Here are 15 famous musicians from Japan died at 62:
Nogi Maresuke (December 25, 1849 Edo-September 13, 1912 Tokyo) also known as Count Nogi Maresuke, Maresuke Nogi, General Maresuke Nogi or General Nogi was a Japanese personality.
Nogi Maresuke was a prominent general in the Imperial Japanese Army and a veteran of several major wars. He played a crucial role in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, leading the Japanese forces to victory at the Battle of Port Arthur. He later served as the military governor of Korea, where he worked to modernize the country's infrastructure and institutions.
After his retirement from military service, Nogi became known for his adherence to the samurai code of bushido and his deep sense of loyalty to the emperor. He became a symbol of Japan's reverence for tradition and discipline, and his suicide following the death of Emperor Meiji was seen as a tragic symbol of the passing of an era. Nogi and his wife both chose to end their own lives as a sign of devotion to the emperor, an act that has been deeply mythologized in Japanese culture.
Nogi Maresuke was born into a family of low-ranking samurai and began his military career at the age of 17 when he joined the Tokugawa Shogunate's army during the Boshin War. Nogi was known for his exceptional leadership skills and combat abilities, which earned him many promotions and accolades throughout his career.
In addition to his military career, Nogi was also deeply interested in education and played a key role in founding Tokyo Imperial University. He emphasized the importance of a strong education system in Japan's modernization and development.
Despite his accomplishments, Nogi's life was not without controversy. His role in the brutal suppression of the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900 and his harsh treatment of Korean rebels during his governance of Korea have been criticized by some as examples of imperialist aggression.
However, Nogi remains a respected figure in Japanese history and his legacy continues to inspire many in Japan. The Nogi Shrine, built in his honor after his death, remains a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo and draws many visitors who come to pay their respects to one of Japan's most celebrated military heroes.
He died caused by suicide.
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Shinzo Hamai (May 28, 1905 Mikawa-February 26, 1968) was a Japanese politician.
Shinzo Hamai was born in Mikawa, Japan on May 28, 1905. He graduated with a degree in law from Tokyo Imperial University in 1928 and began his career as a lawyer. He was instrumental in drafting the Japanese Constitution and was a member of the House of Representatives from 1947 to 1968. During this time, he served as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and held several important positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Health and Welfare.
Hamai was known for his strong stance on social welfare and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the Japanese people. He was particularly passionate about helping those living in poverty and advocated for policies that would provide them with the support and assistance they needed. His tireless efforts earned him the nickname "the welfare minister" among his colleagues and supporters.
Unfortunately, Hamai's life was cut short when he passed away on February 26, 1968 at the age of 62. Despite his relatively short time in office, his legacy lives on and he is remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the Japanese people.
In addition to his work in politics, Shinzo Hamai was also a prolific author. He wrote several books on law and politics, including "The Constitution of Japan," which is still widely read today. Hamai was also known for his strong work ethic and dedication to public service. He often worked long hours, even in poor health, and his tireless efforts earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues and constituents. Today, he is remembered as a champion of social welfare and an important figure in Japanese politics. His legacy continues to inspire leaders and advocates around the world who are committed to building a more just and equitable society for everyone.
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Reiko Ohara (November 13, 1946 Bunkyō-August 3, 2009 Setagaya) also known as Reiko Ôhara was a Japanese actor.
Her discography includes: .
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Michio Miyagi (April 7, 1894 Kobe-June 25, 1956 Kariya) also known as 宮城道雄, みやぎみちお, 宮城 道雄, Miyagi Michio, みやぎ みちお or Miyagi, Michio was a Japanese personality.
His albums include Kurokami and .
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Yasuzo Masumura (August 25, 1924 Kofu-November 23, 1986 Japan) also known as Masumura Yasuzō or Yasuzô Masumura was a Japanese film director, screenwriter and television director.
Masumura Yasuzo was known for his avant-garde approach to filmmaking and his films often dealt with taboo subjects such as sexuality, politics, and social injustice. He was a graduate of the prestigious Tokyo University and his early works were influenced by French New Wave cinema.
Some of his most notable films include "Blind Beast" (1969), "Black Test Car" (1962), and "Manji" (1964). He also directed several television dramas and documentaries.
Masumura Yasuzo was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class, in 1986 for his contributions to the Japanese film industry. His innovative style and bold filmmaking continue to influence filmmakers today.
Masumura Yasuzo was born into a wealthy family and had a privileged upbringing. He was interested in art from a young age and later became involved in the Japanese film industry after studying drama at university. In addition to his film work, he was also a professor at Osaka University of Arts and the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music where he taught film studies.
Throughout his career, Masumura Yasuzo was known for pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms in his films. He was often criticized for his daring approach, sometimes even being banned from screening his movies. However, his unapologetic and boundary-pushing style earned him a devoted following and critical acclaim.
