75-year-old actor Makoto Fujita has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, it was learned on Wednesday.

According to his agency, the actor first began experiencing symptoms in his throat in February. He underwent an examination in March, and a follow-up at the end of the month identified an early-stage tumor.

Fujita's doctor persuaded him to cancel his appearance in the play "Kenkaku Shobai" this June. He is now receiving treatment at a hospital and may undergo surgery. Fujita hopes to be well enough to resume work by this summer.