Ryotaro Shimizu
1988–2026Japanese actor and impersonation talent, son of Shimizu Akira, who died at age 37.
Particulars
Ryotaro Shimizu (born 15 August 1988 in Tokyo) began his entertainment career in 2006 with an acting debut in the NHK taiga drama "Kōmyō ga Tsuji." He subsequently appeared in the musical "The Prince of Tennis," the film "Gokusen THE MOVIE," and various television dramas, establishing himself as a versatile performer. Shimizu also gained recognition as an impersonation (monomane) talent, following in the footsteps of his father, the well‑known impersonator Shimizu Akira.
In October 2017, Shimizu was arrested for violating Japan's stimulant control law and received a suspended prison sentence, after which he left the entertainment industry and worked in transportation. He later returned to the public eye, appearing as a guest on internet programs, competing in the 2023 fighting‑event BreakingDown, and performing a father‑son impersonation concert with his father in June 2026.
Shimizu's sudden death was reported on 2 August 2026 at the age of 37. His career, though marked by legal troubles, left a modest imprint on Japanese television, film, and stage, and he was remembered for his diverse talents and familial ties within the entertainment world.
Compiled from source reports. Automated record.