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Japanese musicians died at 78

Here are 16 famous musicians from Japan died at 78:

Kijūrō Shidehara

Kijūrō Shidehara (September 13, 1872 Kadoma-March 10, 1951 Tokyo) was a Japanese politician and diplomat.

He served as the 44th Prime Minister of Japan from 1945 to 1946, during the post World War II Allied occupation. Shidehara was also a key figure in Japanese foreign affairs, having served as Minister of Foreign Affairs multiple times throughout his career. He played a significant role in negotiating the 1921 Washington Naval Treaty, which placed limits on naval armament and helped reduce tensions between Japan and the United States. In addition, he was instrumental in negotiating the 1930 London Naval Treaty, which further reduced naval armaments worldwide. Despite his decades-long career in government, Shidehara was known for his humility and lack of ostentation. He was awarded the Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan's highest honor, after his death in 1951.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Kijūrō Shidehara played a crucial role in transitioning Japan from a wartime, authoritarian state to a democracy. He supported many liberal reforms, including the freedom of speech and the press. Under his leadership, Japan also adopted a new Constitution in 1947, which established democracy, fundamental human rights, and pacifism as central principles. Despite facing opposition from the conservative elements within his own government, Shidehara remained committed to achieving lasting peace for Japan and the world. He continued to promote international cooperation and understanding until his death in 1951. Shidehara's legacy as a statesman dedicated to peace and democracy continues to inspire many in Japan and around the world.

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Hōnen

Hōnen (May 13, 1133 Kume-February 29, 1212 Kyoto) was a Japanese personality.

He was a Buddhist priest and the founder of the Jōdo-shū sect of Buddhism in Japan. He is often remembered as the person who popularized the chanting of the Name of Amida Buddha among the common people in Japan. Hōnen's teachings encouraged people to seek salvation by reciting the phrase "Namu Amida Butsu" which means "I take refuge in the Amida Buddha". This became known as the nembutsu practice and it gained widespread popularity during his lifetime. Hōnen is considered an important figure in the history of Japanese Buddhism and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world today.

Hōnen was born in Kume, Japan and was originally named Seishimaru. He studied Buddhist teachings at a young age and became a monk at the age of nine. In his early years as a monk, Hōnen was influenced by the teachings of Micchaka, a Chinese monk who emphasized the importance of reciting the name of Amida Buddha as a means of attaining enlightenment.

Hōnen's focus on the nembutsu practice put him at odds with other Buddhist schools, who believed in different practices for salvation. His teachings were considered radical at the time and he faced persecution from religious authorities. Despite this, Hōnen persisted in spreading his message and eventually gained a large following of disciples.

In 1207, Hōnen was exiled from Kyoto as part of a wider crackdown on his followers, known as the Jōkyū Disturbance. He spent the next few years traveling and spreading his teachings throughout Japan, eventually returning to Kyoto in 1211. Hōnen died the following year at the age of 79.

Today, the Jōdo-shū sect of Buddhism has millions of followers in Japan and around the world. Hōnen is remembered as a visionary who sought to make Buddhism accessible to everyone, regardless of social status or education. His legacy lives on through his teachings and the continued practice of the nembutsu.

Kuroki Tamemoto

Kuroki Tamemoto (May 3, 1844 Satsuma Domain-February 3, 1923 Tokyo) was a Japanese personality.

He was a samurai of the Satsuma domain during the Bakumatsu period and later worked as a politician and Cabinet minister in Meiji period Japan. Kuroki played a significant role in the modernization of Japan and was instrumental in establishing the country's first national bank. He was also a leading figure in the establishment of the Imperial Japanese Army and served as one of its first generals. Kuroki dedicated himself to the development of Japan and was known for his leadership and commitment to public service. In recognition of his contributions to the advancement of Japan, the government of Japan bestowed upon him the prestigious Order of the Chrysanthemum.

Later in his life, Kuroki also became a prolific author and wrote several books on military strategy and tactics, which are still studied by military scholars today. He was known for his unique approach to warfare, which emphasized flexibility and adaptability over rigid planning.

Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Kuroki remained humble and dedicated to his country. He was a beloved figure in Japan and was often referred to as the "father of the Imperial Japanese Army." Even after his death, Kuroki's legacy continued to inspire future generations of Japanese leaders and soldiers. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important figures in Japan's modernization and development as a major world power.

