Japanese actor Nishida Toshiyuki, who was known for performing wide-ranging roles in popular film and drama, has died at the age of 76. He was found collapsed at his home in Tokyo on Thursday. Police are investigating details.
Nishida was born in 1947. He joined the theater company Seinenza in 1970 and went onto become a familiar face on film and television, playing comical kind-hearted roles as well as violent villains.
He won best lead actor in the Japan Academy awards for his performance as a night school teacher in the 1993 film “Gakko” directed by Yamada Yoji.
In the popular movie series “Tsuribaka nisshi”, Nishida played the role of a leading character Hama-chan, who is crazy about fishing.
In NHK’s 1990 historical drama series “Tobu ga gotoku,” he starred as the historical leader Saigo Takamori. He also played the titular role in another NHK historical drama about the eighth Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, who ruled in the Edo period.
Nishida made many appearances on TV variety shows as well.
He also enjoyed popularity as a singer. His song “Moshimo piano ga hiketanara” became a hit, leading to an appearance on NHK’s annual New Year’s Eve live music show.