Influenza updates: Kuro-chan, Yuki Himura, Shota Yasuda

With flu fear still high in Japan, at least three more celebrity infections were announced within the past week.

Kuro-chan (32) of the comedy trio Yasuda Dai Circus and Yuki Himura (37) of the duo Bananaman were both confirmed to have the new H1N1 strain, and they have canceled their public appearances for the time being.

Kanjani8 member Shota Yasuda (25) has been diagnosed with influenza type A, with some reports saying that it is also the new H1N1 strain. Yasuda is a supporting cast member in NHK’s upcoming drama “ROMES: Kuukou Bougyo System” (starring Tadayoshi Okura), which has already started filming. Because of the flu, he will miss several days of filming, as well as a press conference on October 6.