Japanese movie stars died at 78
Here are 7 famous actors from Japan died at 78:
Kōjirō Kusanagi
Kōjirō Kusanagi (September 19, 1929 Kita, Tokyo-November 11, 2007 Mitaka) also known as Kusanagi Kōjirō, 草薙幸二郎, Kôjirô Kusanagi, 草薙 幸次郎 or くさなぎ こうじろう was a Japanese actor. He had one child, Jin Kusanagi.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
Kusanagi was known for his distinctive voice and his work in both television and film. He made his acting debut in 1954 in the film "Swordsman and Three Musketeers" and went on to star in numerous films throughout his career. Some of his most notable film roles include "Red Beard" and "Gojo reisenki: Gojoe" in 2000.
In addition to his film work, Kusanagi was also a renowned television actor. He starred in the popular Japanese television series "Abarenbo Shogun" from 1978 to 1994, playing the role of Matsudaira Ken. He also starred in the television series "Hissatsu Shigotonin" from 1972 to 1974 and "G-Men '75" from 1975 to 1982.
Kusanagi was the recipient of numerous awards throughout his career, including the Blue Ribbon Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 1965 and 1981. He was also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his contributions to the arts in 2007.
Beyond his work in entertainment, Kusanagi was known for his charitable efforts. He was a supporter of the Japanese Red Cross Society and frequently visited hospitals to bring joy to patients.
Kusanagi's legacy continues to live on through his son Jin, who is also an actor.
Read more about Kōjirō Kusanagi on Wikipedia »
Kei Tani
Kei Tani (February 22, 1932 Ōta, Tokyo-September 11, 2010 Mitaka) also known as Yasuo Watabe, Tani Kei, 谷 啓, 渡部 泰雄, Watabe Yasuo, わたべ やすお, たに けい or Tanikei was a Japanese comedian, actor and musician.
He died in cerebral contusion.
Kei Tani started his career in the entertainment industry by playing the guitar and singing in a jazz band. He then transitioned into acting, making his debut in 1955 in the film "Yoru no Sugao". Over the course of his career, he appeared in over 100 films and television dramas. He was known for his comedic roles in films such as "Tora-san's Dream of Spring" and "Tora-san's Sunrise and Sunset" from the popular "Otoko wa Tsurai yo" (It's Tough Being a Man) series. Tani was also a regular guest on the television show "Shimura Ken no Bakatono-sama", which helped to make him a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment. In addition to acting and music, he also worked as a voice actor and comic book artist. Kei Tani was a talented performer and his contributions to Japanese entertainment will be remembered for many years to come.
Read more about Kei Tani on Wikipedia »
Kei Suma
Kei Suma (September 4, 1935 Hokkaido-December 7, 2013 Tokyo) also known as Suma kei, すまけい or 須磨 啓 was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in 1959 in the film "The Human Condition." Throughout his career, he appeared in over 200 films, including "The Sword of Doom," "High and Low," and "Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo." Suma was known for his versatility as an actor, playing roles in a variety of genres including samurai films, dramas, and comedies. He won the Best Actor award at the Blue Ribbon Awards in 1984 for his role in "The Catch." Suma also worked extensively in television, appearing in many dramas and variety shows. In addition to acting, he was a trained calligrapher and taught calligraphy in his later years. Suma passed away in 2013 from heart failure at the age of 78.
Read more about Kei Suma on Wikipedia »
Makoto Satō
Makoto Satō (March 18, 1934 Kanzaki District, Saga-December 6, 2012) a.k.a. Makoto Sato was a Japanese actor. He had one child, Tosuke Sato.
He died caused by acute pneumonia.
Makoto Sato was a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry for over four decades. He began his acting career in 1953 with the movie "Tokyo Twilight". Sato then went on to appear in numerous films and television dramas, earning critical acclaim for his performances. He was best known for his roles in movies such as "The Human Condition" and "The Gate of Youth". Sato was also an accomplished stage actor, appearing in numerous productions throughout his career. Along with his acting career, he was also involved in the production of movies and television dramas. Makoto Sato was highly respected by his peers in the industry and was a recipient of the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actor in 1989. Despite his success, Sato maintained a humble and down-to-earth demeanor, earning the admiration and respect of his fans and colleagues alike.
Read more about Makoto Satō on Wikipedia »
Atsushi Watanabe
Atsushi Watanabe (April 9, 1898 Asakusa, Tokyo-February 27, 1977) a.k.a. Soichi Watanabe or Watanabe Soichi was a Japanese actor.
Watanabe started his acting career in the 1920s and is well known for his roles in Japanese cinema during the 1930s and 1940s. He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, including many samurai films and jidaigeki genre movies. Watanabe was also the head of the actors' association in Japan for many years, and was recognized by the Japanese government for his contributions to the film industry. Later in his career, he also worked in television dramas. Watanabe passed away in 1977 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most enduring and beloved actors.
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Matsumoto Kōshirō VII
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII (May 12, 1870 Inabe District, Mie-January 28, 1949) a.k.a. Ichikawa Somegoro IV, Kintaro Fujima, Ichikawa Komazo VIII or Fujima Kintaro was a Japanese actor. His children are called Matsumoto Hakuō I, Ichikawa Danjūrō XI and Onoe Shoroku II.
Matsumoto Kōshirō VII was best known for his contributions to the Japanese theatrical arts, particularly as a Kabuki actor. He was considered one of the most skilled and respected actors of his time, and was awarded numerous accolades throughout his career. Kōshirō VII's acting style was marked by effortless grace, an expressive face, and a natural sense of timing.
Beyond his work on the stage, he also made a number of film appearances, including in the silent film "A Page of Madness" (1926), considered a masterpiece of Japanese cinema. Throughout his life, Kōshirō VII was committed to preserving the traditions of Kabuki and promoting it to new audiences. His influence on the art form is still felt today.
Kōshirō VII's legacy is carried on by his children and their descendants, many of whom have also become accomplished actors in their own right.
Read more about Matsumoto Kōshirō VII on Wikipedia »
Hitoshi Takagi
Hitoshi Takagi (February 26, 1925 Tokyo Prefecture-February 11, 2004 Japan) also known as Kin Takagi or Takagi Hitoshi was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He died as a result of myocardial ischemia.
Hitoshi Takagi was a prolific voice actor who was known for his roles in many classic anime series, including "Mobile Suit Gundam" (1979) where he played the character of Ramba Ral, and "Astro Boy" (1962) where he voiced the character of Higeoyaji. He also lent his voice to many other popular anime shows like "Bonobono" (1995), "Tama and Friends" (1983), and "Dog of Flanders" (1975).
In addition to his work as a voice actor, Takagi was also an accomplished actor who appeared in many films and TV dramas. Some of the notable works he appeared in include "The Last Days of the World" (1974), "Gaki Rock" (1984), and "Bakumatsu Taiyoden" (1957).
Throughout his career, Hitoshi Takagi was recognized for his outstanding work in the voice acting industry, and he received several awards for his contributions. In 2004, he was posthumously awarded the "Merit Award" by the International Drama Festival in Tokyo for his role in the TV drama "Shin Hakkenden" (1993).
Read more about Hitoshi Takagi on Wikipedia »