KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — Japanese actor and tokusatsu (special effects genre) legend Kenji Takahashi, widely known as Kenji Ohba, has died at age 71.
His agency, Japan Action Enterprise, announced on its official website, alongside multiple Japanese and online portals, that the actor died on May 6 at approximately 2.23pm.
Ohba was widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in the world of tokusatsu during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly for his work in the Super Sentai and Space Sheriff Gavan franchises.
He was the suit actor for Android Kikaider in the 1972 series and also Akarenger in Himitsu Sentai Gorenger (1975–1977).
Ohba also appeared in minor onscreen roles, including Episode 75 of Gorenger and Episode 3 of J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai (1977).
He later gained wider recognition in Battle Fever J (1979–1980), where he played Shiro Akebono/Battle Kenya.
He followed that with another prominent role in Denshi Sentai Denjiman (1980–1981) as Daigoro Oume/Denji Blue.
He rose to wider prominence in 1982 when he was cast as the lead in the acclaimed Space Sheriff Gavan, portraying Retsu Ichijouji/Gavan and carrying the franchise as a solo hero for the first time.
He also appeared in a small role in American director Quentin Tarantino’s films Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Kill Bill: Volume 2, portraying the character Shiro, the Bald Guy.
Throughout his career, Ohba continued working as a suit actor and even made cameo appearances in numerous modern tokusatsu productions, including the Super Sentai, Kamen Rider and Space Sheriff series.
He continued to attend conventions worldwide, meeting fans and even founded his own action group, “Luck JET,” with “JET” stands for “Jaunty Eventful Troupe.”
The actor had reportedly been battling illness for several years.
In May 2018, Ohba was hospitalised after fainting at his home and had been undergoing medical treatment since then.
According to the wishes of his bereaved family, the wake and funeral services will be held privately with close relatives only, according to multiple reports.
Many online tokusatsu communities continue to mourn his death by posting moments and sharing heartfelt messages as a tribute to a living legend who brought joy to generations who grew up watching tokusatsu productions.
