Entertainment · Books & Arts · 3 hrs ago
Actor and playwright Masahiko Akuta dies at 80
Playwright and actor Masahiko Akuta died at 80 on October 27 in Tokyo, from an acute heart attack.
The news was announced on November 4 by Alpha Agency, the talent company he helped establish.
Akuta took part in a famous 1969 debate with writer Yukio Mishima at the University of Tokyo, where he was known as a leading speaker for the student movement.
He later worked across theatre as an actor, playwright and director.
He helped found Alpha Agency in 1976 with Aoi Nakajima and Hiromi Mandai; the company represents actors including Etsushi Toyokawa and Tasuku Emoto.
Alpha Agency said it would carry on their aims as it marks 50 years since its founding.
Akuta's funeral was held with close relatives, agency actors and staff.
Actor and playwright Masahiko Akuta died on October 27 at age 80, the reports said.
He died of acute myocardial infarction in Tokyo, according to one report.
His death was announced on November 4 by his agency and his official account.
Akuta helped found Alpha Agency in 1976 and was known for his 1969 debate with writer Yukio Mishima.
His funeral was held with close relatives, agency actors and staff.
- Who
- Masahiko Akuta, an actor, playwright and director.
- What
- He died of acute myocardial infarction at age 80.
- When
- October 27; the year is 2026, according to the reports.
- Where
- Tokyo, according to one report.
- Why
- Acute myocardial infarction.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Akuta took part in a public debate with Yukio Mishima at the University of Tokyo.
Akuta co-founded Alpha Agency with Aoi Nakajima and Hiromi Mandai.
Akuta, Nakajima and Mandai formed the Homo Fictus ACT & AOI theatre company.
Akuta died of acute myocardial infarction.
His death was announced publicly.
- Age
- 80
- Date of death
- October 27, 2026
- Cause of death
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Agency
- Alpha Agency
- Agency founded
- 1976
- Famous debate
- Yukio Mishima, University of Tokyo, May 13, 1969
3 sources
What people are saying
Alpha Agency would not have been born without the existence, vision and passion of these three people.
We feel a deep sense of loss at losing someone dear to us at the milestone of the agency’s 50th anniversary.
Those of us left behind will return to our original starting point and carry on his aspirations.