Screenwriter So Kuramoto dies in Japan — The Japan Times

Screenwriter So Kuramoto, the author of scripts for popular Japanese TV dramas, including the series “Kita no Kuni kara,” died in Furano, Japan, on September 18 at the age of 91. The cause of death was multiple organ failure, The Japan Times reports.

Work in television

Kuramoto was born in Tokyo; his real name was Kaoru Yamaya. In 1959, he graduated from the University of Tokyo and began working for Nippon Broadcasting System. After leaving the company in 1963, he became a freelance screenwriter.

In fiscal 1976, Kuramoto received the Minister of Education’s Art Award for the youth drama “Zenryaku Ofukuro-sama.” Its events take place in a Japanese restaurant in central Tokyo.

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A series about life in harmony with nature

In 1977, the screenwriter moved to Furano, where the events of “Kita no Kuni kara” took place. The series told the story of a family living in harmony with nature and aired in 1981–1982. Eight special sequels were later made, continuing the story through 2002.

From 1984, Kuramoto funded Furano Juku, a school for screenwriters and actors, with his own money. After it closed in 2010, he focused on teaching young talent at the Furano Group theater company, which consisted mainly of the school’s graduates. He also wrote screenplays for films, including “Station,” directed by Yasuo Furuhata. In 2000, Kuramoto received the Medal with Purple Ribbon, and in 2010, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.