Shoichi Ozawa

Shōichi Ozawa (小沢 昭一, Ozawa Shōichi, April 6, 1929 – December 10, 2012) was a Japanese actor, radio host, singer, and prominent researcher and expert on Japanese folk art.[1] He also founded the Shabondama-za theater company.[1]

Shōichi Ozawa

Ozawa, who was born in Tokyo, graduated from Waseda University.[1] He began acting after college, beginning with his debut stage role in 1951.[1] He also appeared in television and film roles, acting quite frequently in films directed by Shohei Imamura and Yūzō Kawashima. In 1971, Ozawa launched his long running radio show.[1]

A respected folk art expert, Ozawa also researched traditional Japanese performing arts. He recorded and released "Nihon no Horo Gei" ("Japan's Itinerant Arts") based on his research.[1]

In 2004, Ozawa became the "mayor" of Meiji Mura, an open-air museum in Aichi Prefecture which showcases Meiji Era architecture.[1] The Japanese government awarded Ozawa the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2001 and the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1994 for his body of work.[1]

Shōichi Ozawa died on December 10, 2012, at the age of 83.[1]