Comedian Shimura's Hometown Accepting Messages
The hometown of iconic Japanese comedian Shimura Ken, who passed away after contracting the new coronavirus, has begun accepting messages on its website.
Shimura died in March at the age of 70. He became a TV star in the 1970s when he joined a comedy group called The Drifters, which was immensely popular in Japan.
His hometown, Higashi-murayama City in Tokyo, initially set up a stand in the central part of the city so mourners could lay flowers. But the stand was removed in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mayor Watanabe Takashi says residents are proud of Shimura, who promoted the city's name far and wide. Watanabe says he hopes many people will send messages for the late comedian.
The city will accept messages through May 16th, the 49th day after his death. The messages will then be sent to Shimura's family.