Masumura Yasuzo's influence can be seen in contemporary Japanese cinema and his work continues to be studied by film scholars and cinephiles alike. He was a true pioneer of Japanese cinema and his legacy lives on through his groundbreaking films that continue to captivate audiences around the world.
He died caused by cerebral hemorrhage.
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Tomisaburo Wakayama (September 1, 1929 Fukagawa, Tokyo-April 2, 1992 Kyoto) also known as Jyo Kenzaburo, Jo Kenzaburo, Kenzaburo Jô, Jou Kenzaburou, Joh Kenzaburo, Tomisaburô Wakayama, Kenzaburo Jo, Wakayama Tomisaburō, Masaru Okomura or Okomura Masaru was a Japanese actor and film producer. He had one child, Kiichirô Wakayama.
Tomisaburo Wakayama was most famous for his role in the film "Lone Wolf and Cub," where he portrayed a samurai assassin. He was part of a well-known acting family in Japan, with both his father and brother also being actors.
Wakayama started his acting career in the early 1950s and appeared in over 150 films over the course of his career. In addition to film, he also acted in television dramas and stage productions.
In addition to his acting career, Wakayama also worked as a film producer, where he was responsible for bringing many successful films to the Japanese market.
Wakayama was known for his intense dedication to his craft, often performing his own stunts in films despite the risks involved. His legacy continues to influence Japanese cinema to this day.
Tomisaburo Wakayama's family had a long history in the entertainment industry as kabuki performers. His father, Shigeru Araki, was a well-known kabuki actor and his older brother, Yoichi Takabayashi, was also an actor. Despite his family's connection to kabuki, Wakayama decided to pursue a career in film and became one of Japan's most respected actors.
Throughout his career, Wakayama received many awards and accolades for his performances, including the Best Actor award at the Mainichi Film Awards for his role in the film "Assassination" in 1965. His most famous role as the samurai assassin in "Lone Wolf and Cub" has become a cult classic, both in Japan and internationally.
Wakayama was also known for his philanthropic work, supporting numerous charities and social welfare organizations throughout his life. He even established his own charitable foundation, the Tomisaburo Wakayama Foundation, to support the education of underprivileged children.
In addition to his acting and producing work, Wakayama was also a skilled martial artist and held a 5th dan in Aikido. He incorporated his martial arts training into his film work, often choreographing his own fight scenes.
Tomisaburo Wakayama's impact on Japanese cinema and pop culture cannot be overstated. His dedication to his craft, his philanthropy, and his legacy as a versatile actor and producer continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and actors.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
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Kōji Tsuruta (December 6, 1924 Hamamatsu-June 16, 1987 Japan) also known as Kōji Tsuruta, Tsurata Koji, おの えいいち, Ono Eiichi, 鶴田 浩二, 小野 榮一, Eiichi Ono or Koji Tsuruta was a Japanese actor and singer.
He became popular in the post-World War II era, starring in numerous films and television shows. Tsuruta was known for his tough-guy persona and often played the lead in yakuza (Japanese mafia) movies. He was also a skilled singer and released several albums throughout his career. Tsuruta won several awards for his acting, including a Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor in 1965. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1987 at the age of 62 due to liver cancer. Despite his untimely death, Tsuruta's legacy continues to live on through his memorable performances in Japanese cinema.
Tsuruta was born in Hamamatsu City, Japan, and grew up in a family of farmers. However, he always had a passion for acting and singing since he was young. After finishing high school, he moved to Tokyo to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.
In 1948, Tsuruta made his debut in the film "Winter Jasmine," which marked the beginning of his successful career in the Japanese film industry. He quickly gained popularity for his acting skills and soon became a household name in Japan. He starred in over 100 films, including "Yoidore Tenshi" (Drunken Angel), "Tokyo Twilight," and "Rusty Knife."
Tsuruta also made a name for himself as a singer, showcasing his baritone voice in many of his films. He released several albums throughout his career and often sang the theme songs for the movies he starred in.
In addition to his work as an actor and singer, Tsuruta was also a talented artist and often painted in his spare time.
Despite his tough-guy image on screen, Tsuruta was known for being a kind and generous person off-screen. He was beloved by his fans and colleagues and his death in 1987 was a great loss to the Japanese film industry.
Today, Tsuruta is remembered as one of the most iconic actors in Japanese cinema history and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and actors.
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Maruyama Ōkyo (June 12, 1733 Japan-August 31, 1795) otherwise known as Maruyama Okyo was a Japanese personality.
Maruyama Ōkyo was a prominent artist during the Edo period in Japan. He was born in Kyoto and began training as a painter at a young age. He is best known for his unique style of art that combined traditional Japanese techniques with Western painting styles.
