Actor and J-pop singer Miho Nakayama’s cause of death has been revealed.
The award-winning star died aged 54 last Friday and was discovered in the bathtub of her Tokyo home, just hours before she was set to take to the stage in Osaka for a Christmas concert.
The star died “due to an unexpected accident,” a statement on her official website said.
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“The autopsy confirmed that there was no foul play involved. The cause of death was determined to be an unintentional accident that occurred while bathing.
“We are all deeply saddened by this sudden event and would like to express our sincere gratitude for the kind support and concern we have received.”
A statement on her website announcing her death said it was “so sudden that we, too, are shocked and saddened”.
Nakayama was discovered by an acquaintance who went to her home when she failed to show up for an appointment, local outlets reported that police said.
She had been scheduled to perform at the Miho Nakayama Christmas Concert 2024 in Billboard Live just hours before she was discovered dead.
The event was cancelled due to Nakayama’s “poor health” and ticketholders were issued refunds.
Her death was confirmed in a statement later that day.
The star was scouted as a teenager in the 1980s and became one of the largest selling J-pop singers before winning multiple best actress awards for her role in the 1995 film Love Letter, and the 1998 film Tokyo Weather.
She leaves behind one son who lives with her ex-husband, singer Hitonari Tsuji, whom she married in 2002 and divorced in 2014 after moving to Paris, according to her IMBD page.
Star’s haunting last post
Nakayama’s last post on Instagram was an image of a textile artwork by Louise Bourgeois from the artist’s exhibit in Tokyo, with embroidered text that reads: “I HAVE BEEN TO HELL AND BACK. AND LET ME TELL YOU, IT WAS WONDERFUL.”
“My heart was so overwhelmed for a couple of days I could only talk with my friend I went with,” Nakayama captioned the post on Thursday.
Tributes flowed for the star, affectionately known as “Miporin”.
Shunji Iwai, the director of Love Letter, tweeted: “We had promised to make a pilgrimage to the snow-covered Otaru together in 2025 for your 40th debut anniversary and the 30th anniversary of Love Letter.”
“And then this news of your sudden passing. With so many emotions swirling inside — frustration, deep regret … I am yet unable to give formal words of remembrance … Tonight, though only in spirit, I wish to be by your side.”