TOKYO, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke and his parents were rushed to hospital Thursday, following the actor's manager finding him collapsed and in a dazed state, with local media reporting he may have attempted to commit suicide and that his parents were later confirmed dead.
According to investigative sources, the 47-year-old actor was found collapsed and dazed on the basement floor of his home in Tokyo's Meguro Ward, his life not in danger. What is believed to be a suicide note was also found at the scene.
His mother, 75, and his father, 76, who was also a Kabuki actor, were both found alive on another floor in the house and were conscious when they were taken to hospital in the morning, but have since been pronounced dead, according to local media.
Ennosuke, known for producing and starring in a "Super Kabuki" piece based on the famous Japanese manga "One Piece," was scheduled to perform in a lead role at the famous Meijiza theater in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon. But a theater staff member said they were informed that Ennosuke was unwell and could not perform in the show. ■