Ken Shimura, a popular Japanese comedian, has died from coronavirus complications.
The 70-year-old was brought into a hospital in Tokyo on 20 March after developing a fever and severe pneumonia.
Shimura's talent agency Izawa Office confirmed that he passed away on Sunday night (29 March) after his symptoms worsened.
The comic rose to prominence in 1969 after starring on prime-time television slapstick comedy show Hachijidayo Zeninshugo! (It's 8 o'clock, assemble everyone!).
He was also a member of comic group Drifters which dominated the television comedy scene throughout the 1970s.
One of his best-known acts was a clueless feudal lord with a face painted white and thick black eyebrows.
In a news conference, the Japanese government’s top spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, said: “I pray for the repose of his soul but want to say on top of this that we are at a very critical period and need to make every effort to prevent the spread of this disease.”
People took to Twitter to pay tribute to the star. Professional racing driver João Paulo Oliveira tweeted: ”I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Ken Shimura. He had a genius way to make us laugh. Rest In Peace.“
Another social media user added: “Famous comedian Ken Shimura died after contracting the coronavirus.
”This is as high a profile case to Japanese as Tom Hanks was to Americans - only Hanks recovered.“
