Actor and comedia, Ikariya Chosuke (72) has passed away from lymph node cancer. He was diagnosed back in May with the cancer located in his neck. Ikariya known as the leader of the popular comedy group in the 60's "the Drifters" and a familiar face as the older cop in the "Odoru Daisousassen" (Bayside Shakedown) series and movies, as well as other apperances in dramas such as "Good Luck!", "Gakkou no Sensei" and "Eve".

<img src=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200403/image/04032101ikariyasanMT087320.jpg>

Ikariya's last television appearance was for FUJI TV's 40th anniversary show which aired in December. Ikariya was hospitalized on March 15th and passed away on March 20th at 3:30 p.m.

If there was one thing that made me keep an eye on the talent of Ikariya Chosuke, it would have to be the "Odoru Daisousassen" series but most importantly the first movie.

I was at the movie theater in Shinjuku near the marumaru shopping area and I remember when I saw the movie, without spoiling the movie for people who have not seen it, I felt that Ikariya shined in this movie. He was an important figure in the "Odoru" series, I will definitely miss not seein him in the upcoming movies/series.

He has been on so many dramas such as "Good Luck!" and always played the father figure for dramas such as "Gakkou no Sensei". I just remember watching the drama and saying "he plays a great father on Japanese dramas".

I have been so used to seeing his face on television that it's sad that another talented actor from Japan has passed. Reading his credits, the man has entertained audiences for many decades and it's very sad to hear of his passing.

kndy

This is sad news indeed. I too started to take notice of Ikariya Chousuke after watching Odoru Daisousasen. Even though his mumbly speech was hard for me to understand, there was something about the character that drew me to him and I still think Waku-san is one of the best drama characters of all time.

He will be sorely missed.

Pocky wrote:

This is sad news indeed. I too started to take notice of Ikariya Chousuke after watching Odoru Daisousasen. Even though his mumbly speech was hard for me to understand, there was something about the character that drew me to him and I still think Waku-san is one of the best drama characters of all time. He will be sorely missed.

To me he was like the best grandfather/father figure on many Japanese dramas. But it's definitely sad news and you are right...he will be sorely missed.

kndy

R.I.P. Condolences to his friends and family.

condolences.


btw Pocky, Love your Avatar!

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Those two just crack me up all the time!
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sad news

ooh.. that's really sad..i noticed him in kindaichi 3.. and god luck! i really think it's a great loss..

R.I.P

how sad, is that takuya's dad in goodluck? cuz i remember seeing his pic with japanese texts next to his picture.. i assumed that he died but i wasnt sure

RIP
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I don't think I recognize him, but R.I.P. ;_;

Some very sad news indeed.

Singer-composer Ritsuko Okazaki died on May 5th from sepsis shock, which results from a bloodstream infection. She was only 44 years old. Ms. Okazaki was responsible for writing theme songs for many anime shows including "Love Hina," "Fruits Basket," and "UFO Princess Walkure," as well as songs for such famed voice actresses as Megumi Hayashibara, Yui Horie, and Kikuko Inoue. "Fruits Basket" theme is considered among the best anime songs ever written. As a performer, she formed the band Melocure with Megumi Hinata. Together, they did the main theme song for "Stratos 4." Her new album was slated for June 23 release but its release has been postponed with no new release date given at this time. Hopefully, the album will be completed by her production crew and be released sometime in the near future so that her literal swan song could be heard by all those who had admired her enormous talent.


from cdjapan

Such a shame. I am deeply saddened. She leaves behind some great work.

RIP
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what a loss to the industry

RIP

She wrote great songs, she will be missed.

heard of her songs, but ive never seen her.. can anybody post a picture of her? shell be missed
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Yeah I know! That's such a bummer....

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A great loss.
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Noted scriptwriter Nozawa hangs self

Noted television drama scriptwriter Hisashi Nozawa committed suicide by hanging himself at his home in Tokyo, police said Monday.

Nozawa, 44, was found hanging at his office in Tokyo's Meguro-ku, on Monday afternoon, after an acquaintance visited the office at about 2:30 p.m.Officers said that a few days had past since his death.

After graduating from Nihon University's art faculty, Nozawa made his debut in the television drama world, with his script, "Koroshite Anata" (You, Kill Me Please) in 1985.

He wrote scripts for other major television dramas and movies.

Nozawa was also successful as a mystery novelist, as his "Hasen no Marisu" won the noted Ranpo Edogawa award in 1997. The novel depicts real scenes of television journalism. (Mainichi and wire reports, Japan, June 28, 2004)


(source: Mainichi Shimbun)

Nozawa's more recent works are "Aoi Tori", "Nemureru Mori", "Kori no Sekai" and "Suiyobi no Joji".

suicide? that's really umm...
and koori no sekai is on of my fav drama..

well,
R.I.P

Man, that's really bad! Aoi Tori is my 3rd all-time favorite drama, first seeing it on KIKU-TV in 1997.

--- groink