Japan Times, along with Kyodo News, reports popular Japanese comedian Ken Shimura has died from complications of the coronavirus, announced by his agency Monday. This comes just as Japan plans to tighten travel restrictions and banning foreigners from certain nations.

Ken Shimura (born Yasunori Shimura, 70) has been an active comedian since 1974, when he formally joined the comedy group The Drifters. He was admitted to hospital on March 20th, tested positive for the coronavirus March 21st, and passed away late on March 29th.

He had appeared on variety shows such as Hachijidayo Zenin Shugo (It’s Eight o’clock Let’s Get Together, Translation: Asahi Shimbun), and has remained an active performer through the month of his death. He was scheduled to appear in the 102nd Asadora series, titled Yell which premieres Monday.

The Asahi Shimbun has also reported that the Japanese government will be banning non-Japanese citizens who have visited the United States, China, South Korea, and parts of Europe within fourteen days from entering the country.

This news comes amidst rumors that Japan will declare a state of emergency, and lock down the capital of Tokyo. However, these rumors have been denied directly by government spokesman Yoshihide Suga.

The coronavirus (also known as COVID-19 officially, or Chinese Flu to others) has affected many worldwide, from businesses to public gatherings and events. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].

This includes the postponement of GDC, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, along with the cancellation of E3 2020 and Comiket 98. At this time, Gamescom 2020 is still being prepared, with organizers monitoring local regulations and the virus’ spread.

The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering are mapping the virus’ spread [1, 2]. As of this time of writing, there have been over 741,000 confirmed cases worldwide, and over 35,000 deaths. Over 156,800 people have made a “total recovery.”

Japan has 1,866 cases, 54 deaths, and 424 total recoveries.

Image: Japan Times