Japanese slapstick comedian, Ken Shimura, veteran in the entertainment industry, died of an illness caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 on Sunday March 29, his agency reported. The icon of Japanese comedy was beloved by Japanese of all ages. Shimura was 70 years old.
Shimura was transferred to a Tokyo area hospital earlier in the month on March 20 after experiencing symptoms on March 17. His agency confirmed on March 25 that Shimura had been infected with the contagious coronavirus, and four days later, his death was confirmed on the evening of March 29.
