Japanese movie stars died in 1996
Here are 5 famous actors from Japan died in 1996:
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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Akiji Kobayashi
Akiji Kobayashi (September 26, 1930 Yodobashi, Tokyo-August 27, 1996 Aoba-ku, Yokohama) otherwise known as Shôji Kobayashi, Kobayashi Akiji, Shoji Kobayashi or Issei Mori was a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He began his career as a stage actor before transitioning into film and television. Kobayashi's most well-known film roles include "The Human Bullet" (1968), "Cops vs. Thugs" (1975), and "The Yakuza Papers" (1973-1974). He also voiced numerous characters in anime and video games, such as Captain Hook in the Japanese dub of Disney's "Peter Pan" (1953), and Professor Ochanomizu in the anime series "Astro Boy" (1963-1966). Kobayashi was highly respected in the Japanese film industry, and was awarded the Best Supporting Actor award at the 20th Japan Academy Prize for his role in the film "Tora-san's Island Encounter" (1985).
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Arihiro Hase
Arihiro Hase (April 22, 1965 Tokyo-July 30, 1996 Tokyo) was a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He is best known for his role as Kai Shiden in the anime series "Mobile Suit Gundam," as well as his work on other popular anime titles such as "Sailor Moon," "Dragon Ball Z," and "Fist of the North Star." Hase began his career in acting in the 1980s, starring in various TV dramas and movies before moving into voice acting in the 1990s. Tragically, Hase passed away at the age of 31 due to a motorcycle accident. Despite his short life, he left a lasting impact on the anime and entertainment industries in Japan.
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Frankie Sakai
Frankie Sakai (February 13, 1929 Kagoshima-June 10, 1996 Tokyo) also known as フランキー堺, Masatoshi Sakai or 堺正俊 was a Japanese comedian, actor and musician.
He began his career as a musician, performing jazz and blues music in nightclubs. He later discovered his talent for comedy, and began appearing on television and in movies. He became one of Japan's most beloved comedians, known for his quick wit and ability to make people laugh.
In addition to his comedy and music careers, Sakai was also an accomplished actor, appearing in over 100 films and television shows. He was particularly skilled at playing both comedic and dramatic roles, and was renowned for his versatility as an actor.
Sakai was also a philanthropist, known for his charitable work and his dedication to helping those in need. He was particularly passionate about working with children, and was involved in a number of organizations that focused on providing support and resources to young people.
Despite his success and fame, Sakai remained humble and down-to-earth throughout his life, and was widely respected for his kindness and generosity. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most beloved and talented entertainers.
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Isao Yamagata
Isao Yamagata (July 25, 1915 London-June 28, 1996) a.k.a. Yamagata Isao was a Japanese actor.
He started his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous films and television dramas throughout his career. Some of his notable works include "The Ballad of Narayama" (1958), "Black River" (1957), and "Samurai Banners" (1969). He was also a prolific voice actor and lent his voice to various animated characters including Goemon Ishikawa XIII in the Lupin III series. Along with his acting career, Yamagata served as the president of the theatrical company Engeki Kyokai. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
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