Here are 27 famous musicians from Japan died before 30:
Kitamura Tokoku (December 29, 1868 Odawara-May 16, 1894 Tokyo) was a Japanese philosopher and writer.
Kitamura Tokoku was born in Odawara, Japan in 1868. He spent much of his early life studying and becoming interested in academic pursuits. As a philosopher and writer, he was known for his innovative and progressive ideas on politics, ethics, and social issues.
In his early career, Tokoku worked as a teacher and academic, but he eventually left this career path and became a journalist. He worked for several different newspapers and magazines, writing about a wide range of topics.
One of Tokoku's most famous works is his book "Onnagokoro," which explores the idea of the "Kokoro" (the heart or mind) and how it impacts human behavior, particularly in relation to gender roles.
Despite his success as a writer, Tokoku struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. In 1894, he tragically died by suicide at the age of 25. Despite his short life, his ideas and contributions to Japanese philosophy continue to be studied and admired to this day.
He died as a result of suicide.
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Jūkichi Yagi (February 9, 1898 Machida-October 26, 1927 Chigasaki) was a Japanese writer.
Jūkichi Yagi was born in Machida, Tokyo, Japan in 1898. He was a prolific writer who wrote several novels, memoirs, and essays. Yagi was known for his melancholic and existential writing style which was influenced by his own struggles with tuberculosis. He spent much of his life in sanatoriums and hospitals, and his experiences formed the basis of much of his writing.
Yagi's work was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading literary figures of his generation. He was a member of the literary group called the Buraiha, which was known for its avant-garde and experimental approach to literature. Much of Yagi's work was concerned with themes of alienation, despair, and the search for meaning in a meaningless world.
Sadly, Yagi's life was cut short by tuberculosis and he died at the age of 29 in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. Despite his short life, he left behind a significant body of work which continues to be read and studied today. Yagi's writing is considered a bridge between the naturalist writers of the past and the modernist literature of the post-WWII era.
He died as a result of tuberculosis.
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Kaita Murayama (September 15, 1896 Yokohama-February 20, 1919 Tokyo) also known as Murayama Kaita was a Japanese writer.
He was the oldest son of a wealthy merchant family in Yokohama. He attended the prestigious Gakushuin school in Tokyo and later enrolled in the literature department of Tokyo Imperial University. In 1918, Kaita published his first and only novel, "A Broken Harp," which deals with the themes of love, betrayal, and disillusionment. The novel was well received and praised for its lyrical style and psychological depth. However, Kaita's promising career was cut short when he contracted pneumonia and died at the age of 22. Despite his short life and limited body of work, Kaita is recognized as an important figure in the modernist literary movement in Japan.
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On Watanabe (August 26, 1902-February 10, 1930) was a Japanese writer.
He was born in Tokyo, Japan and his real name was Shūji Tsushima. Watanabe is known for his realistic and gritty depiction of urban life in Japan during the early 20th century. He started writing at an early age and published his first short story "A New Hamlet" when he was just 16 years old.
Watanabe's most famous work is the novella "The Book of the Dead" which was published posthumously in 1939. The story revolves around a man named Tsukada who is haunted by the memory of a woman he once loved. The novella explores themes of death, isolation, and the human condition in a modern world.
Unfortunately, Watanabe's career was cut short when he committed suicide at the young age of 27. He was suffering from tuberculosis and financial difficulties at the time of his death. Despite his short life and career, Watanabe is considered one of the most important Japanese writers of his generation.
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Ichiyō Higuchi (May 2, 1872 Tokyo-November 23, 1896) also known as Natsu Higuchi or Natsuko Higuchi was a Japanese novelist, author and writer.
Despite her short career as a writer, Ichiyō Higuchi is considered one of the most important Japanese literary figures and is known for her unique style of writing which combines a feminist perspective with an empathic portrayal of the poor and lower classes. Her most famous works include "Takekurabe" and "Nigorie" which explore the lives of women and children in the red-light district of Tokyo during the Meiji era. Ichiyō Higuchi's legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary Japanese literature and feminist movements in Japan.
She died in tuberculosis.
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Nankichi Niimi (July 30, 1913 Handa-March 22, 1943) was a Japanese writer.
He is best known for his children's stories, which are considered some of the finest in Japanese literature. Born in Handa, Niimi showed an early talent for writing and began publishing his work while still in high school. After completing his education, he worked as a teacher and continued to write in his spare time.
Despite his relatively short life, Niimi's body of work includes a wide range of stories, including social commentaries, poetry, and travel accounts, in addition to his children's fiction. His stories often explore complex themes such as adolescence, family, and social status, and are known for their poetic language and vivid imagery.
Unfortunately, Niimi suffered from poor health throughout his life and died at the young age of 29 from tuberculosis. Despite his short career, he remains a beloved and influential figure in Japanese literature, and his work continues to inspire readers and writers around the world.
