Japanese musicians died at 72
Here are 14 famous musicians from Japan died at 72:
Ryōkan Taigu
Ryōkan Taigu (November 2, 1758 Izumozaki-February 18, 1831) also known as Ryokan, Ryōkan, Eizō Yamamoto or Ryōkan was a Japanese writer.
Born Eizō Yamamoto, Ryōkan Taigu was a renowned Japanese poet and Zen monk. He was born in the Izumozaki district in Japan in 1758 and spent most of his life in a small thatched hut in the woods where he meditated, wrote poetry, and practiced calligraphy. In his early years, he trained as a monk and was later awarded the title "Taigu," meaning "great fool," by his master for his unconventional behavior.
Ryōkan’s writing has gained fame for its simplicity and lyricism. His poems often revolve around subjects like nature, solitude and the transience of human life. He is considered one of the greatest poets of the Edo period and his work has been translated into many languages. His calligraphy, which is known for its spare style and bold strokes, is also widely admired.
Ryōkan lived a simple life and did not seek fame or fortune. He shunned material possessions and instead focused on spiritual pursuits, which is reflected in his poetry. Despite his reclusive nature, he was known for his warmth and kindness towards visitors and was beloved by his fellow monks and the local community.
Even today, Ryōkan's poetry and calligraphy continue to inspire artists, writers and spiritual seekers around the world. Many visitors make their way to his hut to meditate and pay their respects to this celebrated poet and monk.
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Yasunari Kawabata
Yasunari Kawabata (June 14, 1899 Osaka-April 16, 1972 Zushi) also known as Kawabata Yasunari was a Japanese writer and novelist.
Kawabata became the first Japanese author to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968. He is regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century and his works often dealt with topics such as love, loss, and the human experience. Some of his most famous works include Snow Country, Beauty and Sadness, and The Sound of the Mountain. Kawabata's writing often explored the complexities and contradictions of human emotion and was known for its lyrical and poetic style. He was deeply influenced by Japanese traditions and cultural values and often wrote about the changes and challenges faced by Japanese society during the 20th century. Despite his success, Kawabata struggled with depression throughout his life and tragically took his own life at the age of 72.
He died as a result of suicide.
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Kinji Fukasaku
Kinji Fukasaku (July 3, 1930 Mito-January 12, 2003 Tokyo) also known as Fukasaku Kinji was a Japanese screenwriter, film director and actor. His child is Kenta Fukasaku.
Throughout his career, Kinji Fukasaku directed more than 60 films, several of which were critically acclaimed and became cult classics. He began working in the film industry in the 1950s and gained prominence in the 1970s with his yakuza films, such as "Battles Without Honor and Humanity" and its sequels.
In the 2000s, Fukasaku gained international recognition with his film "Battle Royale," a dystopian tale about a group of teenagers forced to fight to the death on a deserted island. The film sparked controversy and was banned in several countries, but it also inspired a generation of filmmakers and became a cult classic.
Apart from his work in the film industry, Fukasaku was also a political activist who advocated for peace and social justice. He was a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and often incorporated his experiences into his films.
Fukasaku's legacy continues to influence contemporary filmmakers, and his contribution to Japanese cinema remains significant.
He died as a result of prostate cancer.
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Enomoto Takeaki
Enomoto Takeaki (August 25, 1836 Edo-October 26, 1908 Tokyo) was a Japanese politician and samurai.
He was one of the Four Great Nobles of the Meiji Restoration, and played a key role in overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate and bringing about the Meiji Restoration. Enomoto served as the Minister of the Navy and also as Prime Minister of Japan for a brief period. He was known for his advocacy of modernization and reform, and helped to build Japan's modern navy. He was highly respected in Japan for his leadership and statesmanship, and is remembered as a key figure in the country's transition to a modern, industrialized nation.
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Hashimoto Gahō
Hashimoto Gahō (August 21, 1835 Edo-January 13, 1908) also known as Hashimoto Gaho was a Japanese personality.
