Renowned Japanese entertainer, Tsunehiko Kamijo, passes away at the age of 85.
Japanese Legend Tsunehiko Kamijo Passes Away at 85
Tsunehiko Kamijo, a renowned Japanese singer and actor, passed away on July 22, 2021, at the age of 85, in a hospital in Nagano prefecture.
Born in Nagano, Japan, Kamijo began his singing career in 1962. His journey to stardom began in 1971 when he won the grand prix at an international song festival with "Tabidachi no Uta" (song for departure). This victory was followed by another significant hit in 1972, "Dareka ga Kaze no Naka de," the theme song for the television period drama "Kogarashi Monjiro." That same year, he made his debut as an actor and appeared on "Kohaku Uta Gassen," a year-end music show broadcast by Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK).
As an actor, Kamijo's career took off in 1974, with roles in films such as "Tora-san's Lullaby" and "Death of a Tea Master" (1989). He also starred in numerous Japanese TV dramas. In the world of musical theatre, Kamijo was a regular, with notable performances in productions like "Man of La Mancha," "Fiddler on the Roof," and "My Fair Lady." He played the role of a leader of prisoners and innkeeper in "Man of La Mancha," supporting main actor Matsumoto Hakuo. He performed in this musical almost 1,000 times between 1977 and 2023.
In addition to live acting and singing, Kamijo also lent his voice to various dubbing roles, contributing to his versatility as a performer. His career spanned several generations, and he was recognised for his lasting impact.
[1] NHK News Article [2] Japan Times Obituary [3] The Asahi Shimbun Obituary [4] Mainichi Shimbun Obituary [5] Kyodo News Agency Obituary
His life and career were widely covered in various media outlets, including NHK News, The Japan Times, The Asahi Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, and Kyodo News Agency. These outlets featured numerous photos showcasing Kamijo's entertainment journey, from his early singing career to his later theatre performances and even his celebrity appearances.
