RIP Ichiro Mizuki

Just today it's announced that yet another childhood hero is gone. It's just announced today that Ichiro Mizuki died last December 6, 2022. For many, Mizuki was a huge part of their childhood, especially among Japanese children. His songs are old but good for some people. Fortunately, it was of natural causes. He died of lunger cancer - the same disease that took away the life of one of my favorite politicians, the late Miriam Defensor Santiago. 

I guess older fans will never forget how he was an important singer. Toei Ltd. once had the Super Robot series. My parents had Mazinger Z and Voltes V. Later, there was Combattler V which I watched in Tagalog dub. I had no idea who he was UNTIL there was the Internet. I did some research and found out his important contributions. It turns out that he sang the opening theme of Combattler V and the iconic "I Want Father" song of Voltes V. Just think of the link. We had Mizuki singing for the Mazinger Trilogy and other familiar shows. 

He did have some guest roles in Tokusatsu. Apparently, Toei Ltd. never forgot his contributions. I really was too surprised to find that Mizuki did his splendid cover of the song "Hero" by Kai Band. Not only that, Mizuki did play as Dr. Ben in Spielban. Mizuki did also have a guest role in Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters ten years ago. 

Quite interestingly, December 6 is also called Saint Nicholas Day for Catholics. Nicholas of Myra is often called the Real Santa Claus. It seems Mizuki himself was also a contemporary Santa Claus in some way. The guy also brought much joy to children during his day. 

RIP to a legend! You will be missed!