Comedian Itsuji Itao suffers a terrible loss at the death of his daughter

by Chris MaGee

This is such sad, sad news.the 23-month-old daughter of actor and comedian Itsuji Itao passed away suddenly on Sunday night. Apparently “Pippi”, as Itao had nicknamed his daughter, fell unconscious at home and was rushed to a local hospital, but died shortly thereafter. At present the exact cause of death is still unknown.

The 46-year-old star of such films as "The Hanging Garden", "Tokyo Gore Police" and Air Doll", as well as being one half of the comedy duo 130R, wrote extensively about the birth of his daughter and life as a father in his 2008 book “Itao’s Diary 3” (above right). Like any new father he and his wife bought a video camera to chronicle the baby's growth and he marveled at the fact that "Pippi" looked "just like me."

Our deepest sympathies go out to Itsuji Itao and his wife in this truly terrible time. Thanks to Japan Today for the details on this story.