Ken Shimura was a prominent Japanese entertainer whose career was primarily defined by his work as a comedian and television personality, though he also took on select voice acting roles in film. Born on February 20, 1950, in Tokyo, he began his ascent in the entertainment world in 1974 when he joined the popular comedy group The Drifters, a move that launched him into the national spotlight. Over the following decades, he became a beloved figure in Japan, known for creating and portraying iconic characters such as the foolish lord Baka Tono-sama and the strange old man Henna Oji-san on various long-running variety and sketch comedy shows. His influence and popularity extended beyond live-action performance, leading to opportunities in animated film.

Shimura's filmography as a voice actor, while not extensive, includes notable productions where his distinctive persona was utilized. In 2012, he lent his voice to the Japanese-language dub of the animated film The Lorax, voicing the title character. His most prominent role in anime came in 2014 when he was cast in the first film of the immensely popular franchise, Yo-kai Watch: The Movie, which is officially titled Yo-kai Watch: Tanjō no Himitsu da Nyan! or Yo-kai Watch: The Movie: It's the Secret of Birth, Meow!. In this film, he voiced the character Master Nyaada, a legendary and powerful cat-like sage Yo-kai who is a master of a mysterious energy force. While the character is voiced by a different actor, Naoki Bando, in the Yo-kai Watch video games, Shimura was specifically brought in as a guest voice actor for his movie appearance, a casting choice that was highlighted in the film's promotions alongside other celebrity guests.

Ken Shimura's career was marked by his ability to connect with broad audiences through humor. His passing on March 29, 2020, at the age of 70, was widely mourned in Japan. His work in films like Yo-kai Watch: The Movie remains a part of his legacy, representing a crossover of his comedic talent into the world of anime for a new generation of fans.