Pathetic Facts

Japanese actors died because of Pneumonia

Here are 16 famous actors from Japan died in Pneumonia:

Yorozuya Kinnosuke

Yorozuya Kinnosuke (November 20, 1932 Tokyo-March 10, 1997 Kashiwa) also known as Yorozuya Kinnosuke, Kin'nosuke Nakamura, Kinnosuke Yorozuya Nakamura, よろずやきんのすけ, なかむらきんのすけ, 小川錦一, 萬屋錦之介, おがわきんいち, 中村錦之助, Nakamura Kin'nosuke, Ogawa Kin'ichi, 初代中村錦之助, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Nakamura Yorozuya, Kinnosuke Nakamura or Kinnosuke Yorozuya was a Japanese actor. He had two children, Kichinosuke Yorozuya and Akihiro Ogawa.

Yorozuya Kinnosuke was born as Kin'ichi Ogawa in Tokyo, Japan. He began his career as a kabuki actor, taking the stage name Nakamura Kinnosuke, and was considered a rising star in the art. However, he decided to transition to film acting and changed his name to Yorozuya Kinnosuke, as there was already another actor with a similar name.

He quickly became a popular leading man in samurai movies, with his good looks, charisma, and swordsmanship skills. He starred in over 160 films, including the popular "Nemuri Kyoshiro" series. He was also known for his work in television dramas, including the long-running "Mito Komon" series.

Yorozuya Kinnosuke was a passionate golfer and often played with fellow actors and celebrities. He also had an interest in traditional Japanese culture, and was a collector of antique swords and armor. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 64 from lung cancer.

Read more about Yorozuya Kinnosuke on Wikipedia »

Tetsurō Tamba

Tetsurō Tamba (July 17, 1922 Tokyo-September 24, 2006 Tokyo) a.k.a. Tetsuro Tanba, Tetsurô Tamba, Tetzuro Tamba, Tanba Tetsuro, Seizaburo Tanba, Tanba Seizaburo, Shozaburo Tanba, Tetsurô Tanba or Tetsuro Tamba was a Japanese actor. His children are called Yoshitaka Tamba and Masaki Mori.

Tetsurō Tamba was a prolific actor whose career spanned over five decades. He made his acting debut in 1946 and went on to appear in over 250 films and television shows, both in Japan and internationally. Some of his notable film roles include the character Tiger Tanaka in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice" (1967), and the role of Captain Okumura in the war film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970).

Tetsurō Tamba was also a versatile actor, known for his ability to play both serious and comedic roles. He was a popular figure in Japanese television, appearing in many dramas and variety shows. In addition to his acting career, Tamba worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to numerous Japanese dubs of foreign films and TV shows.

Tetsurō Tamba was recognized for his contributions to Japanese cinema, receiving numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1980 and the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2006.

Read more about Tetsurō Tamba on Wikipedia »

Hideyo Amamoto

Hideyo Amamoto (January 2, 1926 Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyūshū-March 23, 2003 Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyūshū) a.k.a. Eisei Amamoto or Amamoto Hideyo was a Japanese actor.

He began his career as a stage actor, but later became a prominent figure in Japanese cinema, appearing in over 300 films throughout his career. Amamoto was best known for his work in the kaiju film genre, having appeared in numerous entries in the Godzilla and Gamera franchises. In addition to his film work, he also appeared in a number of Japanese television dramas. Despite his success on screen, Amamoto remained known for his humility and dedication to his craft throughout his life.

Read more about Hideyo Amamoto on Wikipedia »

Hiroaki Aoki

Hiroaki Aoki (October 9, 1938 Tokyo-July 10, 2008 New York City) also known as Rocky Aoki was a Japanese actor. His children are called Devon Aoki, Steve Aoki, Kyle N. Aoki, Kana Grace Nootenboom, Kevin Y. Aoki, Echo V. Aoki and Jenifer Crumb.

Hiroaki Aoki was not only an actor, but also a successful businessman and the founder of the popular Japanese restaurant chain Benihana. After immigrating to the United States in the 1950s, he initially worked as a wrestler before opening the first Benihana restaurant in New York City in 1964. Aoki's unique concept of an interactive dining experience where diners could watch their meals being prepared on a teppanyaki grill by a chef has since become a popular trend in Japanese cuisine and an international franchise. In addition to his business venture, Aoki was a philanthropist and dedicated much of his time and resources to various charities and non-profit organizations.

Read more about Hiroaki Aoki on Wikipedia »

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.

Kusanagi began his acting career in 1950 and appeared in over 175 films throughout his career. He was known for his roles in Akira Kurosawa's films, including "The Seven Samurai" and "Yojimbo". Kusanagi also played the role of Kirei in the television series "Kamen Rider" in the 1970s. In addition to his acting career, Kusanagi was also a vocal coach and mentor to many Japanese singers and actors. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 78.

Read more about Kōjirō Kusanagi on Wikipedia »

Yoshio Harada

Yoshio Harada (February 29, 1940 Adachi-July 19, 2011 Tokyo) also known as Harada Yoshio was a Japanese actor. He had two children, Mayu Harada and Kenta Harada.

