It has been reported that the veteran TV and voice actress Kumiko Okae has passed away this Thursday due to pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus. Okae was 63 years old.

A statement from her agency stated that Ms. Okae started experiencing fever on April 3 and was rushed to the hospital on April 6 because of her worsening condition. She eventually tested positive for the virus and by April 23 was put into intensive care. She passed away at 5:20 AM on April 23.

Late last year, she was also reported to have undergone surgery and radiation treatment for her breast cancer.

Ms. Okae debuted as an actress in the 1975 TV drama Omitsu. She also worked on numerous commercials, dramas and was the host of TBS’ morning information show Hanamaru Market from 1996 to 2014. She is married to famed Japanese actor Baku Owada and is also the mother of popular Japanese actress Miho Owada.

As a voice actress, Ms Okae played Elina in the 1997 film The Dog of Flanders, as Haru’s mother in the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, and most recently as Jenny in the Pokemon: Lucarion and the Mystery of Mew movie.

A joint statement from her bereaved husband and daughter expressed gratitude for her fans as well as to the medical personnel who took care of Ms. Okae. The statement translates in full:

“Kumiko Okae died on April 23 at 5:20 due to pneumonia due to the novel coronavirus. We would like to thank you for all the support from fans and friends for a long time. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of the medical personnel who have taken part in her treatment. Thank you. Everyone, the coronavirus is very frightening. Please be careful.”

Ms. Okae’s agency has also asked for understanding on behalf of her husband and daughter, as they are “in a state of shock and cannot deal with everyone”. The funeral date has not been decided yet.

Source: Crunchyroll News