Japanese Actress Okae Kumiko Dies from COVID-19

Japanese actress Okae Kumiko passed away due to pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Photo by Okae Kumiko's agency Staff Up.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] Japanese actress Okae Kumiko has died from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 23rd, her agency Staff Up announced that Okae Kumiko passed away at around 5:20 a.m. at a hospital in Tokyo at the age of 63.

Okae Kumiko showed symptoms of fever on the 3rd and was staying at home, but her condition worsened on the morning of the 6th, leading to an emergency admission to a university hospital in Tokyo. After testing positive in a PCR test, she continued treatment but was reportedly unable to fully recover.

Her husband, Oowada Baku (69), and eldest daughter, actress Oowada Miho (36), shared the news of Okae Kumiko’s death, saying, "Right now, we feel so unfair and frustrated that we cannot think of anything else," and added, "We thank everyone involved, fans, and friends for their long-standing support. We also sincerely thank the medical staff who did their best to treat her."

They further emphasized, "Everyone, the COVID-19 virus is very dangerous. Please take good care of yourselves."

Meanwhile, Okae Kumiko debuted in 1975 and was active in dramas such as 'Wild Mama,' 'Master of Taste,' and 'Lucky Seven.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.