Japanese musicians died at 80
Here are 19 famous musicians from Japan died at 80:
Hidemi Kon
Hidemi Kon (November 6, 1903 Hakodate-July 30, 1984 Kamakura) was a Japanese writer and novelist.
She was born as Hideko Takamine, but later changed her name to Hidemi Kon when she began her literary career. Kon started writing at a young age and had her first literary work published when she was only 20 years old. She is best known for her novels that explore the lives of women in Japanese society, including "Floating Clouds" and "Broken Commandment". Her works have been translated into multiple languages and have been adapted into films and television shows. Kon was awarded numerous literary awards throughout her career, including the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, and is considered one of the most important female writers of 20th century Japan.
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Masaki Kobayashi
Masaki Kobayashi (February 14, 1916 Otaru-October 4, 1996 Setagaya) otherwise known as Kobayashi Masaki was a Japanese film director, film producer, screenwriter and writer.
Kobayashi began his career in the film industry as an assistant director, and made his directorial debut in 1952 with the film "Sincerity". He became known for his socially conscious and politically charged films, including the epic trilogy "The Human Condition" (1959-1961) which chronicles a man's moral journey through Japan's wartime and postwar periods.
Kobayashi's films often tackled issues of social injustice and the struggle against authority, and he was celebrated for his visual style and attention to detail. He was also a prolific writer, and published several books on film and literature throughout his career.
Despite critical acclaim, Kobayashi's films were not always successful at the box office in Japan, and his uncompromising approach to storytelling often put him at odds with film studios and producers. However, his work has since gained international recognition and influenced generations of filmmakers.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Kōda Rohan
Kōda Rohan (July 23, 1867 Tokyo-July 30, 1947 Ichikawa) a.k.a. Rohan Kōda was a Japanese writer. He had one child, Aya Kōda.
Rohan Kōda was known for his historical fiction and is considered one of the founders of the historical novel genre in Japan. He used his extensive knowledge of Japanese history to create vivid and accurate portrayals of the past in his writing. Some of his most notable works include "Meoto Zenzai" (Sweet Red Bean Soup), "Shokon" (The Chrysanthemum Throne), and "Heike Monogatari" (The Tale of the Heike).
In addition to writing, Rohan Kōda was an avid collector of antiques and art, particularly of pieces related to Japanese history and culture. He also served as a judge for the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, which honors outstanding works of Japanese literature.
Despite his success and acclaim as a writer, Rohan Kōda suffered from persistent health problems throughout his life. He ultimately passed away in 1947 at the age of 80. Today, he is remembered as one of the most significant literary figures of the Meiji and Taishō periods in Japan.
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Nagisa Oshima
Nagisa Oshima (March 31, 1932 Tamano-January 15, 2013 Fujisawa) also known as Oshima Nagisa, Ōshima Nagisa, Naghisa Oshima or Nagisa Ôshima was a Japanese film director, screenwriter, television director, film producer and film editor. He had two children, Takeshi Oshima and Shin Oshima.
Nagisa Oshima is famous for his role in shaping the art of Japanese cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a key member of the Japanese New Wave film movement, which aimed to challenge the conventions of traditional Japanese cinema. His films often explored controversial themes such as sexuality, violence, politics and the human condition. Some of his notable works include "In the Realm of the Senses", "Death by Hanging" and "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". Oshima was also a prominent figure in the Japanese media industry, serving as a jury member in the Cannes Film Festival and receiving international awards and accolades for his works throughout his career.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
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Yamanashi Hanzō
Yamanashi Hanzō (April 6, 1864 Hiratsuka-July 2, 1944 Kamakura) was a Japanese personality.
Yamanashi Hanzō was a prominent figure in the early days of Japanese football. He helped introduce the sport to Japan in the 1870s, playing for and coaching the Keio University team. He also served as a referee and a member of the Japan Football Association.
Outside of football, Yamanashi Hanzō was a writer and journalist. He wrote on a variety of subjects, including culture, history, and travel. His work was highly respected, and he was invited to serve as a judge for the prestigious Akutagawa Prize.
