Friday, January 14, 2011

Actor Toshiyuki Hosokawa, 1940-2011

by Chris MaGee

A tragic loss this week in the world of Japanese film. Actor Toshiyuki Hosokawa, best known for his roles in Yoshishige Yoshida's "Eros Plus Massacre" and Koki Mitani's "Rajio no Jikan (Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald)" passed away in Tokyo this week as a result of an acute subdural hematoma. Apparently the actor had suffered a fall in his home on January 12th and was rushed to the hospital but died shortly thereafter. He was 70.

Born in Fukuoka in 1940 Hosokawa initially studied political science and economics at Tokyo's Gakushuin University, but dropped out in 1963 to beging acting in the theatre. He would make his screen debut just three years later in Yoshitaro Nomura's "Danryu (Warm Current)" opposite such respected actors as Chishu Ryu and Chieko Baisho. Japanese film fans know him best for his classic role as anarchist Sakae Osugi in New Wave director Yoshishige Yoshida's pioneering 1969 film "Eros Plus Massacre".

Hosokawa had been diagnosed with diabetes in 1995 and had suffered from health problems since. After his role in "Rajio no Jikan" he worked primarily on various TV productions and then took a teaching position in the Performing Arts Department at Osaka's University of the Arts.

Our deepest condolences to Hosokawa's family and friends at this difficult time. Our thanks go to Japan Today for the details on Hosokawa's remarkable life. We leave you with the trailer for "Eros Plus Massacre".

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