Ebizo ichikawa and mao kobayashi gallery

Mao Kobayashi, a former Japanese TV announcer and wife of popular kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo, passed away late Thursday night at her home in Tokyo after a long and much publicized battle with breast cancer.

She was 34.

The announcement was made by kabuki theater operator Shochiku early Friday morning. Ichikawa confirmed the passing of his wife on his blog Friday morning.

Ebizo ichikawa and mao kobayashi gallery san francisco

“Today, I have cried more than I have ever done in my life,” the blog post read.

Later in the day, Ichikawa held an emotional news conference in Tokyo, during which he revealed details of his wife's passing, saying that he and the rest of the family were with her at the end.

Ichikawa said his wife was able to speak until Wednesday.

On Thursday, he said, "I received a message from (Mao's) mother while I was away for work, saying that her condition had worsened. The doctor had arrived at home, advising the family to gather." He said he returned home immediate