Takashi Sugawara, Elder Brother of Folk Duo Billy BanBan, Dies at 81 from Pneumonia
It has been announced that Takashi Sugawara, the elder brother of the folk duo Billy BanBan, passed away on the 24th at the age of 81 due to pneumonia. His long musical career concluded after an extended battle with illness. According to sources, Takashi Sugawara's health began to decline last autumn, leading to his hospitalization at the end of last year. In May of this year, he suffered from aspiration pneumonia and had been bedridden since. Since collapsing in 2014, he continued his musical activities in a wheelchair, facing his illness head-on and performing on stage, moving many fans. His younger brother, Susumu Sugawara, expressed deep gratitude and condolences through their agency, stating, "He was truly a great brother. Thank you, big brother." This message, highlighting the strong bond between the brothers, has touched many hearts. Billy BanBan is known for numerous hit songs such as "Shiroi Buranko (White Swing)," "Sayonara wo Suru Tame ni (To Say...