Eiji Okuda pens touching farewell to Ken Ogata

by Chris MaGee

Yesterday we reported on the death of veteran actor Ken Ogata (Vengeance is Mine, Ballad of Narayama, Mishima). At that time we mentioned that the cause of death had not been announced, but reports today said that Ogata had been battling liver cancer for some time. It was very sad news and it's never fun writing an obit for such a talented artist, but for someone who knew and worked closely with Ogata it must be doubly hard.

Actor/ director Eiji Okuda worked with Ogata on his 2006 film "Nagai Sanpo (A Long Walk)" and he has released a short handwritten eulogy for his friend and colleague (above). I excuse my poor Japanese translation, but it roughly says:

A great performer has passed away. A great performer has vanished. The great performances remain. The eternal Ken Ogata remains. Thank you so much. At the wake, Eiji Okuda

No one could have put it better. Thanks to Cinema Today for this news item.