Legendary actor dies after seven-decade career as emotional tributes flood in
Tributes are pouring in for Miwa Akihiro, voice of the Wolf Goddess Moro in Studio Ghibli's acclaimed 1997 film Princess Mononoke, who has died of natural causes on June 20, their agency confirmed. Born Akihiro Maruyama in Nagasaki in 1935, Miwa enjoyed a career spanning more than seven decades across music, theatre, television and film. The star began performing professionally at just 16 years old, before finding national fame with his rendition of the song "Me Que Me Que," which became a huge hit in 1957. They later became one of Japan's best-known singers, with songs such as "Yoitomake no Uta" earning widespread acclaim.
Away from music, Miwa was a pioneer of gay activism and became familiar to audiences around the world through their collaborations with Studio Ghibli. Their distinctive voice brought the powerful Wolf Goddess Moro to life in Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning fantasy Princess Mononoke, while they also voiced the Witch of the Waste in Howl's Moving Castle.
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The performer was also an acclaimed stage and screen actor, starring in productions including The Black Lizard, while regularly appearing on Japanese television and publishing books throughout his career.
Miwa's life was shaped by extraordinary personal experiences. At the age of 10, they survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. Although he escaped the blast itself, they later spoke about witnessing the devastation left behind, describing it as looking "almost the end of the world".
The experience inspired his lifelong commitment to peace and heavily influenced their songwriting, with several of their best-known works reflecting on war, loss and human resilience. In October 2018, they were chosen as a meiyo shimin (an honored citizen) in Tokyo for showing a way of living that transcends gender.
Despite suffering a stroke in 2019, Miwa continued writing and making television appearances, becoming known for offering life advice drawn from their own experiences of discrimination, poverty and survival.
News of their death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, many of whom remembered their unforgettable performances and unique contributions to Japanese culture.
One fan wrote: "Rest in peace to a true legend. Your voice and your art will never be forgotten."
Another added: "Thank you for everything you gave the world through your music, films and wisdom."
Miwa is regarded as one of Japan's most influential entertainers, leaving behind a legacy that stretched from chart-topping music to some of Studio Ghibli's most celebrated films.