Akihiro Miwa, the veteran Japanese singer and actor widely known for his diverse career, and who famously sparked the "lucky wallpaper" urban legend in Taiwan back in 2022, has passed away.
His agency confirmed on the 28th that Miwa peacefully passed away at home on June 20th at 9:30 AM due to old age. In accordance with his wishes, a private funeral was held by his family, with no public memorial or farewell events planned. The news has left many fans heartbroken.
Akihiro Miwa was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and debuted as a professional singer at just 16. He rose to fame performing French chansons, tango, Latin, and jazz at Ginza's renowned chanson bar, "Gin Paris," earning him a reputation as one of Japan's pioneering singer-songwriters. His illustrious career spanned concerts, stage plays, films, television, lectures, and writing. At 77, in 2012, he made his first appearance on NHK's prestigious Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle) and remained active in film and television.
Beyond his musical and acting prowess, he also lent his voice to iconic animated films like "Princess Mononoke" and "Howl's Moving Castle." He also hosted the variety show "Aura no Izumi," where his unique life philosophy and captivating conversation endeared him to audiences.
Miwa's achievements weren't limited to music and theater; he also voiced characters in several beloved anime productions.
These include the fierce wolf god Moro in "Princess Mononoke," the Witch of the Waste in "Howl's Moving Castle," and the legendary Arceus in the Pokémon movie "Arceus and the Jewel of Life." Unsurprisingly, anime fans have flooded the internet with tributes since the news broke.
His agency also shared Miwa's own handwritten message, left before his passing, on his official website. In it, he expressed his hope for a world filled with love to solve all problems, and wished for an end to war. 
A few years ago, Miwa became an unexpected viral sensation in Taiwan due to the "lucky wallpaper" urban legend. The internet buzzed with claims that setting his photo as your phone's wallpaper would bring good fortune and boost your financial luck, leading countless netizens to jump on the trend.
When the phenomenon reached Miwa, he reportedly chuckled on a TV show, saying he was honored by the attention, but humbly admitted he had no actual power to bring financial luck.
via： 美輪明宏・公式サイト