The executive committee calls for support of Ken Shimura's statue in Higashimurayama, his hometown

The executive committee calls for support of Ken Shimura's statue in his hometown Higashimurayama October 5, 14:29

In Higashimurayama City, Tokyo, the birthplace of comedian Ken Shimura, who died of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus in March, the executive committee will continue to set up a statue so that everyone can smile when they see him. Has been launched and is calling for support through crowdfunding.

After Mr. Shimura died in March, many people visited Higashimurayama City, his hometown, to donate flowers in memory of his death, and more than 20,000 thank-you messages were posted on the city's website. Etc. were sent.

Furthermore, in June, Higashimurayama City selected Mr. Shimura as an honorary citizen, and the city council unanimously agreed, and it continues to be loved locally.

Under these circumstances, the local youth chamber, the Chamber of Commerce, and Higashimurayama City became members, and the purpose was to set up a statue last month with the idea that "I will continue to remember Mr. Shimura and make everyone smile." The executive committee was established.

The executive committee is calling for support through crowdfunding with the goal of collecting 24 million yen for the installation and maintenance of the statue by the 30th of this month.

Since Mr. Shimura was selected as the torchbearer for the Tokyo Olympics, he hopes to install a statue by next summer when the tournament will be held if the target amount is reached.

The bronze statue is a gag of the local folk song "Higashimurayama Ondo" and will be installed next to the zelkova called "Ken Shimura's Tree" planted in front of Higashimurayama Station on the Seibu Railway about 40 years ago because it boosted the city's name recognition. is.

Mr. Shimura's life-sized and concrete design will be examined in the future, and Mr. Yosuke Nakano, the executive committee chairman, said, "Mr. Shimura delivers a lot of laughter and is afraid of the new coronavirus. He informed us. I want as many people as possible to support me in order to make a bronze statue and tell the story of Mr. Shimura. "