Shōichi Ozawa (小沢 昭一,Ozawa Shōichi, April 6, 1929 – December 10, 2012) was a Japanese actor, radio host, singer, and prominent researcher and expert on Japanese folk art.[1] He also founded the Shabondama-zatheater company.[1]
Ozawa, who was born in Tokyo, graduated fromWaseda University.[1] He began acting after college, beginning with his debut stage role in 1951.[1] He also appeared in television and film roles, acting quite frequently in films directed byShohei Imamura andYūzō Kawashima. In 1971, Ozawa launched his long running radio show.[1]
A respected folk art expert, Ozawa also researched traditional Japaneseperforming arts. He recorded and released "Nihon no Horo Gei" ("Japan's Itinerant Arts") based on his research.[1]
In 2004, Ozawa became the "mayor" ofMeiji Mura, an open-air museum inAichi Prefecture which showcasesMeiji Era architecture.[1] The Japanese government awarded Ozawa theOrder of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2001 and theMedal with Purple Ribbon in 1994 for his body of work.[1]
Shōichi Ozawa died on December 10, 2012, at the age of 83.[1]
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