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Singer, TV Personality Takajin Yashiki Passes Away

Singer and television personality Takajin Yashiki, who performed theme and image songs for Mobile Suit Gundam - The Movie Trilogy, passed away on January 3. He was 64.

Yashiki was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2012, and he took a 14-month hiatus after that to undergo endoscopic surgery. He had returned to work in March 2013, but had to go back on hiatus in May due to poor health.

Yashiki performed the first ending theme "Suna no Juujika" for Mobile Suit Gundam - The Movie Trilogy, as well as the first film's insert song "Star Children."

Yashiki made his debut as a singer-songwriter in Kyoto, and he released his debut single "Yume Iran ka ne" in 1976. His other early hits include "Anta" in 1984 and "Yappa Suki ya nen" in 1986. He eventually began working in television and radio, and more recently he was a host for the "Takajin Mune Ippai," "Takajin no Sokomade Itte Iinkai," and "Takajin NO Money" regular television programs.

Source: Sankei Shimbun via 0takomu

Image via Sankei Shimbun