Does anyone know the name of this famous japanese POW?

A long time ago, I went with my familyto see a play about this Japanese artist (or musician) who spent years imprisoned in Siberia as a POW. I do recall he acted as a translator between the prisoners and the Russian guards since he knew Russian as well. Im not entirely sure it was for WWII, but probably. Does anyone know any famous Japanese POWs that spent their time in Siberia?