Legendary Screenwriter So Kuramoto Passes Away at Age 91

We are sad to share that veteran screenwriter and playwright Sō Kuramoto has passed away. His foundation, Kuramoto Sō Kaiwai, shared that he died from multiple organ failure on September 18, 2026. A private funeral was already held for close family members, and a memorial service is planned for November 3 at the Furano Theatre Factory in Hokkaido.

Born Kaoru Yamaya in Tokyo in 1935, Kuramoto graduated from the University of Tokyo before starting his media career at the Nippon Broadcasting System in 1959. He later became an independent screenwriter in 1963, building a massive body of work that shaped Japanese film and television for generations.

Anime and manga fans remember him fondly for his work on projects like Zero sen Hayato. His incredible storytelling inspired many creators and fans alike, and his lasting impact on Japanese entertainment will be remembered for a long time.