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Yoshida Shōin (September 20, 1830 Hagi-November 21, 1859 Tokyo) was a Japanese politician.
Yoshida Shōin was born in Hagi and was raised by his father, who was a physician. He studied at the local school and displayed a talent for learning, particularly in the fields of Chinese classics, history, and philosophy. At the age of 14, he entered the Shoka Sonjuku, a private school run by the samurai scholar Yoshida Tōyō, who became his mentor.
Yoshida Shōin was deeply interested in politics, including the idea of a national uprising to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate and restore power to the emperor. He actively recruited young samurai from around the country to join his cause and even attempted to travel abroad to seek support from foreign powers. However, he was arrested by the shogunate and sentenced to death.
Despite his young age, Yoshida Shōin's ideas and actions inspired many followers and became an important influence on later Japanese political figures, particularly during the period leading up to the Meiji Restoration. He is now widely recognized as a significant figure in Japanese history, and his ideas continue to resonate with those who seek to improve Japan's political and social systems.
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Takuboku Ishikawa (February 20, 1886 Iwate Prefecture-April 13, 1912 Tokyo) also known as Ishikawa Takuboku was a Japanese writer.
Despite his short life, Ishikawa Takuboku wrote prolifically, producing over 10 volumes of poetry, novels, essays, and literary criticism. He is considered one of the founders of the modernist poetry movement in Japan, along with his contemporaries Yosano Akiko and Hagiwara Sakutaro. Ishikawa's poetry often delved into personal and emotional themes, such as his struggles with illness and poverty, as well as social commentary on Japanese society during the tumultuous time of the Meiji and Taisho periods. He also had a keen interest in Western literature, particularly the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Baudelaire, and incorporated elements of their styles into his own writing. Despite his relatively short career, Ishikawa Takuboku's impact on Japanese literature and poetry continues to be felt to this day.
He died as a result of tuberculosis.
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Takiji Kobayashi (October 13, 1903 Odate-February 20, 1933 Tokyo) also known as Takiji Kobayashi or Kobayashi Takiji was a Japanese writer.
He is known for his strong leftist beliefs and his works centered on the struggles of the working class. Kobayashi's most famous work is the novel "Kanikosen" (The Crab Cannery Ship), which tells the story of the exploitation of workers on a crab cannery ship. The novel became a bestseller and made Kobayashi famous, but it also led to his arrest and torture by the Japanese police due to his affiliation with the Japanese Communist Party. Kobayashi died at the age of 29 from injuries sustained during his interrogation. Despite his short life and career, Kobayashi's works continue to be recognized for their themes of social justice and have been translated into several languages.
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Makoto Tomioka (January 1, 1897-October 15, 1926) was a Japanese writer.
Tomioka is considered one of the pioneers of modern Japanese literature, particularly for his contributions to the development of the I-novel, a genre that involves an autobiographical narrative with a focus on the individual's inner self. He is remembered for his vivid descriptions of everyday life and his psychological insights into human nature. Despite his short life, Tomioka left behind a significant body of work, including novels, essays, and poetry. His most famous works include "Five Women Who Loved Love," "The Diary of Ochibi," and "The Woman of the Toilet". Tomioka's literary talent and influence continue to be celebrated in Japan today.
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Noe Itō (January 21, 1895 Fukuoka-September 16, 1923 Tokyo) was a Japanese writer.
Noe Itō was a prominent feminist and anarchist in early 20th-century Japan. She played a crucial role in organizing women and laborers, and strongly advocated for women's emancipation and the overthrow of the capitalist system. Itō was a prolific writer and published numerous articles, essays, and translations, including the first Japanese translation of "The Communist Manifesto". In addition to her political activism, Itō was also an accomplished poet and novelist, and her works often explored themes of love, desire, and gender identity. Her life and writings continue to inspire feminists and activists in Japan and around the world.
She died caused by murder.
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Watazumi Doso (April 5, 2015 Japan-December 14, 1992) a.k.a. Watazumi-do Shuso, Watazumido Shuso, Watazumido-Shuso, Watazumi Dōso, Tanaka Masaru, Watazumi Doso Roshi, Watazumi Shuso, Watazumi Fumon, Iccho Fumon or Tanaka Fumon was a Japanese musician.
His albums include The Art Of The Japanese Bamboo Flute.
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Nozomi Momoi (September 23, 1978 Shinjuku-October 12, 2002 Shiojiri) was a Japanese pornographic film actor.
She began her career in the adult film industry in 1999, appearing in various films under the pseudonym "Kokoro Amano". Momoi quickly gained popularity for her youthful appearance and innocent demeanor, and became one of the most recognizable faces within the industry. In addition to her work in adult films, Momoi also dabbled in music, releasing a few singles under the name "Kokoro". Tragically, Momoi's life was cut short at the age of 24 due to complications from a brain hemorrhage. Nevertheless, she is remembered for her impact on the industry and her contributions to Japanese pop culture.
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Misuzu Kaneko (April 11, 1903 Nagato-March 10, 1930) was a Japanese writer.
She is best known for her poetry, which often focused on nature and everyday life. Despite her short life, Misuzu Kaneko's writing has become highly regarded in Japan and around the world for its sensitivity and emotional depth. Born in a small village in southwestern Japan, Kaneko grew up in a family that emphasized education and literature. She began writing poetry at a young age, and her work was published in various literary magazines while she was still in her teens. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage, Kaneko continued to write and publish throughout her life. She is considered one of the most important poets of the Taisho era in Japan, and her work has been translated into many languages, including English, French, and German. Today, she is remembered not only for her poetry, but also for her unwavering pursuit of personal and creative freedom in a society that placed many restrictions on women.
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Eiji Sawamura (February 1, 1917 Japan-December 2, 1944) was a Japanese personality.
He is best known as a professional baseball player who introduced the "rising fastball" pitch to Japan. Sawamura began playing baseball at the age of 15 and quickly gained recognition for his impressive pitching abilities. In 1934, at the age of 17, he pitched against American All-Stars and struck out nine batters including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. He subsequently joined the Tokyo Kyojin (now known as the Yomiuri Giants) and led them to multiple championships.
However, Sawamura's promising career was cut short by World War II. He was drafted into the Japanese military and died at the age of 27 while serving in the Philippines. Sawamura's legacy lives on in Japan, where his name is synonymous with excellence and dedication to sports. In 2003, he was posthumously inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
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Shiho Niiyama (March 21, 1970 Matsuyama-February 7, 2000 Shinjuku) also known as 新山志保, にいやましほ, 新山 志保, Niiyama Shiho, にいや ましほ or Niiyama, Shiho was a Japanese voice acting in japan.
Her albums: .
She died as a result of pneumonia.
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Masako Natsume (December 17, 1957 Tokyo-September 11, 1985 Tokyo) also known as Masako Odate, Masako Nishiyama or Natsume Masako was a Japanese actor.
Masako Natsume began her acting career at the age of 14 and quickly gained attention for her talent and beauty. She appeared in numerous TV dramas, movies and commercials during the 1970s and 1980s.
In addition to her acting work, Natsume was also known for her activism. She was involved in various social and environmental causes such as anti-nuclear campaigns and animal rights movements.
Her battle with leukemia began in 1983 and she continued to work while receiving treatment. However, her health continued to decline and she passed away in 1985 at the young age of 27.
Natsume's legacy as an actress and activist continues to inspire many in Japan and around the world.
She died caused by leukemia.
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Shigeo Shingo (April 5, 2015 Saga-April 5, 1990) was a Japanese writer.
Shigeo Shingo was a Japanese industrial engineer and author, known for his pioneering work in the field of Lean manufacturing. He was born on April 5, 1909, in Saga, Japan and passed away on April 5, 1990, on his 81st birthday. Shingo spent his early career working for Toyota, where he developed and implemented many of the Lean manufacturing principles that are now standard in the industry. His contributions to the development of the Toyota Production System earned him worldwide recognition as one of the founders of Lean manufacturing. Shingo was the author of several groundbreaking books on manufacturing, including "A Study of the Toyota Production System" and "Zero Quality Control: Source Inspection and the Poka-Yoke System." His work has had a profound impact on the manufacturing industry, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of Lean practitioners today.
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Megumi Yokota (October 15, 1964 Japan-March 13, 1994) was a Japanese personality.
Megumi Yokota was a Japanese national who was abducted by North Korean agents in 1977, at the age of 13, while she was walking home from school. Her abduction became a high-profile case in Japan, and her parents became vocal advocates for the return of their daughter and other Japanese citizens who were abducted by North Korea. It wasn't until 2002 that North Korea acknowledged abducting Japanese citizens, including Yokota, and returned what they claimed were her remains to Japan. However, DNA testing conducted in 2004 proved that the remains were not hers. Megumi Yokota's story remains a symbol of the tension between Japan and North Korea, and her parents continue to advocate for the return of their daughter and other abductees.
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Michio Kuga (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1990) was a Japanese personality.
Michio Kuga was a prominent theoretical physicist and author. He was born on April 5, 1915, in Tokyo, Japan. Kuga studied physics at the University of Tokyo, where he earned his PhD in 1942. He served as a professor at several universities in Japan and the United States, including Princeton University.
Kuga is best known for his contributions to the field of string theory, a branch of theoretical physics that aims to unify all fundamental forces and particles of the universe into a single, coherent framework. He also wrote several books and articles, including "Introduction to the Theory of Superstrings" and "Foundations of Quantum Gravity."
