Adult Film Director Tomoo Ito Passes Away at 70

Porn and Film Director Tomoo Ito (TOHJIRO) Dies at 69 After Long Battle with Stage 4 Lung Cancer.

It was revealed on the 21st that film director Tomoo Ito, also known by the professional name “TOHJIRO”, has passed away. He was 70 years old. His wife, actress Mirei Asaoka (56), announced the news via social media.

Asaoka stated, “My husband, Tomoo Ito, passed away on July 17. In accordance with his wishes, the funeral was held privately, attended only by close family.”

She added, “My husband’s life was truly happy, blessed with warm support from everyone and wonderful colleagues. I offer my heartfelt gratitude for the abundant love you have shown him. Please forgive the sudden nature of this announcement and the fact that we held a private farewell. Thank you so much for everything.”

On June 6 of this year, Asaoka had revealed via social media that Ito was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March of last year. At the same time, she announced the production of the film *Stage IV*, which depicts the true story of their respective battles with cancer, and reported that a special, one-night-only preview screening would be held on June 26.

Born in Tokyo in 1956, Ito enrolled in 1975 as a member of the inaugural class at the Yokohama Broadcasting Film & Television College (now the Japan Institute of the Moving Image). He directed works such as *Gondola* under the name Tomoo Ito. He also directed numerous adult videos under the name “TOHJIRO” and founded the adult video production company “Dogma” in 2001.