Okyo founded the Maruyama-Shijō school of painting, which emphasized realistic portrayals of everyday life in Japan. He was particularly skilled at depicting animals, and many of his artworks feature birds, fish, and other creatures.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Okyo was also a successful entrepreneur. He established a profitable business selling his own paintings, and his studio became a popular gathering place for artists and intellectuals in Kyoto.
Today, Okyo is considered one of the most important figures in Japanese art history. His works are housed in many prestigious museums around the world, and his legacy continues to influence artists in Japan and beyond.
Okyo's influence on Japanese art is so significant that he is often referred to as the father of modern Japanese painting. His style of art was unique in that it incorporated elements from both the East and the West, which made it distinctive from more traditional Japanese art. Okyo was also an innovator in his use of materials, and he experimented with new pigments and techniques to create more vivid and realistic paintings.
One of Okyo's most famous works is the "Folding Screen with Birds and Animals", which is housed in the Tokyo National Museum. The painting is a masterpiece of naturalism, featuring a variety of different animals and birds, each rendered in exquisite detail. Okyo's use of shading and perspective creates the impression of depth and movement, making the scene come alive in a way that was unprecedented in Japanese art at the time.
Throughout his life, Okyo continued to innovate and push the boundaries of Japanese art. His legacy endures today, not only in his own artworks but also in the many artists who have been inspired by his work over the centuries.
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Yasuo Yamada (September 10, 1932 Ōta, Tokyo-March 19, 1995 Ōta, Tokyo) a.k.a. Yamada Yasuo was a Japanese voice actor, actor and presenter. He had one child, Hiroyasu Yamada.
Yasuo Yamada is best known for his iconic role as the voice of Arsène Lupin III in the anime adaptation of the series. He played the character for over 25 years, starting with the first Lupin III TV series in 1971 and continuing until his death in 1995. Yamada also had a successful career as an actor in both film and television, appearing in over 75 productions throughout his career. He was also a well-respected presenter, hosting popular TV shows such as "Omoikkiri Tanteidan" and "Kinyoubi no Banka." Despite his untimely death at the age of 62, Yamada's legacy as one of Japan's most beloved voice actors continues to live on.
In addition to his iconic role as Arsène Lupin III, Yasuo Yamada also lent his voice to other popular anime characters such as Gō Mifune in "Gatchaman," Captain Harlock in "Space Pirate Captain Harlock," and even the iconic Disney character, Mickey Mouse, in some Japanese dubs. He was a highly skilled voice actor, capable of delivering a wide range of emotions through his voice, from comedic to dramatic, adding depth and personality to the characters he portrayed. Aside from his acting career, Yamada was also a skilled calligrapher, and his works have been exhibited in various galleries across Japan. His contributions to the voice acting industry were recognized posthumously in 2015 when he was inducted into the Voice Acting Hall of Fame. Yamada's legacy as one of Japan's greatest voice actors and entertainers continues to inspire future generations in the industry.
He died caused by intracranial hemorrhage.
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Keiko Fuji (July 5, 1951 Ichinoseki-August 22, 2013 Shinjuku) otherwise known as Fuji Keiko, Junko Abe, Abe Junko, Junko Utada or Utada Junko was a Japanese singer. She had one child, Hikaru Utada.
Discography: . Genres she performed include Enka and Pop music.
She died as a result of suicide.
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Hidehiro Miyashita (December 20, 1913 Japan-August 8, 1976) was a Japanese personality.
He was known for his work as a film director, screenwriter, and actor. Miyashita began his career in the film industry as an assistant director and later made his directorial debut with the film, "Iyagarase no Ki" in 1952. He went on to direct several successful films, including "Yoru no Mame" (1953) and "Pigs and Battleships" (1961).
Aside from his directing work, Miyashita was also a respected screenwriter, having penned the script for the critically acclaimed film, "Tokyo Twilight" (1957). As an actor, he appeared in a number of films, including "Battles Without Honor and Humanity" (1973) and "Tora-san's Love in Osaka" (1971).
Despite his success, Miyashita was known for his unconventional style and subject matter, which often dealt with controversial topics, such as yakuza and prostitution in post-war Japan. He was also a founding member of the Japanese Film Directors Association and served as its chairman from 1974 until his death in 1976.
Miyashita was born in Nagasaki, Japan, and had first-hand experience with the hardships of World War II. He was a part of the atomic bomb explosion in Nagasaki when he was 31 years old. This experience highly influenced his work, leading him to create films that were raw and true to life. In fact, his experiences as a young man shaped his work to a greater extent than his formal education. After leaving university, he worked in the aviation industry for a short time before pursuing his passion in film. He was awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award for Best Director twice in his career for the films "Nihon Burakumin" in 1966 and "Tokyo Nagaremono" in 1966. Miyashita is remembered as a pioneer in Japanese cinema for pushing the limits of traditional Japanese filmmaking and paving the way for future generations of filmmakers.
