagami was known for his unique brand of comedy which involved physical comedy and puns. He was also an accomplished singer and released several albums throughout his career. In addition to his success in comedy, Sakagami also appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He retired from show business in 1986, but remained a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment until his death in 2011.
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Ichirō Murakoshi
Ichirō Murakoshi (December 2, 1930 Tokyo Prefecture-May 23, 2007) a.k.a. Yoshikazu Murakoshi, Murakoshi Ichirō or Murakoshi Yoshikazu was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He made his debut as a voice actor in 1962. Some of his notable roles include Professor Peabody in the Japanese dub of "Peabody's Improbable History", the Japanese dub of the Genie in Disney's "Aladdin" and the narrator in the popular television series "Dragon Ball". In addition to his voice acting work, Murakoshi also appeared in films and television dramas throughout his career. He was known for his smooth and versatile voice, and was highly respected within the industry. Murakoshi passed away in 2007 at the age of 76 due to heart failure.
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