“Takeshi Kitano dead 2026” : Director killed by internet death hoax

News of director Takeshi Kitano’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the March 2026 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the director best known for his role in Sonatine is alive and well.

UPDATE 20/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Takeshi Kitano death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the director’s alleged demise gained traction on Wednesday after a ‘R.I.P. Takeshi Kitano’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the Japanese director’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), our beloved director Takeshi Kitano passed away. Takeshi Kitano was born on January 18, 1947 in Tokyo. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 79-year-old director, actor and comedian was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major Japanese network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a director of Takeshi Kitano's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that a large majority (74%) of respondents think those Takeshi Kitano death rumors are not funny anymore.

Takeshi Kitano Death Hoax Dismissed Since Director Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Thursday (March 19) the director's reps officially confirmed that Takeshi Kitano is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved director. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

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