Japanese Scriptwriter James Miki Dies at 91

   Tokyo, June 19 (Jiji Press)--Japanese scriptwriter James Miki, known for public broadcaster NHK's period drama series "Dokuganryu Masamune" and other works, died of pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital Saturday. He was 91.
   Born in northeastern China, Miki, whose real name was Kiyomoto Yamashita, began his career as a singer after belonging to the training school of theater company Haiyuza.
   He later studied under film director Yoshitaro Nomura and became a scriptwriter.
   "Miotsukushi," a 1985 NHK drama series written by him, became a huge hit. Actor Ken Watanabe played the lead role in "Dokuganryu Masamune," aired in 1987.
   In addition to his work in television and film, Miki wrote novels and essays.

(2025/06/19-13:54)