Eiji Bando, Former Pro Baseball Player and Actor, Dies of Chronic Heart Failure at 86
Eiji Bando, a former professional baseball pitcher for the Chunichi Dragons and later a celebrated actor, died of chronic heart failure on July 22, 2026, at age 86. His family held a private funeral per his wishes. Bando, born in 1940 in former Manchuria, led his high school to the Summer Koshien finals in 1958 and played 11 seasons in Japan's Central League, earning three All-Star selections. After retiring, he became a popular entertainer and won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actor for the 1990 film 'A-Un.'
Eiji Bando died of chronic heart failure on July 22, 2026, at the age of 86. His official website announced on July 28 that a funeral had been held with only family members in attendance, in accordance with his strong wishes, and that condolences, floral tributes, and other offerings were declined.
Bando was born in 1940 in former Manchuria. During high school, he pitched for Tokushima Commercial High School and led the team to the runner-up finish at the 1958 Summer Koshien tournament. He joined the Chunichi Dragons in 1959 and was selected for the All-Star Game three times during his 11-year career with the team.
After retiring from baseball, Bando transitioned to a career as a commentator and later became active as an entertainer and actor, appearing in numerous television dramas and programs. In 1990, he won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film 'A-Un.'