Ogata Ken passed away on 5 Oct 08 due to liver cancer

Ogata Ken, a famous veteran actor, died at the age of 71 on 5 Oct 08 due to bleeding from a ruptured liver as a result of liver cancer. Apparently, he had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver 8 years ago which developed into cancer about 5 years back. However, he chose to take medicine instead of receiving surgery and even told his sons, fellow actors Kanta and Naoto not to reveal his condition to others.

Ogata was last seen in public at the completion press conference of "Kaze no Garden" on 30 Sept which will be O.A. from this Thursday via FujiTV. This drama was completed in late Sep and becomes the final drama which Ogata appeared in.

Ogata was admitted to hospital on 4 Oct and was said to be recovering well after his surgery. However, things took a turn for the worst on the next day. At his deathbed, his family members including his sons, wife and grandchildren as well as his buddy, actor Tsugawa Masahiko were there with him.

During the private funeral held today, his family members, Tsugawa, scriptwriter Kuramoto Sou (the writer for Kaze no Garden) and actor Takenouchi Yutaka were present.

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This is indeed very shocking. I've seen Ogata-san in quite a number of dramas and remember him fondly especially in Ruri no Shima. It is so sad to hear about this news since this has happened without any warning. Since he still appeared to be fine on 30 Sep, it is especially difficult to accept that he is gone in a matter of 5 days.

And now that Kaze no Garden becomes his final drama appearance, it must be painful for his family, friends and fans to watch him try to do his best onscreen despite the cancer causing great discomfort. Since the drama also deals with death due to cancer (Ogata plays the father of Nakai Kiichi whose role is struck with terminal stage cancer), the uncanny coincidence, timing of the news and impact of this announcement would probably spur many people to watch this drama. I just hope that it will do well enough since this is also the earnest wish of Ogata-san as seen from his blog.

ご冥福を祈ります.