Five Years After His Passing: Ken Shimura’s Former Home Demolished

Five years have passed since Ken Shimura (aged 70) passed away.

On March 25, 2020, it was reported that he had been hospitalized in Tokyo after contracting the novel coronavirus, and just four days later, the shocking news of his death came.

In his hometown of Higashimurayama City, Tokyo, three zelkova trees were planted near the East Exit of Higashimurayama Station in honor of his achievements, known as “Ken Shimura’s Trees.” However, due to the planned redevelopment of the station square in 2028, there is a possibility that the trees may be cut down. Local residents and the city of Higashimurayama are currently in talks to try to preserve them. Another sad topic is also causing a stir in the local community.

“Suddenly, scaffolding was set up around Shimura’s house. I didn’t think it was for a renovation at this point.” (a local resident)

The demolition work has begun on the grand home where, at the time of Ken Shimura’s death, countless fans visited to pay their respects with flowers. In early March, when a Friday Digital reporter visited the site, scaffolding surrounded the house, and protective sheets had been installed. The nameplate had already been removed.

In front of the house, a family was taking a commemorative photo while striking Ken Shimura’s iconic “Aiin” pose. They had traveled all the way from Hiroshima upon hearing that the demolition had started.

The land where Ken Shimura’s mansion once stood, now vacant

“The mansion was built around 1987. It was a two-story house with seven rooms, and the purchase price is said to have been over 300 million yen. After Ken Shimura passed away, his siblings inherited the property, but it remained vacant for a long time. Since his siblings are elderly, it became difficult for them to manage it by visiting frequently, so they decided to demolish it,” said a source from the entertainment industry.

About ten days later, when revisiting the site, heavy machinery and dump trucks were busy moving around, and Shimura’s home was already half-demolished.

“It’s sad to see that this day has finally come. After Shimura-san was rushed to the hospital with COVID, he never returned home. The alleys around here are narrow, but the driver used to manage to bring in such a big Rolls-Royce. Watching the mansion being torn down, I’m reminded of the old days,” said a nearby resident.

After finishing work, Ken Shimura’s daily routine was to go to his favorite bar in Azabu-Juban in his chauffeured Rolls-Royce Phantom. Friday Digital had witnessed this several times.

By the end of March, the Shimura mansion was reduced to empty land. Five years after his passing, another place that connected Ken Shimura and his fans has been lost.