Shinji Maki


Shinji Maki was a Japanese mandan comedian who played the ukulele.

Biography

Maki was born in Meguro, Tokyo on 26 September 1934. His real name was Moritsune Ōi. His appearance in the live vaudevillian show Shiroto Yose featuring amateur entertainers established his career as an independent comedian. Shuichi Makino coached him, and gave him his stage name.

Career

In 1960, Maki became the host of the radio program Ukulele Weekly Report on Nippon Cultural Broadcasting. In 1963, he hosted the vaudevillian TV show Taisho Terebi Yose on TV Asahi.
Maki was elected the leader of the Tokyo Vaudevillian Guild in 1999.

Death

Maki was found dead in the Tama River, separating Ōta, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa, in the early hours of 29 April 2013, after apparently having jumped from the Maruko Bridge.