Oh no! Johnny-san died! :(

Johnny Kitagawa, who was an important figure in Japan's entertainment industry for more than half a century, has died at age 87. Kitagawa, who many people called Johnny-san, passed away in a Tokyo hospital after suffering from a stroke.

"Bringing happiness to the people all over the world through entertainment" was the slogan for his business, Kitagawa wrote last year in a message posted on his office's website.

We send our thoughts and love to his relatives. May he rest in peace.