Ken Shimura, a popular Japanese comedian, has died from coronavirus complications.
He was also a member of comic group Drifters which dominated the television comedy scene throughout the 1970s.
Professional racing driver João Paulo Oliveira tweeted: ”I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Ken Shimura.
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.“