Here are 4 famous actors from Japan died in Esophageal cancer:
Kihachi Okamoto (February 17, 1924 Yonago-February 19, 2005 Tama-ku, Kawasaki) a.k.a. Kihachiro Okamoto was a Japanese film director, screenwriter and actor. His child is called Mami Okamoto.
Okamoto was known for his unique and versatile style, often blending elements of action, drama, and comedy in his films. He began his career in the film industry in the 1950s, working as an assistant director before directing his first feature, "Desperado Outpost," in 1959.
One of Okamoto's most famous films is "Sword of Doom" (1966), which is widely considered one of the greatest samurai films ever made. He also directed "Kill!" (1968), a satirical take on the samurai genre, and "Battle of Okinawa" (1971), a war film based on his own experiences as a soldier during World War II.
In addition to his work in film, Okamoto also wrote several books, including an autobiography in which he reflected on his experiences as a soldier during the war. He continued to work in the film industry until his death in 2005 at the age of 81.
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Mako Iwamatsu (December 10, 1933 Kobe-July 21, 2006 Somis) otherwise known as Makoto Iwamatsu, Mako Wakamatsu, Iwamatsu Mako, 岩松 マコ or Mako was a Japanese actor and voice actor. He had two children, Sala Iwamatsu and Mimosa Iwamatsu.
Mako had over 100 film, television and stage credits to his name throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the films "The Sand Pebbles" (1966), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and "Rising Sun" (1993). He also lent his voice to a number of animated films and TV series, including the character Aku in the animated series "Samurai Jack." Mako was also an accomplished theater actor, founding the East West Players in Los Angeles in 1965. He was a trailblazer for Asian American actors, paving the way for greater representation and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Mako passed away in 2006 at the age of 72 due to esophageal cancer.
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Isao Kimura (July 22, 1923 Hiroshima-July 4, 1981 Tokyo) also known as Ko Kimura, Kimura Isao? or Kō Kimura was a Japanese actor.
He began his career in entertainment as a child actor in the 1930s and went on to star in over 200 films. Kimura became known for his roles in samurai and yakuza movies, but also appeared in dramas and comedies.
In 1952, he formed his own production company, Isao Productions, and began producing and directing films. He was also a accomplished stage actor, performing in theater productions throughout his career.
Kimura was widely recognized for his talent and contributions to the Japanese film industry. He received numerous awards for his acting, including the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor in 1955 and 1959.
Despite his success on screen, Kimura struggled with personal issues throughout his life. He was known to be a heavy drinker and had a tumultuous love life. Kimura passed away in 1981 from liver cancer at the age of 57.
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Shin Kishida (October 17, 1939 Asagaya-December 28, 1982 Tokyo) a.k.a. Shin Akekawa, Akekawa Shin, Kishida Shin or Mori Kishida was a Japanese actor, voice actor, playwright and theatre director.
Kishida began his acting career in the early 1960s and eventually became a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry. He starred in several movies and television dramas, including the popular period drama "Mito Kōmon". In addition to his acting work, Kishida was also a playwright and theatre director, known for his avant-garde productions. He founded his own theatre company, called Shin Kishida Theatre, and produced a number of plays throughout his career. Kishida also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to several anime and film productions. His life was tragically cut short when he died of cancer at the age of 43.
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