RIP Araki "Stronger" Shigeru

Actor Shigeru Araki, known for his roles in Kamen Rider Stronger and the detective show Tokusou Saizensen, died from pneumonia at 5:02pm on April 14 in a Tokyo hospital. He was 63 years old. After an operation for esophageal cancer in 2007, Araki ran for Meguro ward assemblyman. He appeared to be in good health, but this month he was admitted to the hospital.

According to Araki’s family, he fell ill and went to the hospital on April 2. He had rejoiced when he found out his daughter Masami had been admitted to Sophia University, but was unable to attend her entrance ceremony on the 2nd.

In April 2007, Araki ran independently in the general election for Meguro ward assemblyman. After his loss, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July, and underwent an operation to remove it at a Tokyo hospital. The operation was a success, but his appetite dwindled, leading him to lose over 30kg (66lbs), and his immune system suffered as a result.

He went into critical condition on the 13th in the afternoon. His wife, the former actress Noriko, and Masami were constantly by his side. His heart stopped once in the night, but his family stayed by his side, recalling happy memories. When Noriko said, “Papa, Kamen Rider was pretty cool,” Araki began to breathe again, as if in agreement. Somehow he was able to make it through that day, but aspergillosis infected his lungs and he eventually succumbed to pneumonia.

In the various television shows he appeared in, he always thought of himself as a hero. After he lost the election in 2007, he said he wouldn’t run again, but after defeating esophageal cancer, he ran again in 2011, this time under the Democratic Party of Japan ticket. He lost this time as well, but he remained positive about the experience.

Araki was originally a fashion model, and entered show business by means of his college rock band Four Saints. After that he continued to appear in dramas. The group was reformed in 2008, and they participated in plays.

The wake begins at 6pm on the 17th, and the funeral will be at 11am on the 18th. The chief mourner will be his wife Noriko.

Source: Sports Houchi