Here are 10 famous musicians from Japan died at 47:
Shūji Terayama (December 10, 1935 Hirosaki-May 4, 1983 Suginami) also known as Shuuji Terayama or Terayama Shūji was a Japanese film director, writer, photographer, playwright, poet and screenwriter.
His most important albums: .
He died in cirrhosis.
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Yumeno Kyūsaku (January 4, 1889 Fukuoka-March 11, 1936 Tokyo) was a Japanese writer and novelist.
Yumeno Kyūsaku was notable for his contributions to the "I-novel" literary genre, which focused on subjective, introspective accounts of personal experiences. He was heavily influenced by Western literature and philosophy, particularly the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Friedrich Nietzsche. His best-known works include "Dogura Magura," "Dazai Osamu and the Dark Era," and "The Western Breeze," which explore themes of alienation, madness, and the search for identity. Despite his literary acclaim, Yumeno struggled with mental illness and alcoholism throughout his life, which ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 47.
Yumeno Kyūsaku was born in Fukuoka as the son of a physician. He was a talented student and showed great promise in his studies from an early age. After studying French literature at Waseda University, he took a job as a teacher at a junior high school. However, he soon quit this job to pursue a career as a writer.
His first publication in 1916, "Otogi Monogatari" ("Fairy Tales"), received critical acclaim and he continued to publish numerous short stories and novels throughout his career. In addition to his work as a writer, Yumeno was a translator and introduced the works of Western authors such as Poe and Oscar Wilde to Japanese readers.
Despite his personal struggles, Yumeno Kyūsaku remains a beloved figure in Japanese literature and his works continue to be studied and celebrated to this day.
Throughout his life, Yumeno Kyūsaku experienced various personal and professional setbacks. He was plagued by mental illness and struggled to maintain stable relationships, which is reflected in his dark and introspective writing. Despite these difficulties, Yumeno was highly regarded by his contemporaries, with many critics praising his innovative approach to psychological storytelling.
In addition to his writing and translation work, Yumeno was also involved in the film industry. He worked as a scriptwriter and was involved in the production of several films, including "Dogura Magura," which was based on his 1927 novel of the same name. The film adaptation of "Dogura Magura" is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Japanese cinema.
Today, Yumeno Kyūsaku is considered one of the most important writers of the modernist era in Japan. His contributions to the "I-novel" genre have had a lasting impact on Japanese literature, and his works continue to be widely read and studied both in Japan and around the world. Despite his untimely death, Yumeno's legacy lives on as an inspiration to future generations of Japanese writers and artists.
He died caused by cerebral hemorrhage.
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Ōkubo Toshimichi (September 26, 1830 Kagoshima-May 14, 1878 Kagoshima) a.k.a. Okubo Toshimichi was a Japanese politician and samurai.
Toshimichi is best known for his crucial role in the Meiji Restoration - a period in Japan's history when the country transitioned from a feudal shogunate to a modern nation-state. As one of the Three Great Nobles who spearheaded the movement, Toshimichi played a significant role in implementing westernization policies such as abolishing the feudal system and establishing a modern educational system. Prior to his political career, Toshimichi trained as a samurai under the Shimazu clan, and he was highly respected for his military knowledge and experience. In addition to politics, he also made significant contributions to the economic development of Japan. Despite his accomplishments, Toshimichi was assassinated by an extremist in 1878 at the age of 47. He is still revered as a national hero and a key figure in Japan's modernization.
Toshimichi was born in Kagoshima to a family of lower samurai rank. He was educated in both Japanese and Dutch, which influenced his later work in modernizing Japan. In 1866, he was appointed governor of Hyōgo Prefecture, where he was involved in developing infrastructure and establishing a modern legal system.
During the Boshin War, Toshimichi helped to establish a coalition between the Satsuma and Chōshū domains, which led to the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate. He also played a significant role in negotiating the end of Japan's isolationist policies and establishing trade agreements with Western countries.
As a politician, Toshimichi was known for his strong leadership and commitment to modernizing Japan. He was involved in the establishment of the Meiji Constitution, which transformed Japan into a constitutional monarchy.
Toshimichi's legacy is still celebrated in Japan today, with statues and memorials dedicated to him throughout the country. He is considered one of the most important figures in the country's modern history and is often referred to as the "father of modern Japanese politics."
Toshimichi began his political career in 1869 when he was appointed to the Daijō-kan, the highest council of the Imperial Court. He held important positions such as Minister of Finance and Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, where he implemented policies to develop the country's economy. Toshimichi is credited with establishing Japan's first national bank and introducing the country's first modern currency system. He also played an instrumental role in the development of Japan's first railroad network and transforming the country's agricultural practices.
