Yoko Shimada Cause of Death: Did Emmy-Nominated Actress Die of Suicide of Health Issue?

Yoko Shimada, a Japanese actress who conquered the US award shows, died. She was 69.

Variety and Deadline quoted reports from local media outlets that confirmed Shimada's death. The actress reportedly passed away in a Tokyo hospital on Monday.

Meanwhile, the same statements revealed that Yoko Shimada's cause of death was due to complications of colorectal cancer she had been suffering from for years.

Mount Sinai's official website explains that cancer starts in a patient's large intestine (colon) or rectum (end of the colon). It is one of the leading causes of death due to cancer globally, but unlike the other types, a patient can be cured completely if it is diagnosed early.

It remains unknown what kind of complications Shimada died from. But the website listed that the possible complications that people with colon cancer might face include cancer returning in the colon, blockage in the colon, development of second primary colorectal cancer, and metastasis.

After her death, fans remembered her works and paid tribute to the "great actress" the industry luckily had.

One said, "Damn, RIP Yoko Shimada. I should certainly bring up her work in her native Japan, like Castle of Sand and The Inugami Family but my gateway was the miniseries Shogun (of course), followed by the one-two punch of The Hunted and Crying Freeman to cement my crush on her."

Yoko Shimada's Legacy

The Kumamoto native famously made her TV debut in the 1970 drama, "Osanazuma." It did not take her a long time to savor her popularity as she immediately played roles in more TV and films after her debut, including "The Castle of Sand" in 1974.

She was nominated for the Golden Prize at the Moscow International Film Festival for her role in the 1974 film.

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Although she had limited English-language skills, her acting skills led her to land on few English-speaking roles, like Mariko (Lady Today Buntaro) in "Shogun." The character was the love interest of Richard Chamberlain's navigator who became a samurai.

Her appearance led her to earn her Award - Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Television Series Drama and an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

After "Shogun" success, Shimada continued her work in Hollywood and Japan. Among the titles she appeared in include "Little Champion," "The Deep Red," and "To Live as an Actress."

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