Harada began his acting career in 1961 and gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for his roles in popular Japanese films, such as "The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On" in 1987 and "Sumo Do, Sumo Don't" in 1992. He won several awards for Best Supporting Actor, including the Japan Academy Prize for "Warm Water Under a Red Bridge" in 2002. Harada was also a stage actor and director, and founded his own theater company in 1989. He continued to act in both film and theater until his death in 2011 at age 71.

Read more about Yoshio Harada on Wikipedia »

Sessue Hayakawa

Sessue Hayakawa (June 10, 1889 Chikura-November 23, 1973 Tokyo) also known as Sesshū Hayakawa, Kintarô Hayakawa, 早川雪洲, 早川金太郎, Hayakawa Kintarō, Hayakawa or Kintaro Hayakawa was a Japanese actor, drama coach, film producer, screenwriter, novelist, martial artist, film director and theatrical producer. He had three children, Yoshiko Hayakawa, Fujiko Hayakawa and Yukio Hayakawa.

Hayakawa left Japan for the United States in 1913 and became a silent film star, known for his roles in films such as "The Cheat" and "The Dragon Painter." He was one of the highest-paid actors of his time and became the first Asian-American leading man in Hollywood. However, because of racism and discrimination, Hayakawa eventually left Hollywood to pursue his own production company and even returned to Japan to make films. He continued to act and produce films until his death in 1973, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering Asian-American actor and filmmaker. Beyond his work in film, Hayakawa was also a man of great cultural and intellectual stature, publishing articles and books on Japanese art and culture, and was a political activist who fought for Asian-American rights.

Read more about Sessue Hayakawa on Wikipedia »

Kōichi Kitamura

Kōichi Kitamura (December 18, 1931 Osaka Prefecture-October 2, 2007 Shinjuku) a.k.a. Koichi Kitamura, Kôichi Kitamura, 木村一, Hajimu Kimura, 北村弘一, Kimura Hajimu, Kitamura Kōichi or Kouichi Kitamura was a Japanese voice actor and actor.

Kōichi Kitamura started his career as an actor in the 1950s and starred in numerous Japanese films and television dramas. He began lending his voice to animated characters in the 1960s and became a prominent voice actor, voicing characters such as Doctor Eggman in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and Doraemon in the anime series of the same name. Kitamura was also a prolific narrator and lent his voice to various documentary films and television shows. In addition to his voice acting and acting work, Kitamura was also a published author and wrote several novels and essays throughout his career. He passed away on October 2, 2007 due to liver cancer at the age of 75.

Read more about Kōichi Kitamura on Wikipedia »

Hideaki Nitani

Hideaki Nitani (January 28, 1930 Maizuru-January 7, 2012 Shinjuku) otherwise known as Nitani Hidaki or Dump Truck Guy was a Japanese actor. His child is called Yurie Nitani.

Nitani began his acting career in the early 1950s and appeared in over 200 films and TV dramas, often playing tough guy roles. He gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with his portrayal of rough, no-nonsense characters, earning him the nickname "Dump Truck Guy" for his rugged appearance. His work in the Japanese film industry garnered critical acclaim and he received several awards throughout his career. In addition to his acting, Nitani also worked as a director and screenwriter for a number of films. He passed away in January 2012 at the age of 81 due to complications from pneumonia.

Read more about Hideaki Nitani on Wikipedia »

Kei Sato

Kei Sato (December 21, 1928 Aizuwakamatsu-May 2, 2010 Setagaya) a.k.a. Keinosuke Sato, Satō Kei, 佐藤慶 or Kei Satô was a Japanese actor and voice actor.

He was born in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Sato was known for his versatile acting skills and appeared in over 100 films and television dramas throughout his career. He rose to prominence in the 1960s with his roles in films such as "The Human Condition" and "Pigs and Battleships". He also appeared in internationally acclaimed films such as "Kwaidan" and "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". In addition to his work in film, Sato was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous anime and video game characters. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1993 and the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2010 for his contributions to Japan's entertainment industry.

Read more about Kei Sato on Wikipedia »

Shōji Nakayama

Shōji Nakayama (February 26, 1928 Hongō-December 1, 1998) a.k.a. 中山昭二, Nakayama Shōji, なかやましょうじ, 中山昭治 or Nakayama was a Japanese actor.

He began his acting career in 1949 and went on to appear in over 150 films and TV dramas over the course of his career. Nakayama was known for his versatility and range as an actor, playing a wide variety of roles from heroic protagonists to villainous antagonists. He was particularly famous for his roles in jidaigeki (historical dramas) and yakuza films. Some of his most notable performances were in films such as "Haikara-san ga Tooru" (1978), "The Ballad of Narayama" (1983), and "The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On" (1987). Nakayama received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor in 1984 for his role in "Dormitory of the Flesh" (1984). He passed away in 1998 at the age of 70.