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Ted Fujita

Ted Fujita (October 23, 1920 Kitakyushu-November 19, 1998 Chicago) was a Japanese scientist.

He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of meteorology, particularly in the study of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Fujita's most notable contribution to meteorology was his development of the Fujita Scale, which is used to classify tornadoes based on their intensity and damage. He was also instrumental in creating the Doppler radar system used today for tracking weather systems. Fujita was a professor at the University of Chicago for over 40 years and his research had a significant impact on our understanding of severe weather phenomena. His work has saved countless lives and his legacy continues to influence the field of meteorology to this day.

Fujita grew up in Japan and obtained his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Meiji University in Tokyo. However, his passion for meteorology led him to pursue a graduate degree in meteorology from Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo) in 1943. After completing his degree, he worked for the Japanese government as a weather forecaster during World War II.

In 1953, Fujita moved to the United States to pursue a PhD at the University of Chicago, where he worked under renowned meteorologist Horace Byers. He joined the faculty of the university's Department of Geophysical Sciences in 1955 and remained there for the rest of his career.

Fujita was known for his innovative research methods, which included studying the aftermath of severe storms and tornadoes to understand how they formed and how they could be predicted. His investigations led to the development of the Fujita Scale, which is still used today as a benchmark for measuring tornado strength.

In addition to his pioneering work in severe weather and meteorology, Fujita was also interested in aviation weather safety and was a strong advocate for using meteorology to improve air travel. He chaired several committees on aviation weather safety for organizations such as the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council.

Throughout his career, Fujita received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to meteorology and aviation safety, including the prestigious National Medal of Science in 1982. He died in Chicago in 1998 at the age of 78.

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Takeshi Araki

Takeshi Araki (March 4, 1916-June 17, 1994) was a Japanese politician.

He served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan from 1986 to 1989. Araki was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in law. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1949 and went on to serve 14 consecutive terms until his retirement in 1990. During his long career in politics, Araki was known for his conservative views and support for the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. He also served as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party's Executive Council and was instrumental in the formation of the party's New Frontier Party. After retiring from politics, Araki served as the President of the Japan Institute of National Fundamentals, an influential conservative think tank.

In addition to his political and academic work, Takeshi Araki was a prolific writer who authored several books on politics, history, and international relations. He was particularly interested in Japan's relationship with other Asian countries and was critical of the country's wartime actions. Araki was also an advocate for nuclear disarmament and peace, and he played a key role in the establishment of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to politics and society, including the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Japan's highest honor for civilians, in 1990. Araki's legacy continues to be felt in Japan's political and intellectual spheres, and his work remains relevant to contemporary debates on Japan's role in the world.

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Miyoshi Umeki

Miyoshi Umeki (May 8, 1929 Otaru-August 28, 2007 Licking) otherwise known as Umeki, Miyoshi was a Japanese singer and actor.

Her albums include Miyoshi. Genres: Traditional pop music.

She died caused by cancer.

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Misa Uehara

Misa Uehara (March 26, 1937 Fukuoka-April 5, 2015) a.k.a. Misako Uehara or Uehara Misa was a Japanese actor.

Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Misa Uehara first gained recognition for her performance in the 1955 film "Shirayuki-sensei to kodomo-tachi" while still in high school. She later continued to appear in a number of films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Kurutta Kajitsu," "Bijo to touzoku," and "Akiko." In 1965, she was chosen as the lead for Toho's 20th Godzilla film, "Invasion of Astro-Monster." Uehara also appeared in various television drama series, such as "Tokugawa Ieyasu," "Daitsuiseki," and "Abarenbo Shogun." After retiring from acting, she became a professor at Osaka's Shoin Women's University, where she taught theatre. She was also a noted stage director, and produced productions for various theatre companies.

Uehara's talent and dedication to the arts earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. In 1962, she won the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Ten Dark Women." In 1975, she won the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in "The World of Geisha." Uehara also received recognition for her contributions to theatre education in Japan, and in 2004, was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, a prestigious honor bestowed by the Japanese government. Despite her success, Uehara was known for her down-to-earth personality and kindness towards others. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 78, remembered as a talented and beloved actor, educator, and director.

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Okumura Masanobu

Okumura Masanobu (April 5, 1686 Japan-April 5, 1764 Japan) was a Japanese personality.

