Japanese actor Ken Ogata, known for his energetic acting in numerous films and TV drama series including the 1983 movie "Narayama Bushiko" (Ballad of Narayama), died Sunday, sources close to him said Tuesday. He was 71. The cause and place of his death were not immediately known. Ogata, whose real first name is Akinobu, had been active until just recently, having attended a press conference in Tokyo on Sept 30 to announce the new TV drama series "Kaze no garden" (Garden of Wind), scheduled to begin airing Thursday, along with fellow cast members. In the drama series, whose filming was completed Sept. 28, he plays the role of an old doctor involved in end-of-life care. In 2000, Ogata was a recipient of the Japanese government's Medal with Purple Ribbon, which is awarded for contributions in fields such as arts. Source: japantoday