Read more about Shōji Nakayama on Wikipedia »

Takeshi Watabe

Takeshi Watabe (March 21, 1936 Kōchi Prefecture-December 13, 2010 Japan) otherwise known as Watabe Takeshi, Masato Maeno or Takeshi Watade was a Japanese voice actor and actor.

He graduated from Nihon University College of Art and began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1960s. Watabe became well-known for his deep, commanding voice and his ability to play a wide range of characters from heroic to villainous. He starred in many popular anime series such as "Doraemon" and "Dragon Ball," as well as Japanese dubs of popular foreign films like "Star Wars" and "The Terminator." In addition to voice acting, he also appeared in numerous live-action movies and TV dramas. Watabe was highly respected in the industry and was recognized for his contributions with several awards, including the Kei Tomiyama Memorial Award in 2004. He passed away at the age of 74 due to pneumonia.

Read more about Takeshi Watabe on Wikipedia »

Sukekiyo Kameyama

Sukekiyo Kameyama (November 9, 1954 Ishinomaki-January 26, 2013 Saitama Prefecture) was a Japanese voice actor and actor.

He was affiliated with the talent agency 81 Produce and was best known for his roles in popular anime series like "Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple", "Detective Conan", and "One Piece". In addition to his voice acting career, Kameyama also appeared in a number of live-action television dramas, including "Kamen Rider Kuuga". Kameyama was highly respected in the voice acting industry and was known for his versatile range as a performer. He unfortunately passed away in 2013 at the age of 58 due to an untreated heart condition.

Read more about Sukekiyo Kameyama on Wikipedia »

Ichikawa Danjūrō XII

Ichikawa Danjūrō XII (August 6, 1946 Tokyo-February 3, 2013 Tokyo) a.k.a. Ichikawa Danjuro XII, Natsuo Horikoshi, Narita-ya, Ichikawa Ebizō X, Ichikawa Shinnosuke VI, Danjūrō XII, Ichikawa Shinnosuke, Ichikawa Ebizō, いちかわだんじゅうろう, はくえん, 十二代目市川團十郎, 堀越夏雄, 柏莚, 市川團十郎 (12代目), ほりこしなつお, Horikoshi Natsuo, じゅうにだいめいちかわだんじゅうろう, 六代目市川新之助, 三升屋白治, 十代目市川海老蔵 or みますやはくじ was a Japanese actor. He had two children, Ichikawa Ebizō XI and Ichikawa Botan III.

Ichikawa Danjūrō XII was born Natsuo Horikoshi into a family of Kabuki actors on August 6, 1946, in Tokyo, Japan. He was the eldest son of the famous Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō XI. As a child, he was trained in Kabuki acting techniques and made his stage debut at the age of five. He adopted the stage name Ichikawa Ebizō X in 1969 and then Ichikawa Danjūrō XII in 1985 after the death of his father.

Danjūrō XII was known for his dynamic performances and his ability to play a wide range of roles, from heroic warriors to comic characters. He was particularly famous for his portrayal of the character Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa in the Kabuki play Shibaraku. His performances earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Order of Culture in 2000.

In addition to his acting career, Danjūrō XII was also active in promoting and preserving the art of Kabuki. He served as the chairman of the Kabuki Preservation Foundation and was involved in various initiatives to introduce Kabuki to new audiences both in Japan and abroad.

Danjūrō XII had two children, Ichikawa Ebizō XI (also a prominent Kabuki actor) and Ichikawa Botan III. He passed away on February 3, 2013, in Tokyo at the age of 66. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of Kabuki to this day.

Masao Shimizu

Masao Shimizu (October 5, 1908 Shinjuku-October 5, 1975 Tokyo) a.k.a. Gen Shimizu was a Japanese actor.

He began his acting career in 1931 and quickly became a well-known and popular actor both in Japan and internationally. Shimizu appeared in over 300 films and is regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation. His most notable roles include "Yojimbo" (1961), "Sanjuro" (1962), and "High and Low" (1963), all directed by Akira Kurosawa. In addition to his film work, Shimizu was a successful stage actor, appearing in numerous productions throughout his career. Despite his success, Shimizu remained humble and dedicated to the craft of acting until his death in 1975.

Read more about Masao Shimizu on Wikipedia »

Sakyo Komatsu

Sakyo Komatsu (January 28, 1931 Nishi-ku, Osaka-July 26, 2011 Minoh) also known as Minoru Komatsu, Sakyô Komatsu or Sakyō Komatsu was a Japanese screenwriter, writer and actor.

He was best known for his science fiction works, including the novel "Japan Sinks", which was adapted into a popular film in 1973. Komatsu was a prolific writer, with over 60 books and numerous screenplays to his name. He won several awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Seiun Award for science fiction in 1973 and the Tanizaki Prize for literature in 1992. In addition to his writing, Komatsu also worked as a television host and actor, appearing in several Japanese dramas and films. He was a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry and his works continue to be celebrated today.

Read more about Sakyo Komatsu on Wikipedia »