On Wednesday afternoon, actor Shingo Yamashiro died of aspiration pneumonia at a nursing home in Tokyo. He was 70.

Born as Yasuji Watanabe in Kyoto in 1938, the actor got his start in 1957 when he joined Toei through the "New Face" talent search. Three years later, he gained popularity as the star of the children-oriented television drama "Hakuba Douji." After appearing in many jidaigeki films, he took on roles in the yakuza-themed movie series "Furyo Bancho" and "Jingi Naki Tatakai."

Yamashiro was very active in television, appearing in dramas, variety shows, and commercials. He also directed several movies, such as "Yakuza-do Nyumon."

In his private life, Yamashiro was married to actress Hiromi Hanazono (68). They divorced once, remarried a few years later, then divorced again.