Japanese actor Ryotaro Shimizu found dead at home, aged 37

Ryotaro Shimizu, a Japanese actor and YouTuber, and the son of comedian Akira Shimizu, was found dead at his residence in Nakano Ward, Tokyo. He was 37 years old.

Shimizu was discovered unresponsive by his manager late on the evening of August 1st. Emergency services were dispatched, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, including the possibility of suicide, following an initial on-site investigation.

Shimizu began his acting career during his high school years, appearing in NHK's historical drama series. He gained wider recognition for his roles in popular dramas such as 'Gokusen.' Following in his father's footsteps, he also worked as an impersonator on television and more recently transitioned to being a YouTuber, actively engaging with his audience.

In 2017, Shimizu received a suspended sentence of one year and six months for drug use. He married a non-celebrity woman in 2016, and they had a daughter later that year. The exact cause of his death remains under investigation.