Shigeru Araki (Shigeru Jo/Kamen Rider Stronger) Passes Away

Actor Shigeru Araki, known for playing Shigeru Jo in Kamen Rider Stronger and for the detective show Tokusou Saizensen, died of pneumonia at 5:02 p.m. on April 14 in a Tokyo hospital at age 63. According to his family, he fell ill and was admitted to the hospital on April 2, the same day his daughter Masami was accepted into Sophia University; he was too unwell to attend her entrance ceremony.

Araki had run independently for Meguro ward assemblyman in April 2007, and after losing that election was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July of that year. An operation to remove it succeeded, but his appetite declined afterward, and he lost more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds), weakening his immune system. He ran for the same ward assemblyman seat again in 2011 under the Democratic Party of Japan, and lost again, though he stayed positive about the experience.

He entered critical condition on the afternoon of April 13, with his wife, former actress Noriko, and daughter Masami by his side throughout. His heart stopped once during the night; his family stayed close, recalling happy memories, and when Noriko told him, “Papa, Kamen Rider was pretty cool,” he began breathing again. He made it through that day, but aspergillosis subsequently infected his lungs and led to the pneumonia that killed him.

Araki entered show business as a fashion model before joining the entertainment industry through his college rock band, Four Saints, later appearing in a run of television dramas; the band reformed in 2008 and took part in stage plays. His wake was scheduled for 6 p.m. on the 17th and his funeral for 11 a.m. on the 18th, with his wife Noriko serving as chief mourner.