Veteran Japanese singer and actor Miwa Akihiro passed away peacefully on July 20 at the age of 91, his management agency announced through Japanese media on Monday. The entertainment icon, whose career spanned seven decades, left behind a final handwritten message emphasizing love as the solution to global conflicts.
Final Moments and Last Words
According to his management agency, Akihiro had reduced his public activities over the past year due to his age and had been focusing on regaining strength before his health rapidly declined in recent months. He spent his final days at home surrounded by loved ones. His last words were simply, 'Thank you.'
The agency also released a handwritten note he prepared before his death, in which he wrote: 'The key to solving all the world's problems is love. If there is love, war will not occur.'
A Life Shaped by History
Born in Nagasaki in 1935, Akihiro experienced the atomic bombing of Nagasaki during World War II at the age of 10. This traumatic event deeply influenced his later work in music, writing, and public speaking, often advocating for peace and human rights.
He made his singing debut at age 16 and adopted the professional name Miwa Akihiro in 1971. Throughout his career, he was known for his unique stage presence, often performing in elegant women's attire while proudly advocating for LGBTQ rights and speaking against discrimination.
Studio Ghibli Legacy
International audiences best remember Akihiro for lending his voice to iconic Studio Ghibli films. He voiced the powerful wolf goddess Moro in Hayao Miyazaki's acclaimed masterpiece Princess Mononoke and portrayed the Witch of the Waste in Howl's Moving Castle. These performances earned him admiration across generations.
Continued Activity After Health Setback
Even after suffering a cerebral infarction in 2019, Akihiro remained active through broadcasting, writing, lectures, and other creative projects. His management noted that he had been focusing on regaining his strength until his health rapidly deteriorated in recent months.
Global Tributes
Fans across the world are celebrating a life defined by talent, resilience, advocacy, and unforgettable performances. His agency confirmed that he died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
