Shimizu Ryotaro, Japanese talent, dies at 37 in Tokyo

Japanese entertainer Shimizu Ryotaro, the 37‑year‑old son of famed mimic Shimizu Akira, was found unconscious in his Tokyo apartment on the night of 1 August. He was taken to hospital but died on the way, and police are treating the death as a possible suicide.

Shimizu began his career in 2006, appearing in TV dramas such as *The Prince of Tennis* and *Gokusen: The Movie*. After a 2017 drug‑related conviction that led to his dismissal from his agency, he worked in transport before gradually returning to entertainment, including a joint mimic concert with his father in June 2026. His father confirmed the death, expressing deep grief and noting the sudden loss.

The investigation continues, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding his collapse and the possibility of self‑inflicted death.