AKIRA Kubodera, an actor best known for roles in the live action version of Sailor Moon and the television show Kamen Rider, has died at the age of 43. Suicide is believed to be the cause of death.
He was found in a coma on Friday (November 3) at his Tokyo apartment, and was announced dead after arriving at hospital.
Many remember him from his role within the live action television series, Kamen Rider, about the titular brawler as he attempted to protect the world from otherworldly adversaries.
It was a testament to Kubodera's talent that he was able to play three very different roles within the franchise and fans of the series have expressed their thoughts for the deceased actor.
Kubodera also played the character Kunzite in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (2003-04), a live-action TV adaptation of the manga series Sailor Moon.
More recently, he had participated in a number of live action stage plays within the medium of anime, while also playing the role of Ali in the live action adaptations of the Mobile Suit Gundam series.
It is believed that Kubodera’s income was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic due to a reduction in acting jobs. That being said, suicide has been a recurring recent story when it comes to Japanese entertainers. – The Vibes, November 17, 2020
