Howl's Moving Castle Voice Actor Takuya Kimura Pays Tribute to Akihiro Miwa: “Witch of the Waste, Thank You from Me as Well”

Howl's Moving Castle voice actor Takuya Kimura has paid tribute to singer and actor Akihiro Miwa, who died on June 20 at the age of 91. His death was announced on June 28, prompting many messages from Japan's entertainment industry.

Akihiro Miwa’s Official Obituary and Final Words

Miwa's obituary was posted on his official website. The statement read, “This is a sudden announcement, but Akihiro Miwa, a singer and actor represented by our company, passed away peacefully due to old age at 9:30 a.m. on June 20. He was 91. We, together with Miwa himself, sincerely thank everyone for the exceptional kindness and warm support he received during his lifetime.”

The statement continued, “Over the past year, he had been reducing his work due to his advanced age and focusing on recovering his strength. After falling ill about three months ago, he had been resting at home. At the end, he said one final word of gratitude, ‘Thank you,’ and quietly closed his eyes.” A handwritten message that Miwa had prepared during his lifetime was also released.

Takuya Kimura, who co starred with Miwa as a voice actor in Howl's Moving Castle, wrote through his Instagram Stories, “Witch of the Waste, thank you from me as well. Rest in peace...”

Akihiro Miwa’s Career in Music, Theater, Film, and Television

Miwa was born in Nagasaki Prefecture. He became a professional singer at the age of 16 and gained attention while performing classical music, chanson, tango, Latin music, and jazz at Ginpari, a chanson cafe in Ginza. In 1957, his song “Mekemeke” became a major hit. He was also regarded as one of Japan's earliest singer songwriters, composing many of his own songs, including “Yoitomake no Uta.” Over the years, he remained active in many fields, including concerts, stage performances, films, television, lectures, and writing. In 2012, he made his first appearance on NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the age of 77.

As an actor, Miwa appeared in and starred in the launch performance of the theater company Tenjo Sajiki, including The Hunchback of Aomori and Mink Marie. This led to many signature roles, including Black Lizard, based on the work by Edogawa Ranpo, as well as Double headed Eagle and La traviata.

Miwa also appeared in many television dramas and films. He served as a voice actor in Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle. He was also active in variety television programs, including the regular TV Asahi program Aura no Izumi.

Source : ORICON NEWS