He was a painter, printmaker, and book publisher who was born in Kyoto, Japan. He is considered to be one of the leading ukiyo-e artists of the early 18th century. Masanobu is known for his beautifully detailed and delicate prints of beautiful courtesans, actors, and scenes from everyday life. He was also instrumental in developing the technique of multicolor printing, and many of his prints feature intricate and vibrant colors. In addition to his art, Masanobu was a prolific publisher of books on various subjects, including fashion, eroticism, and culture. His works were highly influential in shaping the aesthetics and cultural identity of Japan during the Edo period.

Masanobu's love for printmaking and design began in his teenage years. When he was 14 years old, he was apprenticed to a woodcarver named Hanbei who taught him the skill of carving woodblocks for printing. This was the beginning of Masanobu's lifelong passion for printmaking.

Masanobu's prints often depicted geisha and courtesans, reflecting the popular culture of the time. His portraits of actors and actresses were particularly innovative, as he was one of the first artists to capture the individuality and personality of his subjects. Masanobu was also interested in exploring the eroticism of Japanese culture, and his prints often featured erotic themes and images.

In addition to his contributions to art and printmaking, Masanobu was also a shrewd businessman. He established his own publishing company, which allowed him to produce and distribute his own works as well as those of other artists. Through his company, he was able to expand the audience for ukiyo-e prints, making them accessible to a wider range of people.

Today, Masanobu's prints are widely recognized as some of the most beautiful and technically accomplished examples of ukiyo-e. His innovations in printing techniques and his depictions of everyday life and popular culture continue to influence artists and designers around the world.

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Masakazu Kawabe

Masakazu Kawabe (December 5, 1886 Toyama Prefecture-March 2, 1965) was a Japanese personality.

He was a renowned historian and archaeologist, specializing in the study of ancient Japan. Kawabe dedicated much of his life to uncovering the mysteries and hidden history of Japan, and his work has been highly influential in shaping the understanding of Japanese history today. He was also a prolific writer, having published numerous books and papers on his findings and research. In addition to his academic pursuits, Kawabe was also an accomplished calligrapher, painter, and musician. He was highly respected in Japanese society and was awarded numerous accolades and honors throughout his career.

Kawabe began his career as a history teacher before studying archaeology at Kyoto University. His early years in academia were largely focused on studying the Kofun period, a time in Japanese history between the 3rd and 7th centuries. He also conducted extensive research on the history of Japanese ceramics and the Ainu people of Hokkaido.

Kawabe's most significant contribution to the field of Japanese history was his groundbreaking discovery of the Takamatsuzuka tomb in Nara prefecture in 1960. The tomb, which dates back to the late 7th century, contained stunning murals depicting scenes from Chinese mythology and was of great importance to the understanding of Japan's cultural and political history.

Kawabe's legacy continues to inspire historians and archaeologists today. His dedication to uncovering the hidden histories of Japan through his meticulous research and analysis has contributed greatly to our understanding of this fascinating country.

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Teizo Matsumura

Teizo Matsumura (January 15, 1929 Kyoto-August 6, 2007 Minato) also known as Matsumura Teizo was a Japanese composer and poet.

Genres he performed include Film score.

He died as a result of pneumonia.

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Kazuo Yamada

Kazuo Yamada (October 19, 1912-August 13, 1991) also known as Yamada Kazuo was a Japanese conductor.

He was known for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, among others. Yamada was born in Tokyo and began his musical studies at a young age. He went on to study conducting in Germany, where he worked with noted composers and conductors such as Richard Strauss and Wilhelm Furtwängler.

After returning to Japan, Yamada became the conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra in 1955, a position he held until 1963. During his tenure with the orchestra, he worked to expand its repertoire and introduced many western works to Japanese audiences. He was also a professor of conducting at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.

Outside of Japan, Yamada conducted the Berliner Philharmoniker, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. He was highly regarded for his precise and well-balanced interpretations of classical works.

In addition to his conducting career, Yamada was also a composer and wrote a number of orchestral works, including his Symphony in F Major, which remains one of his most popular compositions. He died in Tokyo in 1991 at the age of 78.