Toshimichi's contributions extended beyond politics and economics. He was passionate about education and believed that a modern, western-style education system was crucial to Japan's success. He worked towards establishing schools and universities based on this belief and played a significant role in the establishment of Tokyo Imperial University, Japan's first national university. Toshimichi was a strong advocate for gender equality in education and pushed for the establishment of schools for women.
Despite his accomplishments, Toshimichi's political career was not without controversy. He was known for his strict policies and authoritarian leadership style which earned him the nickname, "Devil of the Restoration." He also faced criticism for his handling of the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, and his decision to suppress the revolt is still debated by historians.
Regardless of his shortcomings, Toshimichi's contributions to Japan's modernization cannot be overstated. His vision and leadership paved the way for Japan's rise as a major world power in the 20th century. Today, he is remembered as one of Japan's greatest statesmen and a symbol of the country's impressive transformation from a feudal society to a modern, industrialized nation.
He died as a result of assassination.
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Kanō Eitoku (February 16, 1543 Kyoto-October 12, 1590) also known as Eitoku Kanō was a Japanese personality.
He was a member of the Kanō school of Japanese painting, which was popular during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in Japan. He was known for his skill in painting large-scale screens and wall paintings, and his works were often commissioned by powerful figures in the government and the military.
Kanō Eitoku was the son of Kanō Kagenobu, a prominent painter in the Kanō school. He began studying painting at a young age and showed a natural talent for the art form. He inherited his father's position as the head of the Kanō school after his death in 1580.
Kanō Eitoku's most famous works include the screen paintings at Daitoku-ji, a Zen temple in Kyoto, and the screen paintings at the Shōgun's palace in Nijō Castle. He was known for his use of bold and vibrant colors and his ability to convey a sense of grandeur and grandiosity in his works.
Despite his success as a painter, Kanō Eitoku was said to be a difficult person to work with and had a reputation for being arrogant and hot-headed. He died at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important painters in Japanese history.
Kanō Eitoku's influence on Japanese art was significant, and his style would go on to inspire later generations of artists. His use of vibrant colors and grandiose themes helped shape the aesthetics of the Momoyama period and the subsequent Edo period in Japanese art. Kanō Eitoku's works also reflect the cultural and political climate of his time, which was marked by war and political instability.
In addition to his skills as a painter, Kanō Eitoku was also a talented calligrapher and poet. His work in these fields was highly regarded by his contemporaries and contributed to his reputation as a multifaceted artist.
Today, Kanō Eitoku's works are housed in museums and galleries around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists in Japan and beyond. His contributions to the Kanō school and Japanese painting as a whole cannot be overstated, and his name remains synonymous with the highest levels of artistic mastery in Japan.
Kanō Eitoku's influence was not limited to just the art world. He was also a friend and advisor to powerful figures in government, including Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was known for his ability to navigate the complex political landscape of his time and had a reputation for being diplomatic and insightful. His connections with these powerful figures allowed him to secure numerous commissions for his artwork.Kanō Eitoku's legacy continued long after his death. His style of painting was passed down through the Kanō school, and numerous artists would go on to emulate his techniques and themes. His most famous pupil was Kanō Sanraku, who would later become the head of the Kanō school himself. Kanō Eitoku's influence can also be seen in the work of later artists, such as Tawaraya Sōtatsu and Ogata Kōrin, who drew inspiration from his use of bold colors and grandiose themes. Today, Kanō Eitoku is remembered as one of the greatest artists in Japanese history, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists around the world.
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Fumiko Hayashi (December 31, 1903 Shimonoseki-June 28, 1951 Tokyo) a.k.a. Hayashi Fumiko was a Japanese novelist and writer. Her child is .
Her child is the writer and activist Miyamoto Yuriko. Fumiko Hayashi was known for her works that portrayed the struggles and hardships faced by women in pre-war Japan. She often wrote about the lives of prostitutes and other marginalized women, giving voice to their experiences and exploring themes of gender and class inequality. One of her most famous works is "Horoki" (Diary of a Vagabond), which tells the story of a young woman's journey from the countryside to the city and her experiences as a sex worker. Despite facing censorship and criticism from some quarters, Hayashi's works were widely celebrated for their frank and compassionate portrayals of women's lives.
In addition to her portrayal of women in her works, Fumiko Hayashi was also known for her own feminist ideologies and activism. She was a member of the Japanese Communist Party and wrote for its newspaper, advocating for women's rights and worker's rights. During World War II, Hayashi was arrested and imprisoned for her political beliefs, spending two years in jail. Despite this, she continued to write and publish upon her release, earning critical acclaim and popularity among readers. Hayashi's legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary Japanese writers and feminists, and her works have been adapted into films and television dramas.