During World War II, Yamanashi Hanzō was active in the Taisei Yokusankai, a government organization that supported Japanese nationalism and militarism. He also wrote articles in support of the war effort. After the war, he was detained by American occupation forces for his involvement with the Taisei Yokusankai.
Today, Yamanashi Hanzō is remembered as a key figure in the development of football in Japan and a respected writer and journalist.
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Kamatari Fujiwara
Kamatari Fujiwara (January 15, 1905 Fukagawa, Tokyo-December 21, 1985 Tokyo) also known as Fujiwara Kamatari, Fujiwara Keita or Keita Fujiwara was a Japanese actor.
Kamatari Fujiwara started his acting career in the 1930s and went on to become one of Japan's most popular and versatile actors, appearing in over 400 films. He worked with some of Japan's most celebrated directors, including Yasujiro Ozu and Akira Kurosawa, and was known for his comedic timing and dramatic range.
In addition to his work in film, Fujiwara also acted in television dramas and on stage. He was a member of the Japan Actors' Association and received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class, in recognition of his contributions to the arts.
Outside of his acting work, Fujiwara was also involved in politics and served as a member of the Japanese House of Councillors from 1962 to 1977. He was known for his outspoken views on political and social issues and continued to speak out on these topics even after his retirement from politics.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Tetsu Yano
Tetsu Yano (December 10, 1923 Matsuyama-October 13, 2004 Tokyo) was a Japanese writer.
Yano is best known for his autobiographical work "Pilgrim of the Sky" which recounts his experience as a kamikaze pilot during World War II. Despite being selected as a kamikaze pilot, Yano's plane never made it to its target due to mechanical issues. After the war, Yano became a successful writer, publishing numerous novels and essays. He also worked as an editor and literary critic. Yano was known for his unconventional writing style and his ability to blend reality and fantasy in his works. He was awarded many literary prizes in Japan, including the prestigious Akutagawa Prize.
He died in colorectal cancer.
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Ishizuka Tomoji
Ishizuka Tomoji (November 15, 1903 Kitakanbara District, Niigata-March 3, 1984 Kamakura) was a Japanese writer and novelist.
He was known for his works of fiction and non-fiction that explored the themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Ishizuka Tomoji was born in the Kitakanbara District of Niigata, Japan in 1903, and began his writing career as a journalist. He later turned to fiction writing as a means to explore deeper philosophical concepts and to examine the role of human relationships in modern society. Some of his notable works include "Izu no Odoriko" ("The Dancing Girl of Izu"), "Fuurin Kazan" ("Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain"), and "Nakamura Ukioi".
Ishizuka Tomoji was awarded the Kawabata Yasunari Prize in 1959 for his work "Fuurin Kazan", and went on to become a well-respected figure in Japanese literature. His writing has been translated into several languages and he is considered to be one of the most influential Japanese writers of the 20th century. Despite his success, Ishizuka Tomoji remained humble and devoted his life to writing until his death in Kamakura in 1984.
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Rensuke Isogai
Rensuke Isogai (September 3, 1886 Hyōgo Prefecture-June 6, 1967 Japan) was a Japanese personality.
He was best known as a businessman and a politician. Isogai studied at the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy and then embarked on a successful career in business. He founded a number of companies, including OTC Industries and Nihon Plast Co. Ltd., and he also served as the CEO of several major corporations.
In addition to his business career, Isogai was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Japanese Diet, serving in the House of Representatives as a representative of the Liberal Democratic Party. During his time in office, he championed a number of causes, including education reform and the promotion of international trade.
Outside of his professional life, Isogai was an avid collector of art, antiques, and historical items. He amassed a large collection of Japanese swords, which he eventually donated to the city of Kobe. He also wrote several books on the subject of swords and sword-making, and he was considered an expert on the topic.
Isogai passed away in 1967 at the age of 80. He is remembered as a successful businessman, a dedicated public servant, and a passionate collector and researcher of Japanese swords and culture.
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Hideo Kobayashi
Hideo Kobayashi (April 11, 1902 Tokyo-March 1, 1983 Kamakura) was a Japanese writer.
