Here are 15 famous musicians from Japan died at 60:
Nichiren (February 16, 1222 Awa Province-October 13, 1282) was a Japanese personality.
He was a Buddhist monk of the Kamakura period, known for his outspoken criticism of rival Buddhist schools and his insistence on the exclusive validity of the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren believed that by chanting the title of the Lotus Sutra, "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo," anyone could attain enlightenment in their present form. This teaching became the foundation of the Nichiren school of Buddhism, one of the largest schools of Buddhism in Japan. Nichiren was persecuted for his teachings and exiled multiple times, but his devotion to his beliefs never wavered. He is also known for his numerous writings on Buddhism and social issues, which provide insight into the society and culture of medieval Japan. Today, many Nichiren Buddhists continue to practice his teachings and honor his legacy.
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Yasujirō Ozu (December 12, 1903 Fukagawa, Tokyo-December 12, 1963 Tokyo) otherwise known as James Maki, Yasujiro, Ozu Yasujirō, Shuutarou Komiya or Ernst Schwartz was a Japanese film director, screenwriter and production designer.
Ozu is regarded as one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema and his works are known for their unique style and minimalist approach. He began his career in the silent era and made his mark in the industry with his poignant family dramas, often exploring themes of generational conflict, loneliness, and societal norms in post-war Japan. Some of his most acclaimed works include Tokyo Story, Late Spring, and Floating Weeds. Ozu's films have influenced many directors including internationally renowned filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Jim Jarmusch, Wim Wenders, and Hou Hsiao-hsien. In addition to his film work, Ozu was also a sports enthusiast and loved playing baseball, tennis, and skiing.
He died in cancer.
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Jun Tsuji (October 4, 1884 Tokyo-November 24, 1944 Tokyo) a.k.a. Tsuji Jun was a Japanese writer.
She was known for her pioneering work in modern Japanese literature and her vivid portrayal of the lives of the Japanese people during the early 20th century. Tsuji was also active in the women's suffrage movement in Japan and advocated for women's rights and empowerment through her writing. Her most famous works include "Yume no Ukihashi" ("Floating Bridge of Dreams") and "Shinshoku" ("Eclipse"). Despite facing many challenges and criticisms as a female writer in a male-dominated society, Tsuji continued to write prolifically and inspire future generations of Japanese writers.
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Ishibashi Ningetsu (September 1, 1865-February 1, 1926) was a Japanese writer.
Born in what is now Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture, Ishibashi Ningetsu studied literature at Waseda University in Tokyo. He first gained attention for his writing in 1887 with the publication of his novel "Fukuro no Shiro" (The Owl's Castle), which was set in his hometown of Matsue. His work often explored the lives and struggles of ordinary Japanese people during the Meiji period.
Throughout his career, Ishibashi wrote in a variety of genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and poetry. Many of his works were serialized in newspapers and magazines, making him a widely read and popular author. Some of his most notable works include "Ito no Hikari" (Threads of Light), "Mizu no Yado" (Water's Edge), and "Umarete wa Mitakeredo" (Although Born, Yet to See).
In addition to writing, Ishibashi also taught at the prestigious Tokyo Women's Normal School and worked as an editor for several literary magazines. He was a member of the Japan Art Academy and received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to Japanese literature.
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Mokutaro Kinoshita (August 1, 1885 Itō-October 15, 1945 Tokyo) was a Japanese writer.
Born in the small fishing village of Itō, Kinoshita went on to become one of the most acclaimed writers of his generation. He was known for his acute observations of everyday life and his deep exploration of the human psyche. Kinoshita's works often tackled themes of social injustice and the plight of the working class, making him a popular and influential figure during his time. Some of his most famous works include "Daisuke Aramaki", "Tsuribaka Nisshi" and "Hakobiya Ken". Despite his success, Kinoshita's life was not without its struggles - he suffered from tuberculosis for much of his adult life and was forced to curtail his writing towards the end of his career. Nevertheless, he left behind a powerful legacy and remains an inspiration to many writers in Japan and beyond.
