Photo/Illutration Ken Shimura in 2009 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Veteran comic Ken Shimura has died of complications caused by the novel coronavirus at the age of 70, sending shock waves through a nation bracing for an explosive surge in rapidly expanding infections.

Shimura was hospitalized earlier this month after developing a fever and pneumonia. His death came late March 29, his agency said March 30.

Only close family members are expected to attend his funeral.

Early in life, Shimura, whose real name was Yasunori Shimura, was a member of the popular comedy group The Drifters, a household name in Japan in the 1970s and '80s.

The talent agency that managed Shimura said he felt fatigued and decided to rest at home on March 17.

He started developing a fever and respiratory problems on March 19 and was admitted to a hospital the following day, where he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia.

Shimura fell unconscious March 21 and was administered artificial ventilation.

He tested positive for the new coronavirus on March 23.

It remains unknown how and where he got infected. Those who had been in close contact with him have been identified and told to stay at home.

“We haven’t confirmed if Shimura had a pre-existing condition or an underlying medical problem,” said an agency representative. "But as he smoked and drank quite a lot, it's quite possible those habits had an impact.”

Shimura was born in Higashi-Murayama, western Tokyo.

In 1968, just before graduating from a high school, Shimura became an assistant to the late Chosuke Ikariya, a legendary comic who headed the popular comedy-skit group The Drifters.

When Shimura turned 24 in spring 1974, he joined the group, replacing regular member Chu Arai.

He and the other members gave the nation a bellyful of laughs through the long-running comedy and music show, “Hachijidayo Zenin Shugo” (It’s 8 o’clock, let’s get together!)

Throughout his career, Shimura regularly appeared on television. At the time of his death, he hosted “Tensai! Shimura Dobutsuen” aired by Nippon Television Network Corp. and “Shimura De Night” on the Fuji Television Network Inc.’s channel.

Shimura was scheduled to star in a serialized TV drama by Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) that premiered on March 30. He joined the set on March 6.

He had received an offer to play the lead in “Kinema no Kamisama,” a film directed by Yoji Yamada that was scheduled for theatrical release in December, but declined.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Shimura would run a torch relay for the now-postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, representing his hometown of Higashi-Murayama.

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