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Japanese actress Kumiko Okae dies from coronavirus

Japanese actress Kumiko Okae died from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus at a Tokyo hospital on Thursday. She was 63.
Japanese actress Kumiko Okae died from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus at a Tokyo hospital on Thursday. She was 63.
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15 May 2020 05:05:45 GMT9
15 May 2020 05:05:45 GMT9

TOKYO: Japanese actress Kumiko Okae died from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus at a Tokyo hospital on Thursday. She was 63.

Okae, whose real name was Kumiko Owada, developed a fever on April 3 and was rushed to the hospital three days later after her condition suddenly worsened, according to her management office. She was immediately hooked up to a respirator and later tested positive for the virus.

It is believed that Okae's condition worsened because her immunity was weakened by radiation therapy she received from late January to mid-February following surgery for early-stage breast cancer late last year, according to the management office.

Okae debuted as an actress in 1975. In addition to appearing in dramas, she was on entertainment shows such as Japan Broadcasting Corp.'s "Renso Game."

She also hosted Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc.'s "Hanamaru Market" morning information show from 1996 to 2014.

Okae's husband, actor Baku Owada, 69, and her eldest daughter and actress, Miho Owada, 36, have been staying at home since Okae was hospitalized. Both have not showed symptoms of COVID-19.

"We are very saddened and cannot believe this, it is very frustrating and we cannot think of anything right now," the two said in a joint statement.

"Everyone, the coronavirus is very scary," they added. "Please take care."

JIJI Press

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