Japanese musicians died at 75
Here are 21 famous musicians from Japan died at 75:
Tama Morita
Tama Morita (December 19, 1894 Sapporo-October 31, 1970 Tokyo) was a Japanese writer and politician.
Morita began his career as a writer in the 1920s and quickly gained recognition for his essays and novels that explored the social and political issues of his time. He was an outspoken critic of the government and advocated for greater political freedom and democratization in Japan.
In the 1930s, Morita became involved in politics and was elected to the Japanese Diet in 1937 as a member of the Socialist Party. He was a strong opponent of Japanese military expansionism and criticized the government's policies in China and Southeast Asia.
During World War II, Morita was imprisoned by the Japanese government for his political beliefs. After the war, he continued to be an influential figure in Japanese politics and was a vocal critic of the U.S. occupation of Japan.
Morita's literary career also flourished in the post-war years, as he continued to publish essays and fiction that addressed the social and political issues of contemporary Japan. He was awarded numerous literary prizes for his work, including the prestigious Akutagawa Prize.
Today, Morita is remembered as both a prominent writer and an important political figure in 20th century Japan.
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Tsubouchi Shōyō
Tsubouchi Shōyō (June 22, 1859 Mino Province-February 28, 1935) was a Japanese writer.
He was also a translator, playwright, and educator. Tsubouchi Shōyō was notable for his contributions to modern Japanese literature and theater. He was one of the first writers to introduce Shakespearean plays to Japanese audiences through his translations. Tsubouchi is also known for his novel "The Family" which is considered to be one of the first examples of a modern Japanese novel. In addition to his literary work, Tsubouchi was also an influential figure in Japanese education. He served as a professor at Waseda University and was a key figure in the university's establishment of its Department of Literature. Tsubouchi's legacy continues to be celebrated today through the Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum, which honors his contributions to Japanese theater.
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Ueda Akinari
Ueda Akinari (July 25, 1734 Osaka-August 8, 1809 Kyoto) also known as Akinari Ueda, Ueda Shūsei or Senjiro Ueda was a Japanese writer.
He is best known for his collection of tales of the supernatural, "Ugetsu Monogatari" (Tales of Moonlight and Rain), which was published in 1776. Ueda was born into a samurai family in Osaka, but spent much of his life in Edo (now Tokyo) working as a physician. In addition to his writing, he was also a student of traditional Japanese poetry and a collector of art. Ueda's work is noted for its lyrical prose and its exploration of themes such as the transience of life, the nature of reality, and the blurring of boundaries between the seen and unseen worlds. Today, he is considered one of the greatest writers in the Japanese literary canon.
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Knock Yokoyama
Knock Yokoyama (January 30, 1932 Nagata-ku, Kobe-May 3, 2007) was a Japanese politician and comedian.
He studied political science at Doshisha University and became a member of the Japan Socialist Party after graduation. He worked as a professional comedian, known for his unique brand of political satire and impressions of famous politicians. In 1980, he was elected to the House of Representatives as a member of the Democratic Socialist Party. He was later re-elected six times and served as chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Audit and Oversight. In addition to his political career, Yokoyama was also a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, appearing in many TV shows and movies. He was known for his outspoken nature and was a strong advocate for social justice and equality. Yokoyama passed away in 2007 at the age of 75.
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Takeshi Aono
Takeshi Aono (June 19, 1936 Asahikawa-April 9, 2012 Hachioji) also known as Aono Takeshi or Takesi Aono was a Japanese voice actor and actor.
Takeshi Aono began his career in the entertainment industry in the late 1950s as a theater actor before transitioning to voice acting in the 1960s. He was known for voicing a variety of characters in popular anime series, including Piccolo in "Dragon Ball Z," Dr. Mephisto in "Ghost Sweeper Mikami," and Kogoro Mouri in "Detective Conan." Aono also voiced characters in video games such as "Kingdom Hearts" and "Sonic the Hedgehog." Throughout his career, he won numerous awards for his work in voice acting, including the "Kei Tomiyama Memorial Award" in 2001. In addition to his voice acting work, Aono also appeared in live-action films and TV dramas.
He died in cerebral infarction.
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Jianzhen
Jianzhen (April 5, 0688 Jiangsu-April 5, 0763) was a Japanese personality.
