Live Desk: Japanese comedian Ken Shimura dies of novel coronavirus on Sunday. He was 70 years old. A household name in Japan, Shimura last week became the first Japanese entertainment figure to announce their infection with the virus. His agency announced on Monday his death from the disease known as COVID-19.

Shimura was admitted to a Tokyo hospital on March 20 after developing a fever and diagnosed with severe pneumonia. The comedian was put on a ventilator on March 21 and never regained consciousness. He tested positive for the virus on March 23.

Famous Japanese songstress Naoko Ken tweeted of her friend's death, "I cannot think anything now. I can no longer see Ken-chan. This is too sad."

"I was happy working with you. Thank you," Ken, who played Shimura's wife in TV comedy skits, also wrote.

His death also made headlines outside of Japan. Reuters reported that he "was one of the country's best-known comedians." The BBC, CNBC and Turkish state-owned Anadolu news agency also reported the news as did media in other countries and regions such as Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Dhaka 30 March (campuslive24.com)//tr