On June 18th, Japanese film and theater company Shochiku sent a fax to several media outlets announcing that kabuki actor Nakamura Kanzaburo (57) was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.�According to the announcement, the cancer was detected in its early stages, and the actor is already undergoing treatment.

Nakamura revealed, "With the warm support of everyone, I was able to finish the 7-month long performance at Heisei Nakamura-za. Since I found out about this after my 57th birthday party, where I had a boisterous time, I was very surprised."

He also showed the will to make an early comeback saying, "I will face this new trial I've been given, and will devote myself to treatment for recovery! I want to be able to show my vigorous self as soon as possible! Again, I would like to deeply apologize for all the trouble and worry I have caused."

Source & Image: Oricon