Actually, Jianzhen was a Chinese monk and scholar who is known for his influential role in the transmission and development of Buddhism in Japan. Born in Jiangsu, China, Jianzhen became a monk at a young age and spent many years studying and practicing Buddhism. In the early 8th century, he was invited to Japan by the emperor to help establish a new Buddhist school there. Despite many setbacks and challenges, including several failed attempts to reach Japan and a serious illness that left him blind, Jianzhen eventually succeeded in establishing the Tendai School of Buddhism in Japan. He also contributed to the development of Japanese culture and society through his teachings, writings, and efforts to improve the country's infrastructure, particularly in the areas of medicine and education. Today, Jianzhen is revered as a great teacher and cultural hero in both China and Japan.
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Kenji Utsumi
Kenji Utsumi (August 26, 1937 Kitakyushu-June 13, 2013 Shinjuku) also known as Utsumi Kenji, Takaji Uchimi or 内海 賢二 was a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator. He had one child, Kentaro Utsumi.
Utsumi began his career in 1958 as a stage actor and made his film debut in 1961. He gained popularity for his roles in Japanese television dramas and variety shows. Utsumi was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to many popular anime characters including Raoh in "Fist of the North Star," Senbei Norimaki in "Dr. Slump," and Suneo Honekawa in "Doraemon." He was known for his deep and distinctive voice, which earned him the nickname "The Voice of Japan." In addition to his voice work, Utsumi was also a narrator for nature documentaries and commercials. He was posthumously awarded the Merit Award at the 8th Seiyu Awards in 2014 for his contributions to the voice acting industry.
He died as a result of peritonitis.
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Aizu Yaichi
Aizu Yaichi (August 1, 1881 Japan-November 21, 1956) was a Japanese personality.
He was a poet, historian, and literary critic. Aizu Yaichi was born in Tokyo, Japan and is considered one of the most influential poets of the Taisho period. His fascination with traditional Japanese culture is reflected in his poetry and literary criticism. Aizu Yaichi was a prolific writer and is known for his collection of poems titled "Niji to Taishi" which was published in 1919. He also wrote several historical works and essays on Japanese literature. Aizu Yaichi was a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time and was instrumental in the formation of the "White Birch Society", a group of poets and writers who sought to promote traditional Japanese values in literature.
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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.
Kitamura was a prolific voice actor and actor, who worked in the entertainment industry for over five decades. He began his career in the early 1950s and gained fame for his voice acting in numerous anime series and films. He voiced memorable characters such as Dr. Hell in "Mazinger Z", Duke Togo in "Golgo 13", and the Narrator in "Doraemon".
Aside from his work as a voice actor, Kitamura also acted in live-action films and TV dramas throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include Inspector Takeda in the film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970), and as the protagonist in the TV drama "Ningen no Shoumei" (1977).
Kitamura was highly respected by his peers and fans for his versatility and range as an actor. He was posthumously awarded the Merit Award at the 2nd Seiyu Awards in 2008, in recognition of his contributions to the voice acting industry.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
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Kambara Ariake
Kambara Ariake (March 15, 1876 Tokyo-February 3, 1952 Kamakura) was a Japanese novelist.
Kambara Ariake was a prominent figure in the literary world in early 20th century Japan, who was known for his unique style of writing that focused on exploring the inner lives of his characters. He was one of the early members of the Shirakaba literary group, which was a prominent group of writers and artists in Japan in the early 20th century. His most famous novel, "Tropic of Cancer," was a vivid portrayal of life in Tokyo during the era of modernization in Japan. Kambara's writing was also heavily influenced by his interest in psychology and spirituality, which he explored through his novels and essays. Despite facing criticism from some quarters for his experimental approach to storytelling, Kambara is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of his generation in Japan.
He died caused by pneumonia.
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Hanaoka Seishū
Hanaoka Seishū (October 23, 1760 Kii Province-November 21, 1835) was a Japanese physician and surgeon.
