Popular comedian Shimura becomes first Japanese celebrity to die from coronavirusKen Shimura, a veteran slapstick comedian and onetime member of rock 'n' roll band and comedy group The Drifters, a household name in Japan in the 1970s and 1980s, has died of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, his agency said Monday.
Shimura last week became the first Japanese entertainment figure to announce their infection with the virus.
He tested positive for the virus on March 23, becoming the first Japanese entertainment figure to announce an infection.
"I don't think he imagined he would die a death like this," a representative with his agency said.
He later became known for the popular comedy characters he played on TV, including Baka Tonosama (stupid lord) and Henna Ojisan (strange uncle).