Toshiyuki Nishida Dies at 76; Actor and Singer Was Known for Role in ‘Tsuribaka Nisshi’ Films (Update2)

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:18 JST, October 17, 2024 (updated at 17:00 JST)

Actor Toshiyuki Nishida, known for roles including Hama-chan in the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” (Fishing maniac’s diary) films, has died at the age of 76, it was learned on Thursday.

He was born in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture. After dropping out of Meiji University, he joined the Seinenza Theater Company in 1970. He became a nationally popular actor for his humorous portrayal of Hama-chan, the main character who loves fishing and his family, in 22 installments of the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series, which ran from 1988 to 2009.

He played roles which ranged from comical to serious and appeared in many high-profile films, including Yoji Yamada’s “Gakko” (School) series.

He was also active on television: his theme song for the series “Moshimo piano ga hiketanara” (If I could play the piano) became popular, and he participated in the NHK’s annual singing festival “Kohaku Uta Gassen.”

He received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 2008 and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2018. He served as the president of the Japan Actors Union for a long time.