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TV personality Yukiko Shimizu found dead in Shizuoka cemetery

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Yukiko Shimizu, 49, the actress and singer who was well known for her hit song, "O-genki Desu Ka?," was found dead at a cemetery in Omiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Tuesday. Authorities suspect the star may have committed suicide.

According to police, some time after 1 p.m., an employee at Fuji Cemetery found Shimizu, along with her mother, collapsed in the park grounds and immediately called the fire department. Shimizu's mother, who is in her 80s, was unconscious in her wheelchair. Shimizu herself was confirmed dead soon after.

Shimizu debuted in 1977 with her single, "O-genki Desu Ka?" She then formed the group "Fresh San-nin Musume" together with Mizue Takada and Ikue Sakakibara, afterwards becoming a member of "Kin-chan Family," a group of TV personalities headed by comedian Kinichi Hagimoto.

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In Japan, as in many other countries, EMTs and ambulances belong to the Fire Department and are dispatched from fire stations. Emergency Dispatch is usually run by the Fire Department too so when you call 119 for a fire or for a medical emergency you're actually calling the Fire Department. FYI.

Back on this subeject is the Emergency Number in Japan, 119? In America it is 911.

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Horrible news, but if she were not famous,would this ever make the headlines in Japan, the land o suicides?? Anyway,RIP Shimizu san!

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I was shocked to read in my favorite, 'Japan Today' about Yukiko Shimizu's death in Shizuoka cemetery. What a beautiful woman and fail to understand how she could have died. The most convenient answer in Japan it seems is 'suicide' - It is suggested that the Japan police hire creative thinking investigators who should be able to find the real cause of such deaths. I have a strong feeling that such cases are mostly murders and passed on as suicidal deaths for some reason or the other. Yukiko's poor old mother very conveniently was found in an unconscious state in the wheelchair. I urge upon the concerned authorities to investigate the case thoroughly and leave no stone unturned to get to the root of the death of Yukiko.

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Can't say I ever heard of Yukiko before, but may she rest in peace. And, may someone in government wake up and understand that with an aging population, severly under-funded pension system, and crumbling social welfare network, these kinds of incidents are going to increase in the future. This should be a shot over the bow of the politicians and bureaucrats. But they'll miss it, as they've missed dozens before.

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"careing for the elderly SHOULD be a community effort" - sageb1

Lol. Yes it should but people dont not just in japan but around the world ;]

RIP Yukiko Shimisu

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yukiko and her mother... when will japanese women get the guts to seek positive friends who can handle depression gracefully?

this murder-suicide is in essence manufactured by japanese society.

tho technologically advanced, japan needs to bring its emotional life into the modern era.

there is no shame in seeking counselling. caring for the elderly SHOULD be a community effort.

and it is as easy as just listening to your elders.

for youth is fleeting, and old age natural.

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These comments are morbid...

R.I.P.

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Possibly attempted murder-suicide?

So...the mother killed her and offed herself?

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I shall sing O Genki Desu ka next time I am in Big Echo. In her memory. Poor thing. Bet her mum is gutted and all.

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It sounds like they went to visit relatives and she was successful in crossing over. Pity her invalid mother.

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Possibly attempted murder-suicide?

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“O-genki Desu Ka?,”

sadly noone asked her recently it would seem

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getsy - From where ambulances come to pick you up in town/city? Ambulances always come from fire departments, NOT from hospitals. Don't ask me why.

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getsy

In Japan, as in many other countries, EMTs and ambulances belong to the Fire Department and are dispatched from fire stations. Emergency Dispatch is usually run by the Fire Department too so when you call 119 for a fire or for a medical emergency you're actually calling the Fire Department. FYI.

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Why would he call the fire department.... ????

To let you know the fire department does it all. Ask me I am a firefighter.

BTW sorry to hear about that.

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not an obituary..

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this is an obituary,its a report about her death.

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.........According to police, some time after 1 p.m., an employee at Fuji Cemetery found Shimizu, along with her mother, collapsed in the park grounds and immediately called the fire department.......

Why would he call the fire department.... ????

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It's inevitable that her obituary would be somewhat ironic.

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