Kōichi Watanabe: key obituary facts
Is Kōichi Watanabe dead? Yes. Kōichi Watanabe died on September 17, 2026, at age 68.
Cause of death: Kōichi Watanabe's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Kōichi Watanabe known for?
He was a Japanese politician.
More about Kōichi Watanabe
Born: 25 November 1957.
Place of birth: Tokyo.
Gender: male.
Occupation: politician, dentist.
Nationality: Japan.
Education: Health Sciences University of Hokkaido.
Also known as: Koichi Watanabe, Kouichi Watanabe.
Kōichi Watanabe, a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives and as mayor of Iwamizawa, died on September 17, 2026, aged 68.
A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he was born in Kita ward, Tokyo, in 1957 and graduated from the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido. After qualifying as a dentist, he worked at a dental clinic before opening his own practice in Iwamizawa in 1991.
Watanabe later became active in local civic organizations, including the Iwamizawa Junior Chamber and the city and Sorachi PTA federations, before moving into elected office and serving in the national legislature.