Japanese musicians died because of Esophageal cancer
Here are 2 famous musicians from Japan died in Esophageal cancer:
Mako Iwamatsu
Mako Iwamatsu (December 10, 1933 Kobe-July 21, 2006 Somis) otherwise known as Makoto Iwamatsu, Mako Wakamatsu, Iwamatsu Mako, 岩松 マコ or Mako was a Japanese actor and voice actor. He had two children, Sala Iwamatsu and Mimosa Iwamatsu.
Mako had over 100 film, television and stage credits to his name throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the films "The Sand Pebbles" (1966), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and "Rising Sun" (1993). He also lent his voice to a number of animated films and TV series, including the character Aku in the animated series "Samurai Jack." Mako was also an accomplished theater actor, founding the East West Players in Los Angeles in 1965. He was a trailblazer for Asian American actors, paving the way for greater representation and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Mako passed away in 2006 at the age of 72 due to esophageal cancer.
Aside from his roles on the big and small screens, Mako also appeared on stage in various productions throughout his career. He had notable roles in productions such as "Pacific Overtures," "The King and I," and "The Three Sisters." Mako's work in advancing the representation of Asian Americans in entertainment was not limited to just his own career. He was a vocal advocate for more diverse representation in the industry and helped mentor younger actors through organizations such as Visual Communications, Asian Americans in the Arts, and the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. In recognition of his contributions to the arts and Asian American representation, Mako was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by the Japanese government in 1998.
Mako was born in Kobe, Japan, and moved to the United States in the late 1940s. He initially settled in California and began studying architecture at the Pasadena City College. However, his passion for acting soon took over, and he began pursuing his dreams of becoming an actor. He studied at the renowned Pasadena Playhouse and later at the Actors Studio in New York City.
Mako's first major film role was in the 1959 war movie "Never So Few" where he played a Chinese guerrilla. He went on to have notable roles on television, including appearances on "Hawaii Five-O," "M*A*S*H," and "Walker, Texas Ranger." He also appeared in the films "Conan the Barbarian" (1982), "Robocop 3" (1993), and "Memoirs of a Geisha" (2005).
Mako was a dedicated activist and worked tirelessly to promote Asian American representation in the entertainment industry. He founded the Asian American theater company, East West Players, in 1965 and served as its artistic director for several years. He also served on the board of Visual Communications, an Asian American media organization, from 1978 until his death in 2006.
After his death, Mako's legacy has continued to inspire many in the Asian American community. In 2007, the theater at East West Players was renamed the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts in honor of Mako and fellow East West Players actor David Henry Hwang. Mako was also posthumously awarded the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
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Kazuyuki Sogabe
Kazuyuki Sogabe (April 16, 1948 Chiba Prefecture-January 13, 2006 Chiba Prefecture) also known as Sogabe Kazuyuki was a Japanese voice actor.
Throughout his career, Sogabe lent his voice to several notable anime characters, including Jigen Daisuke in Lupin III, Rei Tachibana in Fist of the North Star, and Jinpei in Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. He also provided the voice for several video game characters, such as Baiken in Guilty Gear and Captain Commando in the eponymous game. Sogabe was known for his deep and commanding voice, which made him a popular choice for villainous or anti-hero roles. In addition to his work in voice acting, Sogabe also hosted his own radio show, "Sogabe Kazuyuki no Radio Mankai," and appeared in numerous live-action films and TV dramas. He passed away at the age of 57 due to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a form of liver cancer.
Sogabe began his career in voice acting in the 1970s, after completing his studies at Tokyo Announce Gakuin College. He quickly established himself as a skilled and versatile performer, and became one of the most sought-after voice actors in Japan. In addition to his work in anime and video games, Sogabe also provided narration and commentary for a wide range of programs and events, including sports broadcasts and music concerts.
Despite his success, Sogabe remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He was known for his commitment to creating unique and memorable characters, and for his willingness to experiment with different styles and genres. Fans and colleagues alike praised him for his professionalism, passion, and talent, and he is still remembered as one of the most influential voice actors of his generation.
Sogabe's talent extended beyond his work in voice acting. He was also a skilled singer and songwriter, and released several singles and albums throughout his career. In 1982, he formed the band "Fruits Punch," which became popular for their unique blend of rock and pop music. Sogabe wrote many of the band's songs and performed lead vocals.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Sogabe was also known for his philanthropic efforts. He frequently participated in charity events and donated his time and money to support various causes, such as children's education and cancer research.
Sogabe's legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring voice actors and performers. In 2021, he was posthumously awarded the Achievement in Voice Acting award at the 15th Seiyu Awards, which recognizes exceptional voice performances in the anime and entertainment industry.
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