He is most famous for being the first person to successfully use general anesthesia during surgery. Seishū accomplished this feat by using a combination of herbs, including datura, which was known to have sedative properties. He successfully performed surgeries on multiple patients using this anesthesia and later published his findings in a medical text. Seishū also made significant contributions to the field of surgery in Japan, including the development of surgical instruments and techniques. Despite his accomplishments, Seishū's use of anesthesia was controversial at the time, and he faced criticism from the medical community. However, his techniques eventually gained wider acceptance and were adopted by other physicians around the world. Today, Seishū is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of anesthesia and his legacy lives on in the modern practice of surgery.
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Eiji Okada
Eiji Okada (June 13, 1920 Choshi-September 14, 1995 Tokyo) a.k.a. Okada Eiji was a Japanese actor.
Eiji Okada made a significant mark in the Japanese film industry during the post-war era, particularly in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He began his career as a stage actor, but his breakthrough role in the 1959 film "Hiroshima Mon Amour" directed by Alain Resnais shot him to international fame. He followed this up with several other critically acclaimed roles in Japanese and international films, including "The Woman in the Dunes" and "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence."
In addition to his prolific acting career, Eiji Okada also served as a member of the House of Councillors (the upper house of the Japanese Diet) for six years from 1977 to 1983. Okada was also known for his love of literature, and he wrote several books during his lifetime, including an autobiography titled "Vagabonding."
Eiji Okada's contributions to the film industry were recognized posthumously when he was awarded a posthumous Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1996.
He died caused by heart failure.
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Takeo Itō
Takeo Itō (July 6, 1889 Fukuoka Prefecture-February 24, 1965 Rabaul) was a Japanese personality.
He was a diplomat, military officer, and businessman. He played a significant role in the Japanese administration of the former German colony of New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago during World War II. Itō served as the first Japanese governor of the region, where he implemented policies aimed at promoting Japanese interests and expanding the empire's sphere of influence. He was known for his ruthless tactics, including suppression of local uprisings and forced labor, which resulted in the deaths of many people. Following Japan's defeat, Itō was tried and convicted of war crimes by an Australian court and sentenced to life imprisonment. He remained in prison until his death in 1965.
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Kawasaki Shōzō
Kawasaki Shōzō (December 2, 1837 Kyushu-December 2, 1912 Japan) was a Japanese personality.
He was a samurai and political figure of the Meiji era, known for his modernizing reforms as the Governor of Hokkaido. Born into a samurai family in Kyushu, Kawasaki served the feudal lords of the Saga domain before joining the new Meiji government as a bureaucrat. In 1882, he was appointed as the first Governor of Hokkaido, where he worked to develop the region's infrastructure, modernize its agriculture, and attract immigrants for settlement. He also played a leading role in the construction of the Hokkaido Government Office, a grand building that came to symbolize the island's modernization. After leaving office, Kawasaki continued to be active in public affairs and philanthropy. He served as a member of the House of Peers, and contributed to the establishment of several educational and cultural institutions, including Kobe University and the Museum of the Imperial Collections. Today, he is commemorated by numerous statues, monuments, and public facilities throughout Hokkaido.
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Jirō Osaragi
Jirō Osaragi (October 4, 1897 Yokohama-April 30, 1973 Kamakura) a.k.a. Jiro Osaragi, Osaragi Jirō, Haruhiko Nojiri or Nojiri Haruhiko was a Japanese writer, novelist and screenwriter.
He was known for his ability to intricately weave together complex character relationships and themes in his works. Osaragi began his writing career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and magazines. In 1925, he published his first novel, "Aru Onna," which gained him critical acclaim and set the tone for his future literary success. Over the course of his career, Osaragi wrote over 200 books, including fiction, non-fiction, and essays.
Osaragi's writing often explored the complexities of love and relationships, as well as the human experience during times of war and conflict. He also gained success as a screenwriter, adapting many of his own works to film. In addition to his literary and screenwriting pursuits, Osaragi was also a respected critic and scholar of Japanese literature. He was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government in 1968 for his contributions to literature and culture.
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Hiroshi Noma
Hiroshi Noma (February 23, 1915 Nagata-ku, Kobe-January 2, 1991) was a Japanese writer.