Hayashi began writing at a young age and published her first short story, "Sangenjaya," in a women's magazine when she was just 17 years old. She continued to write and publish throughout her life, with over 40 works to her name. In addition to her writings, she was also a prominent public figure, giving lectures and speeches on women's rights and advocating for social justice. She was deeply committed to empowering women and addressing societal inequalities, and her work remains an important voice in Japanese literature and feminism. Fumiko Hayashi passed away at the age of 47 due to a brain tumor, but her legacy lives on as a pioneering feminist writer and activist.
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Yasuko Namba (February 2, 1949-May 10, 1996) was a Japanese mountaineer.
Yasuko Namba's passion for mountaineering started in her childhood when she began climbing mountains with her father in Japan. She later moved to the United States where she became a successful businesswoman but continued to pursue her love for mountain climbing. Namba's achievements in mountaineering include successfully reaching the summits of six of the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent. She was attempting ascent of Mount Everest in 1996 when she was trapped by a snowstorm and suffered frostbite. Despite her injuries, she remained optimistic and focused on completing her climb. Tragically, the storm worsened and claimed the lives of Namba and several other mountaineers in what is now known as the 1996 Everest disaster. Namba's bravery and determination continue to inspire individuals pursuing their passions and dreams, and she remains a respected figure in the world of mountaineering.
Namba was the oldest female climber attempting to summit Everest at the age of 47. She had already achieved an impressive record with successful climbs to the peaks of Denali, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson Massif, and Puncak Jaya. Namba was a highly skilled and experienced mountaineer and had trained extensively for her ascent of Everest.
After graduating from the Osaka University of Commerce, Namba started her career as a systems engineer. She later moved to California where she worked as a computer consultant for various companies. Despite her successful career, she always made time for her passion for mountain climbing.
Namba was married to Robert Namba, a businessman, and had no children. After her death on Everest, her husband established the Yasuko Namba Memorial Fund to promote mountain safety and support disaster relief in Nepal. In 1997, she was posthumously awarded the Angela Award for her contributions to promoting women in adventure sports. Today, her legacy serves as an inspiration to many, especially women who aspire to achieve heights of adventure sports.
Yasuko Namba's determination and spirit were also evident in her personal life. She was dedicated to promoting women's achievements in mountaineering and often spoke about the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated field. Namba was also passionate about promoting cultural exchange and understanding, and she hoped that her love for mountain climbing would help bridge the gap between Japan and the Western world.
In addition to her mountaineering accomplishments, Namba was also a skilled pianist and a lover of classical music. She was known for her kind and generous spirit, and she often used her mountaineering adventures as a platform to raise funds for various causes.
Despite her tragic death, Yasuko Namba's legacy continues to inspire mountaineers around the world. Her achievements in mountaineering stand as a testament to her strength, determination, and courage. Her passion for adventure, dedication to safety, and commitment to cultural exchange and understanding remain an inspiration to anyone striving to make a positive impact in the world.
She died as a result of mountaineering.
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Yoshifumi Kondō (March 31, 1950 Gosen-January 21, 1998 Tachikawa) a.k.a. Yoshifumi Kondo was a Japanese animator.
He was a graduate of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, and started his career as an animator at Toei Animation in 1973. Kondō then moved to Studio Ghibli, where he worked on several films including "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind", "Grave of the Fireflies", "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Princess Mononoke". He was known for his ability to capture the essence of everyday life and human emotions in his animation. Kondō directed his first feature film, "Whisper of the Heart", in 1995, which was critically acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of teenage life. Unfortunately, Kondō passed away in 1998 at the age of 47, before he could complete his second film as a director. His legacy as a pioneering animator and director continues to inspire many young artists in the industry today.
Kondo was also known for his mentorship and guidance to young animators at Studio Ghibli, including Hayao Miyazaki, who praised Kondo’s talent and dedication to his work. In fact, Kondo was often regarded as Miyazaki’s most trusted collaborator, who worked closely with him on various films. Kondo's intricate attention to detail and dedication to his craft, often resulting in long work hours, made him a beloved figure among his colleagues. In addition to his work in animation, Kondo was also a skilled musician and played the bass guitar in a band called "Gabriele". His influence on the animation industry continues to this day, and his work is celebrated by fans all over the world. In honor of his contributions to the industry, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo organized a retrospective of his work in 2018, titled "The Dreams of Adolescence -The World of Yoshifumi Kondo".
Kondo was also known for his unique approach to animation, which involved blending traditional hand-drawn animation techniques with computer technology. He developed a keen interest in technology and was an early adopter of digital animation tools, which is evident in his work on "Princess Mononoke". His innovative use of digital animation tools helped to pave the way for future animators and pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved in the medium.
Furthermore, Kondo's impact on the animation industry reaches beyond his work in film. He was also a prominent figure in the development of anime television series, having worked on several projects including "Future Boy Conan" and "Anne of Green Gables". His contributions to the anime industry have been recognized through several posthumous awards and honors, including a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Japanese Animation Association.