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Ogai Mori (February 17, 1862 Tsuwano-July 8, 1922 Tokyo) also known as Dr. Mori Ogai, Ōgai Mori, Ōgai Mori or Mori Rintarō was a Japanese physician, novelist and poet. He had five children, Oto Mori, Mari Mori, Annu Kobori, Furitsu Mori and Rui Mori.
Ogai Mori was a key figure in the Meiji era of Japan, which was marked by a rapid modernization and Westernization. He studied medicine in Tokyo and Germany, where he was exposed to Western literature and culture. Upon returning to Japan, he worked as a military doctor and later became a professor of literature at Tokyo Imperial University.
As a writer, Ogai Mori was known for his realistic and psychologically complex portrayals of characters, particularly women. His works often dealt with themes of love, duty, and the clash between traditional Japanese values and Western influences.
His most famous works include the novel "The Wild Geese" (Gan), which depicts the tragic love story between a geisha and a military officer, and the short story "Maihime" (The Dancing Girl), which explores the life of a young dancer in Tokyo's red-light district.
In addition to his literary and medical pursuits, Mori was also involved in politics and was a vocal advocate for cultural exchange and understanding between Japan and the West. Today, he is revered as one of Japan's greatest writers and cultural icons.
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Kūkai (July 27, 0774 Zentsuji-April 22, 0835 Mount Kōya) was a Japanese philosopher.
He is also known as Kōbō-Daishi, which means "The Grand Master Who Propagated the Buddhist Teaching". Kūkai was a Buddhist monk, scholar, poet, and artist who is credited with introducing new practices to Japanese Buddhism, such as the Shingon school of esoteric Buddhism. He studied in China for several years and upon his return, he founded the famous temple complex on Mount Kōya, which served as the headquarters for the Shingon sect. Kūkai is revered for his contributions to Japanese culture and his lasting influence on Japanese Buddhism.
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Osamu Tezuka (November 3, 1928 Toyonaka-February 9, 1989 Kōjimachi, Tokyo) otherwise known as Tezuka Osamu, "god" of manga, Godfather of Anime, the father of manga, the god of comics, kamisama of manga, gashagasha-atama, Manga-no-kami-sama or Osamushi was a Japanese mangaka, animator, artist, film producer, film director, screenwriter, penciller, inker, physician, animation director and visual artist. He had three children, Macoto Tezuka, Rumiko Tezuka and Chiiko Tezuka.
Osamu Tezuka is credited for modernizing and pioneering manga and anime in Japan. He founded the anime production company Mushi Productions and created some of the most iconic manga series in history, including Astro Boy, Black Jack, and Phoenix. Tezuka's stories and characters have had a significant impact on Japanese popular culture and have been adapted into numerous anime and live-action films. He was also recognized for his humanitarian work and was honored with the Japanese Order of Culture in 1984. His legacy continues to influence contemporary manga and anime creators around the world.
He died caused by stomach cancer.
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Kanji Ishiwara (January 18, 1889 Shonai-August 15, 1949 Tokyo) was a Japanese personality.
He was a military strategist and an influential figure in the development of Japan's expansionist policies in the 1930s. Ishiwara is credited with conceptualizing and implementing the invasion of Manchuria in 1931, which led to the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo. He was also a key figure in the subsequent Sino-Japanese War and World War II. Despite being convicted of war crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, Ishiwara died in prison in 1949 due to illness. He remains a controversial figure in Japan's history, with some regarding him as a hero for his military achievements, while others view him as a war criminal.
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Tomoyuki Yamashita (November 8, 1885 Otoyo-February 23, 1946 Los Baños) was a Japanese personality.
Tomoyuki Yamashita was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. He is best known for his conquest of Malaya and Singapore, which earned him the nickname "The Tiger of Malaya". However, after the war, he was charged with war crimes for the brutal treatment of civilians and prisoners of war by his troops. Despite protests from his defense team and international human rights groups, Yamashita was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging in the Philippines in 1946. His case remains controversial, as many argue that he was held responsible for actions he did not directly order or control.
He died caused by hanging.