He was born in the Nippori district of Tokyo, and spent his early years in Hokkaido. Kobayashi graduated from Keio University's department of literature in 1926, and began working for the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper. In 1933, he became a member of the Proletarian Artists' League, which aimed to use art as a means of promoting social change. Kobayashi's early works were heavily influenced by Marxist ideology, and often portrayed social struggles and class conflicts. He is best known for his novel, "Basho" (The Banana Tree), which was published in 1939 and won the Akutagawa Prize. After World War II, Kobayashi shifted his focus to historical themes, and produced a number of works on medieval Japan, including "Yoshitsune" (1959), a biography of the famous warrior. In 1962, he was awarded the Order of Culture, one of Japan's highest honors, for his contributions to literature.
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Ryokichi Minobe
Ryokichi Minobe (February 5, 1904 Tokyo-December 24, 1984) was a Japanese politician.
He served as a member of the House of Representatives and was a prominent member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Minobe was the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and also served as the Director General of the Economic Planning Agency. He was known for his advocacy of agricultural and rural development, and played a key role in shaping Japan's post-war economic policies. In addition to his political career, Minobe was a scholar, specializing in agricultural economics and rural sociology. He authored several books on these topics and was a respected academic in his field.
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Tadahito Mochinaga
Tadahito Mochinaga (March 3, 1919 Tokyo-April 5, 1999) was a Japanese personality.
He is best known for his work as a stop-motion animator and puppeteer, having created many popular characters such as the beloved stop-motion puppet "Domo-kun". Mochinaga began his career in animation in the 1940s and gained recognition for his work in the 1950s with the film "Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka" ("Strength and Women's World"). He also worked on the stop-motion segments in Rankin/Bass Productions' Christmas classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964). Mochinaga was considered a master in his field and received numerous awards, including the Animation Kobe's Special Award and the Grand Prize of the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. Even after his death, Mochinaga's creations remain popular in Japan and have became iconic symbols of Japanese pop culture.
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Sunao Sato
Sunao Sato (January 1, 1924 Japan-July 8, 2004) was a Japanese personality.
Sunao Sato was a versatile Japanese personality known for his roles as a television announcer, journalist, and author. He was born in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1924 and started his career as a radio announcer in 1946. He later moved to television and worked for Nippon TV and other major networks, becoming one of Japan's most recognizable TV announcers. In addition to his work on television, Sato was also a respected journalist who covered a wide range of topics, from politics to sports.
Sato was also a prolific author and wrote numerous books on a variety of subjects, including Japanese history, culture, and society. Many of his books became bestsellers in Japan and were praised for their clarity and accessibility. Sato was also a dedicated advocate for education and served as the chairman of the Japanese Society for History Textbook Reform, an organization that sought to promote a more patriotic and accurate portrayal of Japanese history in school textbooks.
Sato passed away in 2004 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most respected and influential personalities.
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Yamao Yōzō
Yamao Yōzō (November 5, 1837 Yamaguchi-December 21, 1917) was a Japanese politician.
Yamao Yōzō was born in Yamaguchi, Japan in 1837. He first entered politics as a member of the Choshu domain's samurai forces, serving in the Boshin War in 1868. After the Meiji Restoration, he held various political positions such as governor of Yamaguchi Prefecture and as a member of the House of Representatives.
Throughout his political career, Yamao advocated for political and social reforms in Japan such as universal education, modernization of the judicial system, and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. He was also involved in diplomacy, representing Japan in international conferences such as the International Postal Union and the Hague Peace Conference in 1907.
In addition to his political work, Yamao was also a prolific writer and historian, publishing several books and articles on Japanese history and politics.
Yamao Yōzō passed away on December 21, 1917 at the age of 80. Today, he is remembered as an important figure in the movement to modernize Japan during the Meiji period.
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Chiezō Kataoka
Chiezō Kataoka (March 30, 1903 Ota-March 31, 1983) a.k.a. Chiezo Kataoka, Masayoshi Ueki, かたおか ちえぞう, うえき まさよし, 植木 正義, Ueki Masayoshi, 片岡 千恵蔵, 片岡 千惠藏, 植木 進 or うえき すすむ was a Japanese actor. He had two children, Yoshiharu Ueki and Chie Ueki.