Yamada Kazuo was a dedicated musician who contributed significantly to the development of classical music in Japan. Apart from conducting and composing, he also worked to promote the training of young conductors in Japan. In 1963, he founded the Yamada Conducting Academy, which has helped train many aspiring conductors over the years, including Seiji Ozawa, who went on to become one of the most successful Japanese conductors in history.

Throughout his career, Yamada was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Cultural Merit, one of Japan's highest honors in the arts. In addition, he was awarded the Goethe Medal by Germany in recognition of his contributions to the country's music scene.

Even today, Yamada's legacy lives on in Japan and beyond, inspiring young musicians and conductors to pursue their passion for classical music with dedication and hard work.

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Toshizō Nishio

Toshizō Nishio (October 31, 1881 Tottori-October 26, 1960 Tokyo) was a Japanese personality.

He was a veteran of the Russo-Japanese War and World War II, rising to the rank of vice admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. After the war, he became a political activist and a staunch opponent of Japan's postwar pacifist policies. Nishio was a member of the right-wing group, the "League of Blood," which advocated for Japan's military expansionism and clashed with leftist organizations. He was also a vocal critic of the American occupation of Japan, which he saw as a violation of Japan's sovereignty. In his later years, Nishio became known for his outspoken views on war, peace, and national security, which often garnered controversy and criticism.

Nishio was born into a samurai family and was the third son of a former kunshu (finance official) of the Tottori Domain. He graduated from the 29th class of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy in 1902, and went on to serve as the executive officer of several battleships, including the Katori and the Kirishima. During the Russo-Japanese War, he was a gunnery officer on the cruiser Nisshin and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his service.

In World War II, Nishio served as the commander of the naval protection force for the Japanese Army's major base at Rangoon. He was also the commander of the Combined Fleet's 6th Destroyer Squadron during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Nishio survived the war and was sent to a POW camp in the Philippines before being repatriated to Japan in 1947.

After the war, Nishio became involved in politics and was a member of the ultra-conservative Dai Nihon Seisenshi Doumei (Greater Japan Combat History Federation). He also founded his own organization, called the Toshizo Nishio Association, which aimed to promote nationalist views and defend Japan's honor. Nishio was a prolific writer, and his essays and books often reflected his right-wing political beliefs.

Despite his controversial views, Nishio was respected by many for his military career and his dedication to Japan. He was posthumously awarded the Order of the Golden Kite in recognition of his "distinguished military service."

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Saburo Okita

Saburo Okita (November 3, 1914 Dalian-February 9, 1993 Tokyo) also known as Saburō Ōkita was a Japanese politician and economist.

He served as the President of the Japan Economic Research Center, and later as the Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. Okita was a key figure in shaping Japan's foreign policy in the post-World War II era, including the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1972. He also played a vital role in Japan's economic development, particularly in the country's shift from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-based one. After his death, the Saburo Okita Memorial Institute was established to continue his work in promoting economic development and international cooperation.

Okita was born in Dalian, China, then a Japanese colony. He attended Tokyo Imperial University, where he studied economics and obtained his master's degree. He later pursued a doctorate in economics at the University of Michigan in the United States.

Upon returning to Japan, Okita worked at the Ministry of Finance, where he helped shape the country's post-war economic policies. He went on to become the president of the Japan Economic Research Center, a prominent private research institution.

In 1979, Okita was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Nakasone. He played a key role in Japan's diplomacy with China, the Soviet Union, and the United States, helping to strengthen ties with these countries and promoting peace and stability in East Asia.

In addition to his diplomatic and economic work, Okita was also an influential writer and scholar. He authored numerous books and articles on economic development, international relations, and Japan's role in the world.

Okita received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award, a prestigious award for achievements in public service in Asia.

Even after his death in 1993, Okita remains a respected figure in Japan and around the world, known for his contributions to economic development and international cooperation.

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Andō Teibi

Andō Teibi (October 20, 1853 Iida-August 29, 1932) was a Japanese personality.

He is best known for his contributions to the development of Japanese modern printing technology. Andō Teibi learned the art of printing in Tokyo, and later specialized in color printing, which was still a developing technology at the time. He established his own company and through his innovations in printing techniques, became one of the leading figures in the printing industry in Japan. He introduced the use of lithography and created a new method of color printing, using separate plates for each color, which greatly improved the quality of print materials. In addition to his work in printing, Andō Teibi was also an avid collector of traditional Japanese art and played a role in preserving and promoting traditional artistic techniques. He was posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, in recognition of his contributions to Japanese printing technology.

