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| Above, Akira Takarada (right) with J. D. Lees at G-FEST XXVI in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Word is out in fan circles that actor Akira Takarada has suddenly passed away at age 87.
I did some checking, but found nothing at this time confirming this, although his Wikipedia page was updated today indicating that he passed away on March 14.
If news of his passing is confirmed, it means that the last remaining leading star of the 1954 Godzilla (Gojira) has died.
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| Above, Akira Takarada and yours truly at the 2013 Son of Monsterpalooza in Burbank. |
I last saw Akira Takarada at G-FEST three years ago. He was scheduled to appear at the All Monsters Attack Expo in Indianapolis on September 9-11.
If this is true, my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
If there are updates, I will post them here.
UPDATE:
Statement by the Takarada family:
Japan's Legends is devastated to report this statement from the Takarada family.
The cherry blossoms have begun blooming in Tokyo
The legendary Japanese actor Akira Takarada has passed away suddenly at the hospital in Tokyo by pneumonia on Monday 12:31 am, March 14th 2022. (At age of 87)
He has been working actively worldwide on the front line of entertainment business scenes from 1954 when he made his debut as an actor of “Toho New Face (6th gen.)”
His last work will be his latest film called “SAKURA” (The cherry blossoms) the lead role and executive producer) which will start showing in the theater from April 1st 2022 in Japan.
In consideration of his family’s wishes, his funeral has already taken with only a few relatives on March 18th as a private funeral.
The family wishes to tell you that they will not receive any offerings including letters, flowers or financial dedications. Your prayers will encourage Akira and his family enough.
We will release any future plans or the information about him by the website below. http://akira-takarada.com/
Once again, we appreciate very much for your thoughts and understanding.
Takarada Planning Office And the family of Akira Takarada
UPDATE:
Translation of the Nikkan Sports article:
It was revealed on the 17th that Akira Takarada, an actor known for the movie "Godzilla" and musicals, died suddenly. 87 years old. Since entering the entertainment world in 1953, he has appeared in various works. On the 10th of this month, he attended the stage greetings for the completion of the movie "Sakura no Nakareba" (Director Nobuyuki Miyake, released on April 1st), and had just revealed his insatiable motivation for film production.
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