Chiezō Kataoka was a prominent figure in Japanese cinema, with a prolific career spanning several decades. He began his acting career in 1926 and went on to appear in over 300 films, primarily in the jidai-geki (period drama) genre. He was renowned for his commanding screen presence and his mastery of samurai roles. Despite being often typecast, he was able to bring nuance and depth to his performances and became beloved by audiences across Japan. His most famous works include the "Sword for Hire" series and "The Tale of Zatoichi Continues". Alongside his successful acting career, Kataoka was also a accomplished singer and recorded several albums of traditional Japanese music. His legacy continues to influence Japanese cinema and his performances are still admired by fans and actors alike.
He died caused by renal failure.
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Sakyo Komatsu
Sakyo Komatsu (January 28, 1931 Nishi-ku, Osaka-July 26, 2011 Minoh) also known as Minoru Komatsu, Sakyô Komatsu or Sakyō Komatsu was a Japanese screenwriter, writer and actor.
Sakyo Komatsu gained fame for his science-fiction and disaster novels. Some of his most notable works include "Japan Sinks", which portrays the destruction of Japan by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and "Sayônara Jupiter", which tells the story of a team of astronauts trying to save Earth from a collision with a comet. Komatsu's works have been adapted into movies, television series, and even manga. He was also an accomplished screenwriter, having written scripts for popular Japanese TV dramas, such as "Kojak" and "Ultraman". Komatsu's contributions to Japanese literature and pop culture have made him a beloved figure in his home country and beyond.
He died in pneumonia.
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Takashi Hishikari
Takashi Hishikari (December 27, 1871 Kagoshima-July 31, 1952) was a Japanese personality.
He was known for his contributions to the field of education and for his involvement in politics. Hishikari was appointed as Minister of Education in the early 1940s and played a crucial role in the development of Japanese education at the time. He also served as a member of the House of Peers and contributed to the establishment of a number of educational institutions. Hishikari was also a prolific writer and wrote numerous essays, books, and articles throughout his life. He was known for his deep commitment to Japanese nationalism and his dedication to his country's cultural heritage. Despite his nationalist views, Hishikari was widely respected for his integrity and his dedication to public service. Today, he is remembered as one of Japan's most influential educators and politicians of the pre-World War II era.
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Tatsuko Hoshino
Tatsuko Hoshino (November 15, 1903 Tokyo-March 3, 1984 Kamakura) was a Japanese writer.
She was born in Tokyo in 1903 and studied liberal arts at school. After graduating, she worked as a translator and writer for a magazine. In 1926, she published her first short story, "The Moon and Two Autumns," which received critical acclaim for its unique style and sensitive portrayal of human emotions. She continued to write short stories throughout her career, often exploring the themes of love, family, and social justice.
Later in her career, Hoshino became involved in political movements and activism, using her writing to advocate for women's rights and workers' rights. She was also a member of the Japan P.E.N. Club and served as its president from 1969 to 1972.
Hoshino received numerous awards and recognition throughout her career, including the Akutagawa Prize in 1949 for her short story "The Sound of the Mountain." She died in Kamakura in 1984 at the age of 80. Her contributions to Japanese literature continue to be celebrated to this day.
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Michio Takeyama
Michio Takeyama (July 17, 1903 Osaka-June 15, 1984 Kamakura) also known as Michio Takeyama, Michio Takayama or Takeyama Michio was a Japanese writer and novelist.
Born in Osaka, Japan in 1903, Michio Takeyama was known for his prolific career as a writer and novelist. He began his writing career as early 1933, publishing his debut work "The Scent of Chrysanthemums" which was translated into several languages. Takeyama gained widespread recognition for his novel "Haruka Na Kiko" (Distant Journey) which was loosely based on the historic figure of the poet Basho. He also wrote several works on history, aesthetics, and criticism of Japanese literature. During World War II, Takeyama was appointed to the Library Information Division of the Imperial Headquarters and assigned to compile war-related materials. After the war, he returned to his literary career, continuing to write and lecture on a range of topics until his death in 1984.
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