ASIA NIKKEI
 
Renowned actor Ken Takakura, winner of multiple Japanese Academy Awards and one of the country's most recognized film stars, died on Nov. 10 at a Tokyo hospital, his office said Tuesday. He was 83.
 
Takakura's decades-long acting career included starring roles in 1977's "The Yellow Handkerchief" (Shiawase no kiiroi hankachi), which triggered his rise to stardom, and the 1999 movie "Poppoya" (Railroad Man).
 
     He is known to Western audiences for his role as a tough Japanese police officer alongside Michael Douglas in Ridley Scott's 1989 film "Black Rain."
 
     A native of Fukuoka Prefecture, Takakura, whose real name is Goichi Oda, died of lymphoma. His funeral had been held by close family members.
 Takakura joined film production company Toei Co. in 1955 and became popular among male audiences in 1960s after starring in a series of yakuza movies including "Abashiri Bangaichi" (Abashiri Prison) series from 1965.
 
     He often played roles depicting a stoic figure who endures hardships. Takakura won the best actor prize at the Montreal World Film Festival in 1999 for his portrayal of an old railroad station master in "Poppoya."
 
     He was recognized with the country's highest cultural award, the Order of Culture, in 2013.
 
     According to his office, Takakura had been hospitalized due to poor health while he was preparing for his next project. Though he had been treated at the hospital, his condition took a sudden turn for the worse, the office said.