Yamanaka Joe was a Japanese musician, actor, and professional boxer from Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. His real name is Yamanaka Akira and his ring name during his professional boxer days was Jo Akira. Born as the only mixed-race child of the seven siblings. His father is "African-American". He lost his mother in his elementary school days and his home was destroyed by fire. After being hospitalized for two years with tuberculosis, he grew up in nursing homes until about 16 years old. After graduating from junior high school, he worked in a car repair shop. In boxing, his total record is 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 KO. In 1963 he co-starred with Yasuoka Rikiya and others in the movie "Car Thief" on the theme of mixed-race children. He made his singing debut with the album "ANYWHERE" in 1970, and in the same year released "Kirikyogen", a collaboration work between Kawachi Kuni and Ishima Hideki. In 1977 he was arrested on suspicion of violating the Cannabis Control Law. In 1990 he appeared in the Hollywood movie "Oriteria Motives". From around this time, he also became active in charity and volunteering, and visited countries such as Asia and Africa. His activity in this area continued as a life work for the rest of his life. In 2010 he was diagnosed with lung cancer. In September of the same year, his house burned down. In 2011 he articipated in fund-raising activities for the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in March and held a charity live concert in May. He fell into cardiopulmonary arrest in late July and died of lung cancer on August 7th at a hospital in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. He died 64 years old. Although he was not a Christian himself, his funeral and farewell ceremony was held at the Christian ceremony at the request of his wife, who is a Christian. Died: August 7, 2011

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