Andō Teibi was born in the town of Iida, which is located in what is now Nagano Prefecture, Japan. After completing his education, he moved to Tokyo to pursue his interest in printing technology. He studied under some of the most renowned printers of the time, including Satō Nobumichi and Takagi Kōtarō.

In 1887, Andō Teibi founded his own company, called the Teibi Printing Works. He quickly gained a reputation for his technical skill and innovation, and his company soon became one of the most successful printing firms in Japan.

Andō Teibi's most significant contribution to the field of printing was his development of a new method of color printing, which he first unveiled in 1893. This innovative technique involved using separate plates for each color, rather than just one plate for all colors. This allowed for much finer control over the printing process and resulted in much higher-quality printed materials. Andō Teibi continued to refine and perfect his color printing technique over the years, and his company became known for producing some of the most beautiful and vibrant printed materials in Japan.

In addition to his work in printing, Andō Teibi was an avid collector of Japanese art. He was particularly interested in traditional Japanese woodblock prints, and he amassed a large collection of works by some of the most famous artists of the Edo period. He also played a role in promoting and preserving traditional artistic techniques, serving as a mentor and teacher to many young artists.

Andō Teibi's contributions to Japanese printing technology were recognized with many awards and honors during his lifetime. He was appointed to the Imperial Art Academy in 1919, and in 1921 he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun. In 1932, he passed away at the age of 79 and was posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure in recognition of his lifetime of achievement in the field of printing.

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Yoshitoshi Tokugawa

Yoshitoshi Tokugawa (July 24, 1884 Tokyo City-April 17, 1963 Tokyo) was a Japanese personality.

He was a member of the House of Tokugawa, which was the reigning imperial dynasty of Japan for over 250 years. Yoshitoshi played an important role in the industrialization of Japan during the early 20th century, serving as an executive at several major corporations, including Mitsubishi and Sumitomo. He was also a prominent figure in the development of Japanese art, particularly in the traditional fields of calligraphy and painting. Yoshitoshi was known for his extensive collection of art from Japan's Edo period, which he later donated to the Tokyo National Museum. His contributions to Japanese industry and culture made him one of the most influential figures of his time.

Furthermore, in addition to his work in industry and art, Yoshitoshi Tokugawa was also a prominent figure in Japanese politics. He served in the upper house of the Japanese parliament, the House of Peers, from 1925 until its dissolution in 1947. During this time, he was a member of several parliamentary committees and was known for his efforts to promote economic and industrial growth in Japan. In the post-World War II era, Yoshitoshi continued to play a role in the Japanese political landscape, serving as a member of the Privy Council and as an advisor to the Japanese government. Despite his privileged background and connections to the imperial family, Yoshitoshi was known for his humility and his commitment to improving the lives of all Japanese citizens.

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Kitasato Shibasaburō

Kitasato Shibasaburō (January 29, 1853 Oguni-June 13, 1931 Tokyo) also known as Dr. Kitasato Shibasaburo, Shibasaburo Kitasato or Kitasato Shibasaburo was a Japanese physician.

He is recognized for his groundbreaking work in the field of microbiology and is considered one of the founders of modern bacteriology. Kitasato worked alongside Emil von Behring to develop a serum for the treatment of diphtheria, which helped to establish the field of immunology. He also identified the cause of the bubonic plague and developed a serum to treat it, saving countless lives. Kitasato was the first Japanese person to become a member of the Royal Society of London and he helped establish the Kitasato Institute in Tokyo, a major research facility dedicated to the study of infectious diseases. During his lifetime, he received numerous awards, including the Order of the Rising Sun and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, two of Japan's highest honors.

In addition to his contributions to bacteriology, Kitasato was also a pioneer in the field of medical education in Japan. In 1885, he founded the Kitasato Institute Hospital, which was one of the first modern hospitals in Japan. He later became a professor at the University of Tokyo, where he trained many future doctors and scientists. Kitasato was also a prolific author, publishing over 250 scientific papers throughout his career. His work helped to establish Japan as a leader in the field of medicine and microbiology, and his legacy continues to be felt today. Many of his discoveries and techniques are still widely used in the study and treatment of infectious diseases, and the Kitasato Institute remains one of the most important centers for research in this field.

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