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Masao Kume (November 23, 1891 Ueda-March 1, 1952 Kamakura) was a Japanese writer and novelist.
Kume's literary career started with his first novel, "The Red Shoes," which was published in 1915. He went on to write more than 30 novels and numerous short stories, earning a reputation as a leading voice in modern Japanese literature.
Kume's works often explored the tensions between tradition and modernity in Japanese society, as well as the experience of modern life in Tokyo. He was particularly known for his interest in psychology and his exploration of the inner lives of his characters.
As well as being a writer, Kume was a prominent literary critic and editor. He helped to promote the work of other writers through his editorship of several literary magazines, including "Sakura" and "Chuo Koron."
Kume's influence on modern Japanese literature was significant, and his works continue to be widely read and studied today.
He died as a result of cerebral hemorrhage.
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Heitarō Kimura (September 28, 1888 Saitama Prefecture-December 23, 1948 Tokyo) was a Japanese personality.
He was mainly known as an industrialist and entrepreneur who founded the Kimura Glass Company in 1910, which specialized in the production of glassware. Under his leadership, the company grew to become one of the largest and most successful glassware manufacturers in Japan.
In addition to his business pursuits, Heitarō Kimura was also a noted philanthropist and art collector. He was particularly interested in the arts and crafts of Japan, and amassed a large collection of traditional pottery, textiles, and lacquerware. He was also a supporter of traditional Japanese performing arts such as kabuki and noh, and used his wealth to sponsor performances and preserve traditional arts.
During World War II, Heitarō Kimura faced persecution for his support of traditional Japanese culture, which was seen as incompatible with the government's militaristic goals. Despite this, he remained committed to preserving Japanese arts and handicrafts, and continued to support artists and artisans throughout the war.
After the war, Heitarō Kimura was briefly imprisoned by the Allied forces for his support of the Japanese government during the war. Upon his release, he returned to his business and philanthropic activities until his death in 1948.
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Oskar Kellner (May 13, 1851 Tułowice, Opole Voivodeship-September 12, 1911 Karlsruhe) was a Japanese scientist.
Kellner was a German physicist and optician who made significant contributions to the field of optics while working in Japan. He arrived in Japan in 1876 and quickly found work as a technical advisor to the Tokyo-based optical company, Shimadzu. Kellner's most notable invention was the Kellner eyepiece, which used a triplet lens design that improved the image quality of telescopes and microscopes. He also developed a method for manufacturing high-quality glass lenses using a machine-based grinding process that greatly improved their precision and allowed for mass production. In addition to his work in the optical industry, Kellner was a professor at the University of Tokyo and served as the director of the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory. His contributions to optics were highly regarded, and he was awarded multiple honors, including the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government.
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Dogen Handa (January 1, 1914 Japan-December 31, 1974 Japan) was a Japanese personality.
He was widely known as the founder of Shorinji Kempo, a type of martial art that is practiced worldwide. Dogen Handa was born in Tokyo, Japan and started practicing martial arts at a young age. He was influenced by his father who was a practitioner of kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art.
In 1947, Dogen Handa founded Shorinji Kempo, which is a combination of Chinese and Japanese martial arts. He emphasized the importance of concentration, focus, and inner strength in martial arts training. He also believed that martial arts could be used as a tool to cultivate a peaceful and harmonious society.
Dogen Handa was a respected martial arts master and his teachings influenced many practitioners worldwide. He was also a prolific writer and wrote several books and articles on martial arts and philosophy. Even after his passing in 1974, his legacy continued to inspire generations of martial arts enthusiasts.
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Yoshiro Okabe (April 5, 1884-March 1, 1945) was a Japanese personality.
He was a mathematician, statistician, and professor of Tokyo University. Okabe was a pioneer in the field of mathematical statistics in Japan and made significant contributions to the development of the subject. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Institute of Statistical Mathematics in Tokyo. Okabe was also involved in the development of the Japanese census and was a leading expert in demography. In addition to his academic work, he was actively involved in promoting the use of statistics to improve public policy in Japan. Unfortunately, Okabe's life was cut short during World War II when he was killed in an air raid on Tokyo in 1945.
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