Legendary Japanese actor and singer Miho Nakayama was tragically found dead in her Tokyo home on Friday at the age of 54. Authorities discovered her lifeless body in a bathtub after an acquaintance, concerned about her absence from work, alerted emergency services. Paramedics confirmed her death at the scene, and investigations into the cause are ongoing.
Ms. Nakayama, a celebrated teen idol of the 1980s, rose to fame as a singer during the height of J-pop’s influence and gained global acclaim for her lead role in the 1995 film Love Letter. Her stellar performance earned her multiple Best Actress awards, cementing her legacy in Japanese cinema.
She had been scheduled to perform a Christmas concert in Osaka on Friday but canceled, citing health concerns. Her agency confirmed the tragic news in a statement expressing shock over her untimely passing.
Nakayama leaves behind a son, who is in the care of her ex-husband, musician Hitonari Tsuji.
