Hundreds bid a final farewell June 24 to actor Shintaro Katsu, star of the "Blind Swordsman" film series, at Tsukiji Honganji Temple in Tokyo's Chuo Ward, where his funeral service was held. Katsu died of cancer June 21 at the age of 65.
Approximately 1,000 mourners wishing to offer their last respects to the actor, whose career spanned five decades, lined up outside the temple through the night to attend the 1 p.m. service. Katsu's photograph was posted in the center of an altar decorated with white carnations, before which veteran actor Hisaya Morishige read a farewell message to the late film star.
Led by Katsu's widow and actress, Tamao Nakamura, the actor's friends and fans approached the altar to offer incense as part of the Buddhist funeral ritual. About 5,000 people attended a wake at the temple June 23.
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