Japan’s Kazuo Okuda, died from injuries he received in a mountain biking accident yesterday, September 12th. This is sad news for the international bass community–Okuda was one of the most renowned double bassists in Japan, and he will be sorely missed.

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Okuda pictured with his Bergonzi double bass

From Madeleine Crouch, general manager for the International Society of Bassists:

Dear ISB Friends,

Late last night I received the terrible news that our member, friend and colleague, Japan’s Kazuo Okuda, died from injuries he received in a mountain biking accident yesterday, September 12th. We will always treasure his memory, especially the chance we had to meet and hear him play at the 2003 convention in Richmond.

I’ll have the news posted on the ISB website and we will share with the entire membership in the next e-newsletter. Meanwhile, please let his many bass friends around the world know we have lost a loved and admired colleague.

Sadly,
Madeleine

Okuda had a website which is still up–check it out while it’s still online. Lots of photos of his basses and colleagues, and a good deal of information about his life and teachings.

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