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倉本聰 latest news today: Renowned Japanese screenwriter, playwright and director Sō Kuramoto (倉本聰) has died at the age of 91. Kuramoto, best known internationally for the acclaimed television drama “From the North Country” (北の国から), died at his home on September 18, 2026, from multiple organ failure. His foundation announced his death publicly on September 28.
The announcement has prompted tributes from people connected with Japanese television, theatre and music, as well as renewed attention to Kuramoto’s long career and contribution to Japanese storytelling.
倉本聰 Latest Update Today
According to the announcement from the Kuramoto Foundation, Sō Kuramoto died at his home on the evening of September 18, 2026. He was 91.
The funeral was reportedly held privately with close family members, in accordance with his family’s wishes.
Key headlines:
- Sō Kuramoto died at age 91.
- He died on September 18, 2026.
- The cause of death was multiple organ failure.
- His death was announced publicly on September 28.
- He was the creator and screenwriter of “From the North Country.”
- He moved to Furano, Hokkaido, in 1977.
- He established the Furano Juku training school for actors and screenwriters.
- His work included television dramas, films and theatre productions.
- His environmental activities were also an important part of his later career.
Who Was Sō Kuramoto?
Born in Tokyo in 1935, Kuramoto graduated from the University of Tokyo before joining Nippon Broadcasting System in 1959. He left the company in 1963 and subsequently developed his career as a professional screenwriter.
In 1977, he moved to Furano, Hokkaido, a decision that became closely connected with his creative work. The landscapes and communities of Hokkaido later became central elements in several of his best-known stories.
In 1984, Kuramoto established Furano Juku, a private training institution designed to develop actors and screenwriters. The school later became part of a wider creative legacy associated with Furano’s theatre community.
“From the North Country” and Kuramoto’s Legacy
Kuramoto’s most famous work is “From the North Country” (北の国から), a television drama set in rural Hokkaido.
The series follows the lives of a father and his two children as they build their lives in the harsh but beautiful environment of Furano. The program became closely associated with the region and contributed to Furano’s popularity as a tourism destination.
Kuramoto also created other important works, including “A Gentle Time” (優しい時間) and “Garden of Wind” (風のガーデン). Together with “From the North Country,” these are often described as his Furano trilogy.
Other notable works include:
- “Zenyaku Ofukuro-sama”
- “Kinō, Kanashibetsu de”
- “Rice Curry”
- “Yasuragi no Sato”
- “The Silence of the Sea”
“The Silence of the Sea” Continues to Draw Attention
One of Kuramoto’s later major projects was the film “The Silence of the Sea” (海の沈黙), based on a screenplay he had conceived over many years.
His official website continues to list screenings of the film in Hokkaido during October 2026. Scheduled screenings include events in Nanae on October 11, Bibai on October 17, Obihiro on October 30 and Furano on October 31 and November 1.
These scheduled screenings are now receiving additional attention following news of Kuramoto’s death.
Tributes Following His Death
Singer-songwriter Masashi Sada, who composed the music for “From the North Country,” publicly paid tribute to Kuramoto on September 28.
Sada recalled their professional relationship and described Kuramoto as an important mentor. He also remembered seeing Kuramoto during a special event in Furano in August celebrating the 45th anniversary of “From the North Country.”
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara also expressed condolences during a September 28 press conference, highlighting Kuramoto’s contribution to television drama and his role in nurturing actors and screenwriters through Furano Juku.
Environmental Work and Furano
Beyond television and film, Kuramoto was strongly involved in environmental activities. From 2006, he was associated with C.C.C. Furano Nature School, which promoted reforestation and environmental education.
His activities included efforts to restore former golf-course land to forest and use the area for environmental education programs.
His career therefore extended beyond entertainment into education, theatre, community development and environmental work.
Latest 倉本聰 News Today
Sō Kuramoto’s death marks the end of a career spanning more than six decades. His stories about family, communities and the relationship between people and nature became an important part of Japanese television and theatre.
While his death was announced on September 28, 2026, his works remain active through television, film screenings, theatre activities and the creative institutions associated with Furano. His legacy will continue to be represented through these works and the artists he influenced.
