Showbiz insiders gather for the wake of Hira Mikijirou

About 500 showbiz insiders gathered at Aoyama Sougisho for the wake of Hira Mikijirou who passed away suddenly at the age of 82 years old. Hira was found dead in his house's bathroom by his son Takehiro on 23rd October but as the cause of death was unknown, the family members decided to choose the 22nd as his date of demise. Among the attendees were Hira's ex-wife Sakuma Yoshiko, Takehiro who was also the host of the funeral, director Asari Keita, Kitaoji Kinya, Mita Yoshiko, Watanabe Ken, Minami Kaho, Uchino Seiyo, Sato Ryuta, Honda Hirotaro, Enoki Takaaki, Hayashi Kento, Yamazaki Hirona, Maeda Bibari and Takahashi Keiko. Hira's funeral will be held on the following day from 11am. As Hira's family wants to hold a simple funeral, they will not getting a posthumous Buddhist name for him.

At the altar decorated by 3,000 flowers including 1,200 white roses, Texas bluebells, moth orchids and 500 green carnations, Hira's photo taken three years ago was used as his potrait. A letter written by Takehiro was placed in his father's coffin.

After paying their respects, the attendees were interviewed by the media. Sakuma commented that Hira will be able to depart without a care after being sent off by so many people and expressed her thanks to him. Takahashi who worked with Hira on a Ninagawa Yukio stage play with Hira, expressed her gratitude to be able to work with him and said that it could be that Ninagawa was feeling lonely and summoned Hira to be with him. Mita who had lost yet another precious fellow acting, commented that she felt renewed resolve to work hard as she looked at Hira's photo although she was shocked by his sudden departure. Uchino expressed how Hira's passion for acting had influenced his juniors and he hoped that the latter could continue to look at their acting while drinking delicious wine in heaven.

Sources: Sanspo / Yomiuri Hochi  / Sponichi / Oricon