He was a prominent artist who specialized in the art of Japanese woodblock printing, also known as ukiyo-e. Hashimoto Gahō was born in Edo, which is now modern-day Tokyo. He grew up in a family of artisans and was trained as a woodblock printer from a young age. Throughout his life, Hashimoto Gahō produced numerous works of art depicting traditional Japanese scenes such as landscapes, portraits of Kabuki actors, and geishas. He was also known for experimenting with Japanese techniques to create new art styles. In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Hashimoto Gahō was also a teacher and mentor to many other prominent Japanese artists.
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Ryōtarō Shiba
Ryōtarō Shiba (August 7, 1923 Osaka-February 12, 1996 Osaka) otherwise known as Ryōtarō Shiba, Teiichi Fukuda or Ryotaro Shiba was a Japanese writer and novelist.
He studied at Osaka University of Foreign Studies before joining the Japanese Army during World War II. After the war, he began working as a journalist and eventually turned to writing full-time.
Shiba is known for his extensive research and historical fiction writing style. He wrote several popular novels that were adapted into television dramas, including "Saiyūki" and "Makai Tenshō." His most famous work, "Seki no Yatappe," is an epic tale about the battle of Sekigahara. It has been adapted into films, TV dramas, and even a stage play.
In addition to his writing, Shiba was also a prolific essayist and critic. He wrote about a variety of topics, including Japanese history, culture, and the arts. He was awarded numerous literary prizes throughout his career, and his work continues to be influential in Japanese popular culture.
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Taihō Kōki
Taihō Kōki (May 29, 1940 Poronaysk-January 19, 2013) also known as なや こうき, Koki Naya, 大鵬幸喜, Koki Taiho, たいほう こうき, Naya Koki, すみよし こうき, 住吉 幸喜, Sumiyoshi Koki, Koki Sumiyoshi, 大鵬 翔己, Taiho Shoki, Shoki Taiho, たいほう しょうき or イヴァーン was a Japanese sumo wrestler.
He was born as Koki Naya in Poronaysk, Sakhalin Oblast, Russia, and adopted by his uncle, who was a sumo wrestler under the name Taiho, at a young age. Taiho Koki went on to have a successful career as a professional sumo wrestler, winning a total of 32 championships, which was a record at the time of his retirement in 1971. He was known for his impressive size and strength, as well as his technical skill and quickness in the ring. After his retirement, Taiho Koki remained involved in the sport of sumo as a coach and mentor to younger wrestlers. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, and was recognized as one of the greatest sumo wrestlers of all time. Taiho Koki passed away in 2013 due to heart failure.
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Mako Iwamatsu
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 was born in Kobe, Japan and moved to the United States in the late 1940s. He attended the Pasadena Playhouse in California and became a naturalized American citizen in the 1950s. Mako is known for his roles in films such as "The Sand Pebbles", "Conan the Barbarian", and "Memoirs of a Geisha". He also provided the voice for Aku in the animated television series "Samurai Jack" and Uncle Iroh in "Avatar: The Last Airbender". Mako was a founding member of the Asian American Theater Company and was active in promoting Asian American representation in the entertainment industry.
He died in esophageal cancer.
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Abe no Nakamaro
Abe no Nakamaro (April 5, 0698-April 5, 0770) was a Japanese writer.
Born into an aristocratic family in the Asuka period, Abe no Nakamaro initially served as a courtier in Nara, the capital of Japan at the time. After losing his position due to political reasons, he left Japan in 717 and embarked on a journey to China, where he studied language and literature for over 20 years. During this time, he became one of the most prominent figures in Tang dynasty culture, famous for his Chinese poetry and skill with the language. He eventually returned to Japan in 736 and continued his career as a writer and cultural ambassador, helping to spread Chinese culture throughout Japan. Abe no Nakamaro is known for his contributions to Japanese literature and his role in promoting cultural exchange between Japan and China.
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Masanori Ito
Masanori Ito (October 18, 1889-April 21, 1962) otherwise known as Masanori Itō was a Japanese writer and journalist.
He was born in the Akita Prefecture and graduated from Tokyo Imperial University in 1915. After graduation, he worked as a journalist for various newspapers including Yomiuri Shimbun, Tokyo Asahi Shimbun, and Mainichi Shimbun. He was known for his critical writing style and often wrote about societal issues such as poverty, war, and politics.