In addition to his professional achievements, Kondo was also known for his generosity and kindness towards his colleagues and friends. He was regarded as a mentor and a friend to many young artists, and his legacy as a mentor and teacher continues through the many animators he influenced throughout his career. His dedication to his work, his commitment to excellence, and his passion for storytelling continue to inspire and influence the animation industry today.
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Teiji Ito (January 22, 1935 Tokyo-August 16, 1982 Haiti) a.k.a. 伊藤貞司 or Itō Teiji was a Japanese film score composer, composer and performer. He had one child, Tavia Ito.
His albums include King Ubu, Tenno, Watermill, Meshes: Music for Films and Theater and The Shamanic Principles. Genres he performed: Ballet.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
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Tomiko Suzuki (January 3, 1956 Aichi Prefecture-July 7, 2003) was a Japanese voice actor.
Tomiko Suzuki was known for voicing a number of popular characters in anime including Tsunami in "Naruto", Minmei in "Macross", and Jun in "Kase-san and Morning Glories". She began her career as a voice actress in the late 70s and continued until her untimely death in 2003. Suzuki was known for her unique voice that had a youthful quality to it, which made her perfect for playing teenage characters. She was also a talented singer, and performed the opening theme song for the anime series "Nasuno Desu!". Despite her relatively short career, Suzuki left an impact on the voice acting community in Japan and is remembered fondly by her fans.
In addition to her voice acting career, Tomiko Suzuki also had experience in live-action television dramas, such as "Chijō no Seishun" and "Harenchi Gakuen". She was also a skilled musician and played guitar in her spare time. Throughout her career, Suzuki won several awards for her voice acting performances, including the Seiyū Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2002 for her role as Tsunami in "Naruto". She was known to be a humble and kind person by her colleagues and friends in the industry. Her sudden passing at the age of 47 was a great loss to the anime community and her legacy continues to be celebrated today.
Tomiko Suzuki had a prolific career as a voice actress, having voiced over 80 characters in various anime and video games. Some of her notable roles included Kyoko Hayase in "Bubblegum Crisis", Pirotess in "Record of Lodoss War", and Momoko in "Nurse Angel Ririka SOS". Besides her work as a voice actress, Suzuki was actively involved in the promotion of anime and voice acting, attending fan events and participating in radio shows. She was also a mentor to aspiring voice actors and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. After her passing, a memorial event was held in her honor, and a fund was established to provide support for young voice actors. To this day, Tomiko Suzuki remains an inspiration to many in the anime and voice acting industry.
She died in heart failure.
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Masao Nakamura (May 15, 1892 Ishikawa Prefecture-December 25, 1939 Guangxi) was a Japanese personality.
Masao Nakamura was a renowned writer, journalist, and political activist in Japan during the early 20th century. Born in Ishikawa Prefecture, Nakamura attended Waseda University in Tokyo and became active in leftist and anti-war movements. He was known for his critical writings and passionate speeches against Japan's military aggression, which often led to his arrest and imprisonment.
In 1928, Nakamura moved to China and became involved in the Chinese Communist Party, where he continued his activism against Japanese imperialism. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Chinese Red Army and worked closely with figures such as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.
Sadly, Nakamura's life was cut short when he died at the hands of a Japanese army unit during the Second Sino-Japanese War. He remains a revered figure in both China and Japan as a symbol of resistance against totalitarianism and imperialism.
Nakamura's writings, including his book "Notes on the Aggression" and his essays in the left-wing newspaper "Chugai Shogyo," had a significant impact on Japanese political thought in the early 20th century. He was also active in labor movements, advocating for workers' rights and organizing strikes. In addition, he worked as a translator and introduced the works of Russian revolutionary writers such as Maxim Gorky and Leo Tolstoy to the Japanese audience.
Nakamura's legacy continues to inspire social and political activists in Japan and China. In 2014, a museum dedicated to his life and work was opened in his hometown of Kanazawa. His story has also been adapted into various literary works and films, including the 2015 Chinese film "The Death of Masao Nakamura."
In addition to his political activism, Masao Nakamura was a prolific writer who published numerous essays, articles, and books on a wide range of topics. His works covered subjects such as literature, philosophy, and history, and he was particularly interested in exploring the relationship between Japan and China. One of his most notable books, "Gogatsu no Shi" (The Poetry of May), is a collection of poems that reflects his political and social views.
Nakamura was also an accomplished translator who worked on several important literary works from Russian and Chinese into Japanese. He was known for his ability to capture the essence and style of the originals while making them accessible to Japanese readers.
Despite his short life, Masao Nakamura made a significant impact both in Japan and abroad. His fierce opposition to militarism and imperialism, along with his commitment to social justice and workers' rights, continue to inspire generations of activists to this day.
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