40th place: Sayaka Kanda
Sayaka Kanda, a 35-year-old actress and television personality and the daughter of Seiko Matsuda, passed away on December 18, 2021, after falling from a hotel in Sapporo. She had been staying on the 22nd floor, the hotel’s highest level, but was found collapsed on the roof of the 14th floor. By the time she was discovered, she was already in cardiac arrest.
While no note was discovered at the hotel afterwards, a separate note was found in which Sayaka expressed worries about her beloved dog and her romantic relationship. She had also been experiencing a sore throat the day before surgery and had some unease about the procedure. However, what most deeply affected Kanda Sayaka’s mental state was her conflict with her boyfriend, Takehisa Maeyama.
Kanda and Maeyama had started dating in October of that same year. But by January 2022, rumors surfaced that Maeyama had been seeing two other women, and audio recordings of him verbally abusing Kanda were leaked to the public.
These two factors were believed to have triggered Kanda Sayaka’s passing, sparking widespread public outrage. There were also rumors suggesting that Kanda might have been pregnant, and following the incident, Takehisa Maeyama announced his retirement from the entertainment industry.
However, in October 2024, Maeyama—who had previously left the industry after verbally abusing Kanda—attempted a comeback. His return faced strong backlash when two cast members quit the production he was set to appear in, leading to its cancellation. The apology video he released around that time drew significant attention online, with many viewers describing it as unsettling.
Online reactions to his attempted return were overwhelmingly negative.
39th place: Ashina Sei
Ashina Sei, an actress known for her role in the movie "The Tragedy of W Prefectural Police," took her own life on September 14, 2020, inside her Shinjuku apartment. A family member found her in a closet. Her passing at the young age of 36 deeply saddened many fans.
That same evening, she had been set to speak to aspiring performers. Additionally, a weekly magazine with her gravure spread hit stands that day, indicating she was still actively pursuing her career. With no accounts on social media, she probably faced little exposure to online harassment.
Numerous theories persist regarding what drove her to such an outcome. Two months prior, fellow actor Miura Haruma had also passed on through similar intentional means. Ashina Sei got a call from him shortly before he passed. Moreover, one day after the 49th-day memorial for Miura, she posted an enigmatic tweet saying, "How are you doing?"—fueling rumors that they were romantically involved.
The COVID-19 outbreak was raging at the time. Cross-prefectural travel to see relatives was banned, leaving people isolated from loved ones. Entertainment jobs were drying up, and Ashina Sei appeared perpetually stressed. She felt isolated and uncertain about her future. If her partner's loss played a role as well, her decision to end her life seems understandable.
No. 38: Akira Toriyama
Akira Toriyama, a renowned manga creator celebrated for iconic series like "Dr. Slump" and "Dragon Ball," also crafted characters and creatures for the "Dragon Quest" games. He passed away on March 1, 2024, at 68, from an acute subdural hematoma.
News of his unexpected loss stunned fans in Japan and beyond. Nationwide bookstores created special displays honoring his creations, while global leaders and companies shared tributes of sympathy.
An acute subdural hematoma involves sudden bleeding between the brain's outer membrane and its surface. Figures like playwright Juro Kara and actor Toshiyuki Hosokawa met similar fates. Toriyama had battled diabetes for years and smoked heavily—more than 100 cigarettes daily—which may have worn down his health over time.
"Dragon Ball" endures as a beloved staple, with its manga surpassing 260 million copies sold globally and fueling a $23 billion (3.4 trillion yen) industry. The anime "Dragon Ball Daima," featuring Toriyama's original ideas, premiered in October 2024, marking a true extension of his vision.
Upon launch, "Dragon Ball Daima" topped X's trending charts. Toriyama's legacy clearly thrives on, even after his passing.
No. 37: Ryuchell
Ryuchell, a beloved TV figure and model, rose to fame with his signature headbands and bold style. In July 2023, he was discovered unresponsive at his combined home and office space in Shibuya. Just a day earlier, during a radio appearance, he shared, "Tears come without any reason," hinting at his ongoing emotional struggles.