In addition to his journalistic work, Masanori Ito also wrote several novels and short stories. His most famous works include "Kokoro," a novel about a young man's life in Meiji-era Tokyo, and "Jibun no Cha," a collection of short stories about the lives of poor peasants in Japan.
Masanori Ito was a prolific writer and continued to write until his death in 1962. He is remembered as one of Japan's most important writers and journalists of the 20th century.
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Michio Watanabe
Michio Watanabe (July 28, 1923 Japan-September 15, 1995 Tokyo) was a Japanese politician.
Watanabe served as the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minister of Tourism, and the Chief Cabinet Secretary during his political career. He was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and played a vital role in modernizing Japan's communication network. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives for more than 30 years. Watanabe had a reputation for being a skilled orator and was a popular figure in Japanese politics. He was known for his straightforward personality and often took controversial stances on political issues. After his death, a memorial service was held in Tokyo, which was attended by many political figures and dignitaries.
He died caused by heart failure.
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Nachi Nozawa
Nachi Nozawa (January 13, 1938 Tokyo Prefecture-October 30, 2010 Tokyo) also known as Yasutomo Nozawa, Shuji J. Nozawa, Shuji J.Nozawa, Nara Nozawa, Nozawa Nachi or Nozawa Yasutomo was a Japanese theatre director, voice actor and actor. He had one child, Soh Nozawa.
Nachi Nozawa was a highly respected figure in the Japanese entertainment industry, having established himself as a prominent theatre director in the 1960s before transitioning to voice acting in the 1970s. He was known for his deep, commanding voice and playing a wide range of characters throughout his career, from villains to heroic figures. Some of his most notable voice acting roles include Piccolo in the Dragon Ball series and Captain Hook in the Japanese dub of Peter Pan. In addition to his voice work, he also made several appearances in film and television, including roles in the popular Japanese dramas "The Yagyu Conspiracy" and "Abarenbo Shogun". Despite his success and accomplishments, Nachi Nozawa remained very private about his personal life, rarely giving interviews or speaking publicly about his personal beliefs or experiences. He passed away on October 30, 2010, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most talented and versatile performers.
He died in lung cancer.
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Kamo no Mabuchi
Kamo no Mabuchi (April 24, 1697-November 27, 1769) was a Japanese writer and philosopher.
He was born in what is now the city of Kyoto, Japan, and started his career as a teacher of Chinese classics. But he soon turned his attention to the study of Japanese literature, particularly poetry. He became a leading figure in the revival of interest in the Man'yōshū, an ancient collection of Japanese poetry.
Mabuchi's theories on the origin and structure of Japanese poetry, as well as his critiques of the prevalent Chinese influence on Japanese literature, had a lasting impact on Japanese literary and cultural studies. He also wrote extensively on Shinto, the traditional religion of Japan, and the relationship between Japan's indigenous culture and Buddhism, which had been introduced from China and Korea.
Mabuchi's literary and philosophical works, including "Kokugakuin" and "Chobun," continue to be studied and debated in Japan today. He is considered one of the pioneers of the kokugaku movement, a school of thought that championed the study and promotion of Japanese culture and tradition.
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Chosuke Ikariya
Chosuke Ikariya (November 1, 1931 Sumida, Tokyo-March 20, 2004 Minato) also known as Choichi Ikariya, Chō-san, Chōichi Ikariya, Ikariya Chōsuke, Chôsuke Ikariya or The Drifters was a Japanese comedian and actor. He had one child, .
Chosuke Ikariya is best known for being a member of the Japanese comedy troupe, The Drifters. The group was formed in 1953 and gained popularity in the 1960s with their comedy music performances. Ikariya was known for his unique comedic style and his ability to make people laugh with his witty jokes and facial expressions.
In addition to his work with The Drifters, Ikariya also appeared in numerous Japanese films and television shows. Some of his notable roles include the film "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro" and the television series "Sasurai no Taiyou".
Ikariya was also an accomplished musician, playing the bass guitar and contributing vocals to many of The Drifters' songs. He was known for his musical talent and often performed in concerts and live shows.
Despite his success, Ikariya battled with health issues throughout his life. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2000 and passed away on March 20, 2004 at the age of 72. His legacy as a talented comedian, actor, and musician continues to live on in Japan.
He died in lymphoma.
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