Kamen Rider star Akira Kubodera dies in suspected suicide at 43

Japanese actor Akira Kubodera, 43, best known for his roles in television series Kamen Rider and live-action adaptations of Sailor Moon, had been reported dead in a suspected suicide, according to various Japanese media.

Kubodera was found in a coma at his apartment in Nagano, Tokyo on 13 Nov, and was announced dead after arriving at the hospital. Preliminary investigations by the Tokyo police showed that he had committed suicide.

In a press statement on 14 Nov, the actor’s agency confirmed his passing, adding that Kubodera’s death was so sudden that his family and co-workers were unable to accept it. The agency stated that they could not disclose more information as the case is pending investigations. They also thanked everyone for love shown to Kubodera all these years and asked for prayers for his passing.

Kubodera gained fame upon the various roles he took up for television series Kamen Rider. He had played Kanai in Kamen Rider Blade, Aberu in Kamen Rider Kiva, Doctor Fujita in Kamen Rider OOO, and Kanai (Giraffa Undead) in Kamen Rider Blade.

Discovered by a talent agent when he was an undergraduate, Kubodera started modelling in 1995 and turned to stage acting in 1999, before moving on to TV acting in 2003. He was largely popular from his role as Kunzite in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, the television adaptation of the manga series, Sailor Moon.

Kubodera was last seen on-screen playing Kiyonaka Okinaga on television series Chuzai Keiji, which was broadcasted in February 2020.

Singapore

If you are struggling with thoughts or feelings about suicide, contact SOS on 1800 221 4444 (24hrs). If you have concerns about mental health issues, contact Emergency Helpline (IMH) on 6389 2222 (24hrs). For more information and help dealing with mental health issues, go to https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/559/findhelp_servicesformentalhealthsupport.

Malaysia

If you are struggling with thoughts or feelings about suicide, contact Lifeline on (+603) 4265 7995 (24hrs). If you have concerns about mental health issues, contact the Malaysian Mental Health Association on (+603) 7782 5499. For more information and help dealing with mental health issues, contact the Befrienders on (+603) 79568144 or (+603) 7956 8145; or go to https://www.befrienders.org.my/

Philippines

If you are struggling with thoughts or feelings about suicide, contact Lifeline on (02) 8969191 or 0917 854 9191. If you have concerns about mental health issues, contact the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline on 0917 899 8727 (USAP) and 989 8727 (USAP). For more information and help dealing with mental health issues, go to the National Center for Mental Health at http://ncmh.gov.ph/.

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