The precise reason for his passing remains unclear. He tied the knot with model Peco in 2016, welcoming a son in 2018. The couple parted ways in 2022 to embrace a fresh approach to family life, yet they stayed connected, with the trio even jetting off to Guam the day before his loss to mark their boy's birthday.
Ryuchell openly identified as part of the LGBT community and, post-divorce, leaned into a softer, more feminine look. Sadly, this drew harsh online backlash, including remarks like "It's selfish to abandon your spouse and transition" or "Poor Peco." He also used hormone treatments to support his evolving appearance, which left him feeling under the weather at times. A mix of pressures likely weighed heavily on his choice to end things.
Peco later reflected on his absence, vowing, "I'll keep telling our son with pride, 'You had the greatest dad, full of love for you.'" She presses on in showbiz and, in 2024, earned the Best Mother Award in entertainment. By 2025, their little one will turn 7. Here's hoping Japan grows into a kinder, more welcoming place by the time he comes of age.
36th place: Miho Nakayama
Miho Nakayama, a celebrated singer and actress fondly called "Miporin," was discovered unresponsive in her bathroom on December 6, 2024. She had been slated to take the stage at Billboard Live Osaka that evening.
When she didn't arrive at the rendezvous point, her team members headed to her residence to check on her, leading to the tragic find. Officials determined the cause as an accidental drowning during her bath. No outward wounds were present, pointing toward possibilities like sudden illness, heat shock, or a mishap.
The evening prior, Nakayama Miho shared a post on Instagram, and her assistant's final outreach came around 11 p.m. that night. A LINE note from her arrived at 2 a.m. on the 6th, underscoring just how abrupt her loss was. A star across East Asia, her sudden passing stirred widespread heartache globally.
She was set to guest in the premiere of the 2025 winter series "Kaasan no Mitazono," donning a sailor outfit that highlighted her timeless youthfulness, and also featured in "Nihon no Ichi Worst Man" as the nursery director tied to the lead's family. The show closed with a heartfelt tribute to her.
Her appearances in "Japan's Worst Man" were lined up for the January 9 opener and the third installment on January 23. Starting with episode 5, her sister Nakayama Shinobu stepped in to portray the principal.
35th place: Kazuki Takahashi
Kazuki Takahashi, the artist who created "Yu-Gi-Oh!" for Weekly Shonen Jump, passed away at age 60 on July 4, 2022. He entered dangerous waters off Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, to aid a girl and her parents caught in a riptide. An American soldier saved the girl, the parents escaped, but Takahashi disappeared.
Two days later, his body was recovered off Nago City. Shark bites had torn the left side, leaving legs attached only by skin; rescuers handled him with care.
"Yu-Gi-Oh!" became a global phenomenon in manga, anime, and cards, holding the Guinness record as the best-selling trading card game. In 1999, Takahashi ranked first among cultural figures for income tax paid—400 million yen, from estimated earnings of 1.1 billion yen.
Leaping into treacherous seas to save strangers demands extraordinary bravery. A U.S. Army major hailed him as “a hero who gave his life for others,” and amid grief, many praised his selfless act.
No. 34: Ren Osugi
Ren Osugi, the versatile actor dubbed "the man with 300 faces," passed away from acute heart failure on February 21, 2018. He was in a Futtsu hotel in Chiba Prefecture for drama filming when his health took a sharp turn. Rushed to the hospital, he passed away at age 67, surrounded by family and castmates.
His abrupt loss deeply affected colleagues and admirers alike. Networks aired tribute specials, and recent episodes ran unchanged. A memorial service on April 14 at Aoyama Funeral Hall drew about 1,700 mourners, with Tomorowo Taguchi delivering the eulogy for all.
His last lead role aired October 6 in "Prison Chaplain," earning him Best Actor at the Japan Professional Movie Awards. Osugi Ren clearly shone brightly as a performer right to the finish.
Curiously, his passing is often linked to Yahoo! Answers. On February 14—one week prior—a user "hama0600" posted, "When is Osugi Ren's passing date?" Answers were due February 20, the day before he passed on. The post vanished after the news broke.
The poster's identity is still unknown.
