Masahiko Akuta, a playwright and actor who founded the talent agency Alpha Agency, died on October 27 of acute myocardial infarction, the company announced on its official website. He was 87.
“On October 27, Masahiko Akuta passed away due to acute myocardial infarction,” the agency said in the statement. “We express our gratitude for the kindness shown to him during his lifetime and respectfully inform you of this. We report that the funeral has been completed with close relatives, our actors and our staff.”
A company built by three people
Akuta founded Alpha Agency in 1976 together with Aoi Nakajima and Hiromi Bandai. Bandai met Akuta when Akuta was running the theater troupe Komaba at the University of Tokyo, and supported him for the rest of his life, the agency said.
In 1978 the three formed the Homo Fictus ACT & AOI theater company, and Bandai produced all of its performances. “Alpha Agency could not have come into being without the presence, aspirations and passion of these three people,” the statement said.
The agency, whose roster includes Etsushi Toyokawa and Sairi Ito, marked its 50th year. “We have lost someone important at this milestone, and we feel a deep loneliness,” the company said. “Those of us who remain will return to our original intentions and carry on his aspirations. We ask for your continued support. Alpha Agency Inc.”