Photo/Illutration Toshiyuki Nishida in 2018 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Veteran actor Toshiyuki Nishida, best known for playing the lovable office worker obsessed with fishing in the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” (Free and Easy) film series, died on Oct. 17. He was 76.

Nishida was found collapsed on his bed at his home in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward around 12:30 p.m. that day, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

The award-winning actor and singer had played a wide variety of roles from the fisherman “Hama-chan” in the "Tsuribaka Nisshi" films to a hardened gangster in hundreds of films and dramas.

Nishida was born in 1947 in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture.

He joined the Seinenza Theater Company in 1970 and gained attention for his lead role in the stage play “Sharaku-ko” that explores the life of Toshusai Sharaku, a mysterious ukiyo-e artist from the Edo Period (1603-1867).

In 1980, he made his debut as a lead actor in the TV drama “Ikenaka Genta 80 kg,” which achieved high ratings.

His popularity grew with his appearances in the 1981 historical drama series “Onna Taikoki” aired by Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK).

Starting in 1988, Nishida starred in the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series, based on a popular manga. 

The duo of Nishida as Hama-chan and the renowned actor Rentaro Mikuni as “Su-san” was beloved by many fans. The series ran for 22 installments until 2009.

Nishida also delivered a powerful performance as a senior yakuza member in the “Outrage” film series directed by Takeshi Kitano.

He showcased his versatility across more than 270 dramas and films.

In addition to acting, Nishida pursued a singing career, with his 1981 song “Moshimo Piano ga Hiketanara” (If I could play the piano) becoming a major hit.

As a singer, he performed four times on NHK’s popular New Year’s Eve music program “Kohaku Uta Gassen” and even served as a host.

His multi-faceted talents extended to variety shows. He hosted the TV program “Detective Knight Scoop,” which accepts inquiries from viewers to conduct investigations and solve quirky mysteries, from 2001 to 2019.

Beyond his artistic career, Nishida served as president of the Japan Actors Union and vice president of the Japan Academy Film Prize organizing committee.

He won the Japan Academy award for best actor twice―in 1989 for “Tonko” (The Silk Road) and in 1994 for “Gakko” (A Class to Remember).

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