Image Credit: Yahoo! Japan
Kawazoe Shoro, the renowned music producer and ex-husband of actor Kazebuki Jun, passed away on September 8th at the age of 83. The announcement came on September 9th, revealing that Kawazoe, who had been recuperating at his home in Fukushima Prefecture, succumbed to health complications.
Earlier this year, Kawazoe had faced a serious health crisis, which led to his heart stopping in February. Despite a challenging recovery period involving six months of hospitalization, he managed to return home to Fukushima to continue his work in music production. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that significantly influenced the Japanese music industry.
Kawazoe’s contributions to music began prominently with his production of the Japan tour for the musical “Hair” in 1969. Throughout the mid-1970s, he played a pivotal role in promoting influential artists such as YMO and Arai Yumi (now Matsutoya Yumi), leaving a lasting impact with numerous hit songs. His notable achievements include the 2008 production of Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa’s “Soba ni Iru ne,” which was recognized by Guinness as Japan’s best-selling download single.
In his personal life, Kawazoe was known for his multiple marriages and divorces. His union with Kazebuki Jun in 1981 produced a son and a daughter, but the couple divorced in 1992. His family legacy includes his father, Kawazoe Hiroshi, founder of the renowned Italian restaurant “Chianti” in Tokyo, and his great-grandfather, Goto Shojiro, a key figure in the restoration of imperial rule at the end of the Edo period. Additionally, Kawazoe was a childhood friend of actor Kaga Mariko.
Kawazoe Shoro’s passing is a significant loss to the music world, where his legacy of innovation and influence will be remembered.