Japanese actor and mime artist Kazuki Yano has passed away at the age of 69 after battling metastatic esophageal cancer and several serious health complications. Doctors had previously discovered a massive tumor measuring approximately 10 centimeters that compressed his airway, leaving one of his lungs unable to function properly.
On the morning of October 10, Thai newspaper Thairath reported that Kazuki Yano had died after spending two months receiving intensive treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). Before his death, the Japanese entertainer had been struggling with multiple medical conditions, including metastatic esophageal cancer, emphysema, an infection in his left lung that placed additional strain on his heart, and coronary artery stenosis.
Doctors had previously identified a tumor approximately 10 centimeters in size that was pressing against his respiratory tract, severely affecting his breathing and preventing one of his lungs from functioning normally. As his condition deteriorated, Yano was admitted to the ICU in August. Despite extensive medical treatment, the actor ultimately succumbed to his illnesses at the age of 69.
On the evening of October 9, Yano’s management company announced his passing in an official statement: “It is with profound sadness that we announce actor Kazuki Yano has passed away peacefully at Vajira Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Details regarding his funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. We sincerely thank everyone for the love, care, and encouragement they have shown Kazuki Yano throughout this difficult time.”
In his final social media post in August, Yano had shared a heartbreaking update about his declining health. “Even walking normally has now become extremely difficult for me. The hospital informed me that I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The alveoli in my lungs have been damaged, so my current condition is quite serious,” he wrote.
The actor continued, “Today is my fourth day in the hospital. The doctors have drawn blood from various parts of my body. By my count, I’ve had blood taken at least 20 times, not including intravenous fluids and other injections. It now seems that the doctors have decided to transfer me to the ICU. The reason they gave is that my symptoms are progressing too rapidly.”
Born in 1957, Kazuki Yano was a Japanese actor and mime performer who built a successful entertainment career in Thailand. He became widely recognized among Thai audiences through appearances in several popular film productions, including Seasons Change, Bangkok Traffic (Love) Story, and The Legend of King Naresuan.
Sources: kenh14