Actor who sobered up after drug use found dead at home on the 2nd... "Sudden incident" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Ryotaro Shimizu, son of famous Japanese comedian Akira Shimizu, has passed away. He was 37 years old.

According to local Japanese media on the 2nd, Ryotaro Shimizu was found unconscious at his home around 9 p.m. that day.

An ambulance dispatched after a report from his manager arrived at the scene but he had already died. Police are investigating the exact cause of death with no suspicion of criminal activity. The funeral will be held as a private family ceremony.

Akira Shimizu announced Ryotaro's death via personal SNS.

He stated, "Our precious son Ryotaro has passed away. It was so sudden that we still cannot accept reality. We believed that being healthy is the greatest filial piety, and this is deeply heartbreaking. We ask for time to mourn as a family for the foreseeable future."

Ryotaro Shimizu debuted in 2006 with the NHK historical drama "Crossroads of Destiny."

However, after being sentenced to one year and six months in prison with three years of probation in 2017 for drug use charges, he halted his activities. At that time, Akira Shimizu held a press conference to apologize personally, while Ryotaro effectively retired from the entertainment industry and spent time in self-reflection.

He later resumed activities through street performances in 2024. He held joint concerts with Akira Shimizu and continued his comeback efforts, including performing in Tokyo last June.

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*This content was translated by AI.