Here are 6 famous actors from Japan died in 2002:
Sanji Hase (January 2, 1936 Tokyo-March 8, 2002 Toshima) a.k.a. Hirao Hase was a Japanese actor and voice actor. His child is called Arihiro Hase.
Sanji Hase had a prolific career in the entertainment industry. He started his acting career in 1958 and appeared in numerous theater productions, films, and television dramas. He was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to various anime series and films.
Some of his notable works include the anime series "Gatchaman" where he provided the voice for the character of Jinpei, and the film "Godzilla vs. Gigan" where he played the role of Shosaku Takasugi. He also appeared in popular Japanese drama series such as "Abarenbo Shogun" and "Daimajin Kanon".
Apart from acting, Sanji Hase also worked as a scriptwriter and director for television dramas. His talent and contributions to the industry were recognized when he was awarded the Best Supporting Actor award at the 18th Japan Academy Prize for his role in the film "A Class to Remember".
Sanji Hase passed away on March 8, 2002, at the age of 66 due to heart disease.
Read more about Sanji Hase on Wikipedia »
Hideo Murota (October 7, 1937 Otaru-June 15, 2002 Shinjuku) also known as Hideo Shimada, The Piranha Gang, むろた ひでお, Murota Hideo, 室田 日出男 or ピラニア軍団 was a Japanese actor.
He started his career in theater and eventually transitioned into film and television. In the 1960s, he began working with the Nikkatsu studio and became a part of their "Action Guys" group of actors, known for their roles in yakuza and action films. Murota appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, including several entries in the popular Battles Without Honor and Humanity series. He also appeared in television dramas and variety shows, and was known for his larger-than-life personality both on and off screen. In addition to acting, Murota was a skilled guitarist and often incorporated music into his performances. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 64 from lung cancer.
Read more about Hideo Murota on Wikipedia »
Toshihito Ito (February 16, 1962 Niigata-May 24, 2002) also known as Toshihito Itô or Toshihito Itoh was a Japanese actor.
He began his career in the entertainment industry by appearing in various TV dramas and films in the 1980s. He is best known for his portrayal of a troubled young man in the critically acclaimed film, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" in 1983, which also starred David Bowie and Tom Conti.
Ito continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous films, TV dramas, and stage productions throughout his career. He was regarded as a versatile performer who could seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles.
Sadly, Ito passed away at the young age of 40 due to a heart attack while practicing his role as Macbeth in a stage production. His sudden passing shocked the entertainment industry and he is still remembered as a talented actor who left a lasting impression on his audiences.
Read more about Toshihito Ito on Wikipedia »
Eken Mine (February 15, 1935 Nagasaki Prefecture-February 6, 2002) also known as Mine Eken was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He was affiliated with the talent agency Aoni Production until his death in 2002. Mine began his career in the entertainment industry in the late 1950s as a theater actor. He later began doing voice work in anime and worked on many popular series over the years, including "Tiger Mask" and "Fist of the North Star". His work also extended to video games, where he provided voiceovers for characters in the "Final Fantasy" and "Tales of" series. In addition to his voice acting work, Mine also appeared in live-action films and television dramas. Some of his notable roles include the film "Empire of Passion" and the television drama "Soredemo, Ikite Yuku". With a career spanning over four decades, Mine is remembered as one of the most versatile and talented voice actors in Japanese entertainment history.
Read more about Eken Mine on Wikipedia »
Peter Miles (April 1, 1938 Tokyo-August 3, 2002 Los Angeles) also known as Gerald Perreau, Gerald Perreau-Saissine, Gerald Richard Perreau-Saussine or Richard Miles was a Japanese writer and actor.
Peter Miles, born in Tokyo in 1938, was an accomplished writer and actor famous for his work in the entertainment industry. He also went by various other names, including Gerald Perreau, Gerald Perreau-Saissine, Gerald Richard Perreau-Saussine, and Richard Miles. As a writer, he authored several acclaimed books, including "The Making of a Japanese Peruvian" and "Five Tastes of Japan: Recipes from Tokyo's Top Restaurants."
Alongside his writing career, Miles was also a talented actor, appearing in several films and TV shows from the 1950s through the 1980s. Some of his notable acting credits include roles in "Mutiny on the Bounty," "The Adventures of Robin Hood," and "The Twilight Zone." He was also known for his voice work in animated projects such as "Star Blazers" and "Battle of the Planets."
Miles passed away in Los Angeles in 2002, leaving behind a rich legacy in both the literary and entertainment worlds.
Read more about Peter Miles on Wikipedia »
Shinsuke Mikimoto (May 22, 1931 Kanazawa-August 5, 2002 Setagaya) a.k.a. Mikimoto Shinsuke was a Japanese actor.
He began his acting career in 1951 when he appeared in the movie "Ushimitsu no mura". Mikimoto appeared in over 100 films and Television dramas throughout his career. Some of his notable works include the films "The War of the Gargantuas" (1966), "Branded to Kill" (1967), and "Black Rain" (1989). He also appeared in the TV series "Zenigata Heiji" and "Mito Kōmon". Mikimoto was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Japan Academy Prize for his role in the 1991 film "My Sons". He passed away in 2002 at the age of 71 due to lung cancer.
Read more about Shinsuke Mikimoto on Wikipedia »