Japan comedian Ken Shimura dies following coronavirus infection
Veteran slapstick comedian Ken Shimura, who was known for his diverse range of facial expressions, died on Sunday, his agency said on Monday. He was 70.
Shimura was hospitalised on March 20 after developing a fever and being diagnosed with severe pneumonia, according to his agency. He tested positive for the novel coronavirus on March
23, becoming the first Japanese entertainment figure to announce their infection.
Born in Tokyo, Shimura replaced Chu Arai in the comedy group The Drifters in 1974 after graduating from high school.
Formed by the late actor Chosuke Ikariya and four other men in 1964, the group, which opened for a Beatles concert in Japan in 1966, became one of the biggest successes in Japanese comedy history.
Shimura rose to prominence after starring in the group’s prime-time television slapstick comedy show Hachijidayo Zeninshugo! (It’s 8 O’clock, Assemble Everyone!) launched in 1969. During that time, he gained popularity for his easy-to-understand gags and range of parodies, including the Mustache Dance and the song Higashimurayama Ondo,a reference to his hometown in western Tokyo.
He was later known for performing popular characters such as “Baka Tonosama” (stupid lord) and “Henna Ojisan” (strange uncle) on TV shows. From 2006, he has also led a troupe for his theatre show Shimurakon (Shimura spirit).
Shimura, who said in a memoir that he drew inspiration from American comedian Jerry Lewis, captured the hearts of all generations with his penchant for funny faces and ability to deliver jokes as if they were unscripted.
At the time of his death, he was starring in Tensai! Shimura Dobutsuen (Genius! Shimura Zoo), as well as other TV programmes currently on air, and was scheduled to start working in April on a movie based on the book The Name Above The Title.