Source: Georges Seguin (Okki), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“Emperor of Anime Songs” Ichiro Mizuki reveals he had lung cancer surgery

Since his debut in 1968, Japanese singer, lyricist, composer, voice actor, and actor 水木一郎 Ichiro Mizuki has sung countless anisong (anime song) hits for classic anime such as Mazinger Z and Captain Harlock, earning the nicknames "Aniki" (big brother) or "the emperor" of anisongs. Mizuki is also famous for tokusatsu songs in such works as the Kamen Rider series and many others. In his career spanning more than 50 years, he has recorded over 1200 songs for Japanese film, television, and video games, and he created the anison band JAM Project in 2000.

Today, on July 26th, 2022, the beloved veteran of the anime and tokusatsu song world made a bittersweet announcement through his agency, eliciting an outpouring of reactions from his fans.

Active for life

In April 2021, Mizuki announced that he was experiencing symptoms of vocal cord paresis. Subsequent tests revealed lung cancer with metastasis to the lymph nodes and brain.

Earlier this year, while undergoing radiation and drug therapy as well as his regular checkups, he discovered that his lung cancer had returned.

(Mizuki...) underwent surgery (for lung cancer) in June but is now doing well.

He had an intracordal injection for his voice and is currently undergoing rehabilitation with a speech therapist. Moreover, he's undergoing motor function rehabilitation with a physical therapist, and is working hard every day to continue his singing activities.

Yellowbird staff, official statement on Ichiro Mizuki's Twitter account

As of July 26th, 2022, Mizuki is gradually resuming his activities, and plans for the 50th anniversary of his debut as an anisong singer are also underway.

While dealing with his illness, Mizuki is making it clear that he will continue his activities with the aim of remaining "active for life."

Many fans around the world who grew up listening to Mizuki's music are expressing their support, leaving comments such as:

  • "We're looking forward to seeing Aniki back in full power mode! We wish you a speedy recovery!" [Japanese]
  • "I'll be rooting for you!" [Japanese]
  • "I'm very happy to hear that you're going to remain active as a singer." [Japanese]
  • "Your songs have given me so much courage throughout my life. I am looking forward to your next concert!" [Japanese]
  • "I will never be able to thank you enough for that you've done for me and my friends through your songs. Strength, love, courage and good wishes from Mexico." [Spanish]"
  • "We ask Allah to give you health and wellness. We love you, we will always be with you, and we will always shine for you." [Arabic]

    • Many people around the world are looking forward to the day when they'll be able to see the "Emperor of Anisongs" in action again.

    By - grape Japan editorial staff.

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