[Obituary] Kenji Ohba, actor who played Retsu Ichijoji in 'Space Sheriff Gavan', has passed away.
by Georges Seguin
It has been reported that Kenji Ohba, an actor and businessman who was active mainly in action-oriented works, such as playing the lead role of Retsu Ichijoji (Space Sheriff Gavan) in the tokusatsu drama 'Space Sheriff Gavan,' Shiro Akebono (Battle Kenya) in 'Battle Fever J,' and Daigoro Oume (Denji Blue) in 'Denshi Sentai Denjiman,' has passed away. He was 71 years old.
[Obituary]
— Japan Action Enterprise (@JaeChannel) May 7, 2026
We regret to inform you that our business partner, actor Kenji Ohba, passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 72, after a long period of illness.
We express our heartfelt gratitude for your kindness and support during the deceased's lifetime, and we respectfully inform you of this news.
The wake and funeral will be held privately with only close family members present, in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family.
This time,
— LuckJET Matsuyama [Official] (@LUMME_M5) May 7, 2026
We regret to inform you that our representative, Kenji Takahashi (stage name: Kenji Ohba), passed away on May 6, 2026.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the immense kindness you showed me during my lifetime, including your support during my period of illness.
Please note that the wake and funeral services will be held privately with only family and close relatives in attendance. https://t.co/YDwsp7ChCf pic.twitter.com/s0AdeunfOd
Rackjet Co., Ltd. | Official Website
https://www.luck-jet.com/
Ohba was born in 1955 in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Inspired by action star Shinichi Chiba, he joined the Japan Action Club (JAC) as a first-generation trainee. He made his debut as a stuntman in 'Android Kikaider,' which aired from 1972 to 1973.
In the third Super Sentai series, 'Battle Fever J,' he played the role of Battle Kenya/Akebono Shiro, alongside a suit actor. You can see him performing the action of hanging from a rope right from the opening scene.
Battle Fever J Episode 01 [Official] - YouTube
Following 'Battle Fever J,' he also played the role of Denji Blue/Daigoro Oume and acted as the suit actor for the fourth Super Sentai series, 'Denshi Sentai Denziman.' While there have been other instances of actors appearing in multiple Sentai series, it is unusual for someone to play a main character consecutively.
Denshi Sentai Denziman Episode 01 [Official] - YouTube
Then, in 'Space Sheriff Gavan,' the first series of the 'Space Sheriff' franchise, which aired from 1982 to 1983, he played the role of Gavan/Retsu Ichijoji.
Amazon.co.jp: Space Sheriff Gavan Blu-ray BOX 1 [Blu-ray]: Kenji Ohba, Wakako Kano: DVD
In 1984, he shaved his head to play the role of Teruhiko Tenkoji in the movie 'Kotaro Makari Toru!', and then he also appeared as a regular cast member in the drama 'Kage no Gundan' as the bald ninja Gamahachi. As a result, he appeared bald in the final compilation episode of the 'Space Sheriff' series, 'The Three Space Sheriffs: Gavan, Sharivan, and Shaider Assemble!!'.
I just shaved it!❣️❣️🍻🍺 pic.twitter.com/1Jq7cJWGPt
— Kenji Ohba @Yougo Project (@ohbayougo) March 8, 2018
He later returned to his hometown of Matsuyama, but rejoined Japan Action Enterprise in 2007. In 2011, he appeared as Daigoro Oume in the movie 'Gokaiger Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle'.
Trailer for the movie 'Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle' - YouTube
He appeared as Akebono Shiro in 'Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger,' which crosses over with previous Super Sentai series. Furthermore, in 'Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger VS Space Sheriff Gavan THE MOVIE,' released in 2012, he played three roles: Gavan/Ichijoji Retsu, Aome Daigoro, and Akebono Shiro.
About his new film - YouTube
In the 2017 film 'Space Squad: Gavan vs. Dekaranger,' he supported the second Gavan, Geki Jūmonji, played by Yuma Ishigaki, while also showcasing his unarmored combat skills.
'Space Squad Gavan VS Dekaranger' Trailer - YouTube
He continued to actively participate in events, but in May 2018 he collapsed at home and it was reported that he was undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Related Posts:
