Miwa Akihiro, the legendary entertainer known for the hit song “Yoitomake no Uta” and acclaimed performances in the stage and screen versions of “Black Lizard,” has died at the age of 91.
His management announced the news on today, saying that Miwa died on June 20 of natural causes. In accordance with his wishes, his wake and funeral were held privately with close family members. No public memorial service is planned.
Miwa was born Maruyama Akihiro on May 15, 1935, in Nagasaki. He was a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki at the age of 10. Throughout his life, he advocated for peace and the realization of a society where people could live in harmony, free from all forms of discrimination and prejudice.
Miwa began his career in entertainment at 16, when he moved to Tokyo and began singing at Ginpari, a famous French music cafe in Ginza. In 1957, he gained attention with his Japanese adaptation of the French song “Me Que Me Que,” which he translated himself and performed in his signature style.
He reached the height of his musical fame with the 1965 song “Yoitomake no Uta.” The nearly six minute song, which he wrote and composed based on the story of a real parent and child, expressed respect for working people and gratitude toward mothers. He performed it several times on “NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.”
Outside of music, Miwa had an acclaimed acting career. He starred in numerous theater productions, including “La Marie-Vison,” directed by Terayama Shuji, and “Black Lizard,” based on the work of Edogawa Ranpo and adapted for the stage by Mishima Yukio. His performances earned critical acclaim, including recognition by the Yomiuri Theater Awards.
Miwa also reached younger generations later in his career through his voice acting, with roles such as the Witch of the Waste in Miyazaki Hayao’s “Howl’s Moving Castle”, and as the narrator for the NHK drama “Hanako and Anne.” Outside of these works, he remained active in television, writing, and cultural commentary throughout his life.
From 2005 to 2009, Miwa appeared on the TV Asahi talk show “Aura no Izumi.” Known for his yellow hair, elegant dresses, and warm smile, Miwa became a familiar presence on the show, which was widely credited with helping spark Japan’s spiritualism boom.
In his final days, Miwa reduced his activities due to his advanced age, focusing on recovering his strength. His final words were to a family member: “Thank you.”
At his funeral in Tokyo, yellow roses, his favorite flowers, decorated the altar. Letters from fans were placed in his coffin, a final tribute to an artist who inspired generations.