Kuga received numerous awards and honors for his work in physics, including the Nishina Memorial Prize and the Order of Culture, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japanese government. He passed away on April 5, 1990, at the age of 75.
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Masakatsu Morita (July 25, 1945 Yokkaichi-November 25, 1970 Ichigaya) was a Japanese personality.
Morita was a popular actor and singer in the 1960s and was known for his distinctive voice and good looks. He was also a member of the Japanese boy band ensemble Four Leaves. Morita was reportedly inspired by the film "Harakiri" and had a deep interest in Japanese samurai culture. His death by seppuku, a form of Japanese ritual suicide, shocked his fans and caused a great deal of controversy in Japan. Despite his untimely death, Morita's legacy as a talented performer continues to live on through his music and films.
He died as a result of seppuku.
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Yutaka Ozaki (November 29, 1965 Nerima-April 25, 1992 Bunkyō) also known as 尾崎豊, おざきゆたか, Ozaki Yutaka or Ozaki, Yutaka was a Japanese singer and musician. His child is called Hiroya Ozaki.
Related albums: LAST TEENAGE APPEARANCE —THE MYTH OF YUTAKA OZAKI—, 十七歳の地図 (Seventeen's Map / 17Sai-no Chizu), Tropic of Graduation, Birth, THE DAY 1991.10.30 LIVE AT YOYOGI OLYMPIC POOL Vol.1, Trees Lining a Street, Through the Broken Door, THE DAY 1991.10.30 LIVE AT YOYOGI OLYMPIC POOL Vol.2, Confession for Exist and For All My Loves. His related genres: Music of Japan.
He died caused by pulmonary edema.
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Honinbo Doteki (April 5, 1669 Japan-April 5, 1690 Japan) was a Japanese personality.
Honinbo Doteki was a Japanese Go player who lived during the Edo period. He was one of the most highly regarded players of his time and played a key role in the development of the Honinbo house, one of the six major Go houses in Edo-era Japan. Honinbo Doteki was born in 1669 in Japan and began playing Go at a young age. He quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent and rose through the ranks of the Go world to become one of its most respected players. Despite his relatively short life, Honinbo Doteki left an indelible mark on the game of Go and is remembered as one of its greatest players.
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Hodaka Yoshida (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1995) was a Japanese personality.
Hodaka Yoshida was a renowned Japanese painter, printmaker, and sculptor who contributed significantly to the development of Japanese modernist art. He was an avant-garde artist who fused the traditional techniques and styles of Japanese art with modern Western art. Yoshida began his artistic career by creating woodblock prints in the 1920s and later experimented with abstract art, sculpture and murals. He was part of several art movements like Sosaku Hanga and Mingei, and his works were exhibited in major international art exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, the Sao Paulo Biennale, and the Tokyo Biennale. His artworks are considered some of the most collectible and valuable modern Japanese works.
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Yasushi Sugiyama (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1993) was a Japanese personality.
Born in Tokyo, Sugiyama was best known for his work in the entertainment industry as a comedian, actor, and television host. He began his career as a comedian in the 1950s, performing in bars and nightclubs. He later transitioned to television, where he hosted a variety of game shows and talk shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Sugiyama was also an accomplished actor, starring in several films and television dramas. In addition to his entertainment career, he was also involved in philanthropic work, founding a charity organization to support children with disabilities. Sugiyama's influence on Japanese television and entertainment continues to be celebrated today.
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Sadao Yamanaka (November 7, 1909 Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-September 17, 1938 Henan) otherwise known as Yamanaka Sadao or Kinpachi Kajiwara was a Japanese film director and screenwriter.
Sadao Yamanaka was known for his contributions to Japanese cinema during the era known as the Golden Age of Japanese Cinema. He began his career as an assistant to director Mansaku Itami before making his directorial debut in 1936 with the film "Humanity and Paper Balloons". Yamanaka is considered a master of pre-war Japanese cinema and his films often explored themes of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of everyday people. Despite his short career, he directed 22 films and left a lasting impact on Japanese cinema. Today, a prestigious award in Japanese cinema, the Sadao Yamanaka Award, is named in his honor.
He died in dysentery.
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Hiroaki Zakōji (January 20, 1958 Tokyo-January 29, 1987 Tokyo) was a Japanese personality.
He was a popular actor, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1970s as part of the musical duo called "Yogurt." Throughout his career, Hiroaki Zakōji released several albums and singles, with his most famous hit being "Get Up! Love and Dance." Besides his success in the music industry, he also appeared in numerous TV dramas and films, showcasing his versatile talents as an actor. Tragically, his career was cut short when he passed away in 1987 at the young age of 29 due to a brain aneurysm. Despite his short career, he has garnered a loyal fanbase and is remembered as a legendary figure in the Japanese entertainment industry.
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