Author: Kageyama Yuri
AP Business Writer
Tokyo (Associated Press)-Japanese media reported on November 21 that the Japanese costume designer Wada Emi, who won the Oscar for his work in Kurosawa Akira’s “Ran”, has passed away at the age of 84.
The report stated that Hetian died on November 13 and cited unidentified family sources, but did not specify the cause of death.
Hotan became a star because of the samurai costume she created for “Ran” in 1985, a striking portrayal of the bloody conspiracy and betrayal inspired by William Shakespeare’s “King Lear.”
In 1986, when Hotan accepted the academy award, he held a human statue and smiled and said, “He doesn’t need my attire.”
Hetian also designs costumes for well-known film directors such as Nagisa Oshima and Zhang Yimou, as well as dramas and operas.
The theater director Miyamoto Amon, who worked with Wada, praised her.
“I have never seen someone who pursues perfection and authenticity like you,” he said on his Facebook page.
“It is an honor to be able to create something with you, and I will never forget it,” he added.
Hotan was born in the ancient capital of Kyoto, a city full of bamboo, wooden structures and stone gardens, which she said inspired her beauty.
She particularly emphasized the texture of the materials she used for clothing. She considers her Japanese aesthetics and supports efforts to protect Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship, which is often the reason behind her gorgeous costumes.
Her husband Ben Wada is a director. She married at the age of 20 and helped her find her first clothing job. He died in 2011.
“In the 60 years I have been doing this work, I have never tired of it. I think I am really lucky,” Hotan said in a video message at the 2017 Tokyo International Film Festival.
In 2020, she created costumes for Xu Anqi’s “Love After Love”, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.
Media reports stated that the funeral was held with family and close friends.