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Kunitomo Ikkansai (November 21, 1778-December 26, 1840) was a Japanese scientist, inventor and gunsmith.
He is best known for his design and development of the Kunitomo air gun, a type of firearm that used compressed air instead of gunpowder. This invention made him one of the most influential figures in the development of Japanese firearms technology.
Aside from inventing firearms, Kunitomo Ikkansai was also a respected scholar and scientist. He was particularly interested in the fields of astronomy and medicine, and he published several works on these subjects. Kunitomo was also a member of the Tokugawa shogunate's group of experts, responsible for providing knowledge and advice on scientific matters.
His contributions to Japanese society were recognized by the shogunate, and he was honored with various titles and positions throughout his life. Today, Kunitomo Ikkansai is remembered as a pioneer in the development of Japanese firearms technology, and a respected scholar whose contributions to science and medicine continue to be celebrated.
In addition to his work in firearms technology and his interest in astronomy and medicine, Kunitomo Ikkansai was also known for his expertise in metallurgy. He was skilled in the production of iron and steel, and his knowledge was sought after by other craftsmen and artisans. Kunitomo also invented several other types of firearms, including a repeating firearm that fired several shots in quick succession. He was also skilled in the art of sword making, and his swords were highly valued by collectors.
Despite his many accomplishments, Kunitomo was known for his humility and his willingness to share his knowledge with others. He trained several apprentices, who went on to become respected gunsmiths in their own right. Kunitomo's legacy continues to be felt in Japan today, with the Kunitomo air gun and other firearms he designed still being studied and replicated by artisans and historians.
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Tamaki Miura (February 22, 1884 Japan-May 26, 1946) was a Japanese singer.
Her albums: .
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Ogino Ginko (March 3, 1851 Kumagaya-June 23, 1913) otherwise known as Dr. Ogino Ginko was a Japanese physician.
She was one of the first female doctors in Japan and played a significant role in promoting women's healthcare and education. After studying medicine at the Women's Medical School of Tokyo, she established a private clinic in Tokyo in 1885, where she treated women and children. Dr. Ogino also served as a professor at the Women's Medical School and as a medical advisor to the Empress Dowager. Her work towards improving women's health and education earned her recognition and awards, including the Order of the Precious Crown from the Japanese government. Dr. Ogino's legacy continues to inspire women in Japan and around the world to pursue careers in medicine and to empower women in their communities.
In addition to her medical work, Dr. Ogino was also a women's rights activist. She co-founded the Women's Patriotic Association in 1880, which focused on promoting education and employment opportunities for women. She also served as the vice-president of the Japanese Women’s Association for Charity and as an executive member of the Japanese Women's Reform Society. Dr. Ogino was a strong believer in the importance of education for women and worked tirelessly to establish schools and scholarships for girls. In recognition of her efforts, the Japanese government established the Ogino Ginko Memorial Foundation to provide scholarships to female medical students in Japan. Dr. Ogino's pioneering work has left a lasting impact on women's healthcare and education in Japan, and her legacy serves as an inspiration to current and future generations.
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Tekkan Yosano (February 26, 1873 Kyoto-March 26, 1935 Tokyo) also known as Hiroshi Yosano was a Japanese writer.
He was a prominent member of the Yosano school of poetry, which emphasized the human condition and the natural world. Yosano's most famous work is a collection of love poems entitled "Tangled Hair" (縁の髪, Yone no naka), which he wrote for his wife, Akiko Yosano. The collection is considered a masterpiece of modern Japanese poetry and is still widely read today. Yosano was also a prolific writer of essays, dramas, and novels, and was involved in various social and political causes. He co-founded the literary magazine "Myōjō" and was an outspoken critic of Japan's imperialistic policies in the 1930s. Yosano's legacy has been celebrated through the many literary awards and honors that bear his name.
Born in Kyoto, Tekkan Yosano grew up at a time when Japan was undergoing radical modernization and cultural transformation. Yosano's poetry reflected the changing times and was characterized by a sense of disillusionment and social critique. His work challenged the traditional views of Japanese society and explored themes of love, self-identity, and social justice. Yosano's literary innovations and activism paved the way for a new generation of writers and thinkers in Japan.
In addition to his literary achievements, Yosano was also heavily involved in socialist and feminist movements. He advocated for women's rights and was a passionate supporter of labor unions. Yosano wrote articles and gave speeches advocating for social justice and frequently clashed with government censors.
Yosano's personal life was just as colorful and eventful as his literary and political career. He married Akiko Yosano, who was also a writer and played an instrumental role in the Yosano school of poetry. Their marriage was often turbulent and infidelity was a recurring theme. Despite this, Tekkan and Akiko remained together until his death in 1935. Today, their home in Tokyo is a museum dedicated to their lives and works.
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