Shunsuke Ikeda, Japanese actor (Kikaider 01, Ultraman Mebius & Ultraman Brothers), died from complications of diabetes.he was 68

Shunsuke Ikeda was a Japanese actor and model died from complications of diabetes.he was 68.

(池田 駿介, Ikeda Shunsuke?, November 11, 1941 – June 11, 2010)

Acting career

Born Norio Ikeda (池田 紀生, Ikeda Norio^?), he was best known to tokusatsu fans as the android Ichiro in the Kikaider 01 series (1973–74).^[1] Ikeda's interest in acting came at an early age from his father, respected swordfight choreographer Tatsuo Ouchi. He also had a black belt in judo and karate.^[2] Ikeda studied with the Bunka-za Theater, first appearing on-screen in Hibari's Guitar of Motherly Love (1962).

Ikeda made only a handful of films, but found his niche on television, where he appeared in such shows as Special Mobile Investigation Unit (1963), Comrades (1963), Story of Coming Wind (1963), Aboard With 27 People (1964) and Onihei Hankacho (1969–70).^[1]

While Ikeda's biggest and best-known tokusatsu role was in Kikaider 01, he also appeared in Operation: Mystery (1968–69), Silver Mask (1971–72), Secret Squadron Goranger (1975–77), and Ultraman Mebius & Ultraman Brothers (2006).^[1]

Education

Ikeda graduated from Hosei University in 1967 with a degree in economics.^[1]

Popularity

Ikeda developed a fan following in Hawaii as well as Japan. In 2001, he and Kikaider star Daisuke Ban made a personal appearance in Hawaii, meeting with fans who grew up watching the Honolulu broadcasts of Kikaider and Kikaider 01. This led to both series being revived on TV and released on DVD, as well as additional live appearances, special events, and autograph sessions in both Japan and Hawaii.^[1]

In a 2008 interview, Ikeda mentioned that he was upset that Kikaider's Hawaii popularity was not widely known in Japan.^[3]

Death

Ikeda died on June 11, 2010 from complications of diabetes.^[1][2]

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