J-pop singer and actress Miho Nakayama dies, aged 54

Miho Nakayama – the Japanese singer and actress known for her role in the 1995 film Love Letter – has died at the age of 54.

Nakayama’s death was confirmed by her team who shared a statement on her official website earlier today (December 6). “Our talent Miho Nakayama was found dead at her home,” they began.

They continued: “We are deeply sorry to have to suddenly announce this to all the people involved who have always looked after her and to all the fans who have supported her, but this incident was so sudden that we, too, are shocked and saddened.

“We are currently investigating the cause of death and other details. We ask that media outlets be considerate of the family and relatives and refrain from excessive reporting and interviews.”

rest in peace Miho Nakayama pic.twitter.com/7qRBlrE3bv

— lulu (@stilIwalking) December 6, 2024

So deeply saddened by the news of Nakayama Miho's death. Her music has been the soundtrack to many days of my life over the years.
I'm grateful for the inspiration she has given me and for what her songs have represented for me.
May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/aD7dpR5xC1

— sailor tomonster (@sailorvenerex) December 6, 2024

RIP Miho Nakayama
Japan’s 80’s Super Idol Miho Nakayama She was found dead in the bathtub
This song “Sekaiju no Dare yori kitto”is her best selling single in 90’s (sold over million copies) #RIP #MihoNakayama #世界中の誰よりきっと #WANDS pic.twitter.com/e27AKY4P1c

— Ken#Kylie Tensionâ…¡ (@KenTKJapan) December 6, 2024

Per the BBC, one of Nakayama’s acquaintances found her dead in a bathtub in her Tokyo home after failing to show up to work. The acquaintance called the paramedics, who pronounced her dead at the scene.

Nakayama had been scheduled to perform at a Christmas concert in Osaka on Friday but cancelled her appearance due to health reasons.

Born on March 1 1970 in Saku, Japan, Nakayama first appeared in the series Maido Osawagase Shimasu in 1985 which led her to instant stardom. She released her first single ‘C’ that same year and became one of Japan’s most popular teen idols in the 80s.

Her role as Itsuki Fujii and Hiroko Watanabe in 1995’s Love Letter – which focuses on a grieving widow’s letters with a stranger – earned her several Best Actress awards, with he film becoming a box office hit.

She released 22 studio albums over the course of her career and earned eight Number One singles in Japan, including ‘Catch Me’, ‘You’re My Only Shining Star’ and ‘SekaijÅ« no Dare Yori Kitto’. Her most recent film role was 2022’s Lesson in Murder.

Nakayama is survived by her son whom she shares with her former husband, the musician Hitonari Tsuji.

The post J-pop singer and actress Miho Nakayama dies, aged 54 appeared first on NME.

J-pop singer and actress Miho Nakayama dies, aged 54

J-pop singer and actress Miho Nakayama dies, aged 54

J-pop singer and actress Miho Nakayama dies, aged 54

J-pop singer and actress Miho Nakayama dies, aged 54

J-pop singer and actress Miho Nakayama dies, aged 54