Toshiyuki Nishida Fights Back Against False Drug Allegations and Online Defamation
Toshiyuki Nishida, the renowned actor known for the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series, was found to have passed away on October 17 at the age of 76.
Nishida began his entertainment career in 1970 when he joined the Seinenza Theater Company.
He starred in three NHK Taiga dramas: “Tobu ga Gotoku” (1990), “Yoshimune, the Eighth Shogun” (1995), and “Aoi Tokugawa Sandai” (2000).
In film, he starred in the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series starting in 1988, earning acclaim for his comedic performances. Meanwhile, he gained attention for his role as a yakuza in Takeshi Kitano’s “Outrage” series.
As a singer, his hit song “Moshimo Piano ga Hiketa nara” (1981) led to his first appearance at the 32nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year. In variety shows, he served as the “emotional director” on Osaka’s ABC TV program “Tantei! Night Scoop” for many years.
Responding firmly to online slander
According to investigative sources, Nishida was found cold in his bed at his home in Setagaya, Tokyo, and his family called emergency services around 12:20 PM on the 17th. His death is believed to be due to natural causes.
In the wake of the sudden news of his passing, many celebrities have paid tribute to his generous personality. Nishida also set an example by responding resolutely to the increasingly problematic issue of online defamation.
Since around 2015, unfounded information regarding Nishida’s drug allegations and violent tendencies began circulating online. Gradually, these rumors became associated with terms like urban legend and the dark side of the entertainment industry, reaching an intolerable level.