Noma made his debut as a novelist in 1951 with the publication of "Kawa no Hotori" (Beside the River). He was known for his contemplative and philosophical writing style, and his books often focused on the themes of life, death, and the human psyche. In addition to his career as a writer, Noma was also a professor of French literature at Gakushuin University. Throughout his life, he received numerous accolades for his contributions to Japanese literature, including the prestigious Tanizaki Prize in 1979. Even after his death, Noma's works remain popular and widely read in Japan.
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Den Kenjirō
Den Kenjirō (March 25, 1855 Tamba-November 16, 1930 Setagaya) was a Japanese politician.
He served as the 17th prime minister of Japan from April 1914 to September 1916. Kenjirō was born into a family of samurai in Tamba province, now part of Hyōgo Prefecture. He joined the Ministry of Finance in 1882 and worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming vice-minister in 1905. As prime minister, he focused on improving Japan's economy and expanding their naval power. He also supported the annexation of Korea in 1910. After leaving office, Den Kenjirō remained active in politics and was known for his strong anti-communist views. He died in 1930 at the age of 75.
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Hisashi Inoue
Hisashi Inoue (November 16, 1934 Kawanishi-April 9, 2010 Kamakura) also known as Enrico Trizoni, Inoue Hisashi or 井上 ひさし was a Japanese novelist, playwright and screenwriter.
Inoue was an acclaimed writer, having won numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Akutagawa Prize in 1958 for his novel "Kiri no Hata" (Flag of Mist). He is known for his works that explore complex human emotions and societal issues, such as war, illness, and death.
Aside from writing, Inoue was also involved in screenwriting for films and television dramas. He worked with acclaimed directors such as Akira Kurosawa and was responsible for writing the scripts for films such as "Dodesukaden" and "Ran".
Inoue was a prolific writer, who published over 50 books throughout his life. His contributions to Japanese literature have been recognized as he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2007.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
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Kaoru Maruyama
Kaoru Maruyama (April 5, 1899-April 5, 1974) was a Japanese personality.
He was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and had a diverse career that spanned across fields like journalism, playwriting, and film production. Maruyama was primarily known for his contribution to the Japanese film industry, where he worked as a producer and director for several movies.
During his career, he produced popular movies like "Tokyo March" and "The Ballad of Narayama," which won the Palme d'Or prize at Cannes Film Festival. Maruyama's work as a director is also noteworthy, with films like "Actor's Revenge" and "The Fighting Eagle" being some of his most notable pieces.
Maruyama was also a well-known playwright, having written plays for the theater in Japan. Additionally, he was a prominent journalist, and his writings appeared in prominent publications like Asahi Shinbun newspaper.
Kaoru Maruyama's contributions to the arts and culture of Japan have left a lasting impact on the industry, and he is remembered as one of the pioneers of the Japanese film industry.
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Tokugawa Satotaka
Tokugawa Satotaka (April 5, 1865-February 18, 1941) was a Japanese politician. His child is called Tokugawa Satonari.
Satotaka was born into the Tokugawa clan, which had ruled Japan as shoguns from the early 17th century until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. He became the 15th head of the Mito branch of the clan in 1922, and was appointed to the House of Peers in the same year. Satotaka was a strong advocate for traditional Japanese values and culture, and was known for his opposition to the increasing influence of Westernization in Japan during the early 20th century. Despite his conservative views, he was a pragmatic politician and worked closely with the government to achieve his goals. Satotaka also made significant contributions to the preservation of Japanese art and culture, and helped establish the Mito Art Museum in 1927. He passed away in 1941, leaving behind a legacy as a defender of Japan's traditional values in a rapidly changing world.
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Yutaka Mafune
Yutaka Mafune (February 16, 1902 Koriyama-August 3, 1977 Tokyo) was a Japanese writer.
His real name was Takiji Kobayashi, and he used Yutaka Mafune as his pen name. He started his writing career in 1923 and became known for his portrayal of the struggles of the working class. Mafune's novels depicted the harsh realities faced by Japanese laborers, farmers, and fishermen during the early 20th century. He was a member of the Japanese Communist Party and strongly advocated for socialist ideals through his writing. He faced severe censorship during the pre-World War II period for his Marxist views and was arrested and tortured by the authorities. Despite facing persecution, Mafune continued to write and was considered one of the most influential writers of his time. Today, he is remembered for his contributions to Japanese literature and for his advocacy for social justice.
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