Japanese comedian Shimura Ken dies of COVID-19 at age 70

Japanese national comedian Shimura Ken / Photo by Shimura Ken Social Network Service (SNS)

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Japan's national comedian Shimura Ken (70) has passed away due to complications from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Japanese media including NHK reported on the morning of the 30th, citing Shimura Ken's agency announcement, that he died from complications related to COVID-19.

A representative from a Korean agency in Japan stated, "The news of Shimura Ken's death was announced through a breaking news broadcast this morning," adding, "Although we heard he was in critical condition, everyone seems shocked that Japan's top star actor, in a developed country with advanced medical facilities, succumbed to COVID-19."

Shimura Ken first showed symptoms on the 17th, and by the 19th, his fever and breathing difficulties worsened. On the 20th, he was transferred to a hospital in Tokyo, diagnosed with severe pneumonia, and hospitalized.

Born in Tokyo in 1950, Shimura Ken was a member of the comedy group 'Za Dorifutazu' and rose to fame as a comedian, actor, and TV personality, becoming a national star in Japan.

He had been cast in a morning drama scheduled to air in April and was reportedly filming since the 6th.

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