33rd place: Tsukino Noa
Tsukino Noa, once part of the idol group "Alternative," ended her life on September 30, 2020, by leaping from a hotel in Shinsakae-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya, amid other bystanders. At just 18, her loss stunned everyone.
She faced a tough upbringing, enduring junior high bullying and her mother's repeated divorces. Her time with Alternative lasted only two months before she started at a themed cafe in Nagoya in May 2020.
At the cafe, the owner harassed her, yet neither the producer nor others offered support. As her fame rose, online attacks intensified. She had tried to take her life three days earlier, leaving her family anxious about her safety.
On February 19, 2021, Bunshun Online shared five pages of her farewell note, later confirmed as nine total. Forty minutes before the end, she sent her mother a LINE message naming the person she resented—the name redacted in the published version.
A YouTuber called "Yorihito" later featured the producer in a clip, but its biased tone sparked outrage and led to its removal. Tsukino's tragedy highlights broader problems, especially around social media's impact.
No. 32 TENN
TENN, a key figure in the Osaka-based hip-hop outfit ET-KING, was discovered unresponsive in his vehicle on September 26, 2014, in an apartment parking lot in Osaka, having ended his life. At 35, the loss hit hard, coming just five months after the group's break.
His spouse, Takako Uehara from the band SPEED, stayed busy with performances and TV gigs, while TENN brought in little money then. Early whispers pointed to money gaps as the trigger for his choice.
In 2017, relatives shared his farewell letter, shedding light on the truth. Uehara had been unfaithful with actor Tsuyoshi Abe, and they'd discussed starting a family together. It turned out TENN couldn't father kids post-wedding. One month after spotting her LINE chats on the matter, he took that step.
ET-KING staged a return show in April 2016 at Osaka Castle Outdoor Music Hall, picking the open-air spot so TENN's spirit might catch their tunes. They kept going afterward, though Itokin lost his fight with cancer in January 2018, and BUCCI departed in 2021. Down to four now, the crew still hits the stage.
Uehara wed playwright Kazuya Koh in 2018—not Abe—and welcomed their awaited little one. Even so, headlines in July 2023 flagged another affair. Had TENN skipped tying the knot with Uehara, he'd likely have sidestepped that heartbreaking path.
31st place Ken Maeda
Ken Maeda was a well-known comedian famous for his impersonations of Aya Matsuura. He passed away on April 26, 2016, at the age of 45 from ischemic heart failure. Following the sudden news of his passing, many figures in the entertainment world — including Aya Matsuura and Haruna Ai — expressed their condolences and paid tribute to him.
Maeda had long suffered from arrhythmia and made frequent hospital visits. He was known for his unhealthy lifestyle and fondness for steak and other high-calorie foods. His final meal was a “Seafood and Tomato Sauce Pasta” at Ivo Home Pasta in Shinjuku 3-Chome. On social media, he often shared photos of his indulgent meals, leading fans to worry about his eating habits.
Before collapsing, Maeda had participated in athletic events such as the 50-meter sprint, long jump, and relay race. During a break, he felt unwell and went to the medical tent, but after resting, he seemed to recover and returned to work. It is believed that the intense physical activity placed excessive stress on his body.
Even years after his passing, Ken Maeda remains fondly remembered. On April 26, 2023, entertainers Hanawa and Kanningu Takeyama posted messages honoring his memory.
In addition, the comedy duo Audrey once received encouragement from Maeda during their early, less successful years. In the drama But Passion Awaits, featuring Audrey’s Wakabayashi Masayasu and Nankai Candies’ Yamazato Ryota, a character named Tani Shota—based on Maeda—was portrayed by Fujii Takashi. His heartfelt performance brought back fond memories of the late comedian for many fans.
No. 30 Sakurazuka Yakkun
Sakurazuka Yakkun was a comedian known for his portrayals of delinquent girls, which brought him considerable popularity. He tragically passed away at the age of 37 in a traffic accident on the Chugoku Expressway in Yamaguchi Prefecture on October 5, 2013. On that day, he was scheduled to appear at an event in Kumamoto alongside members of the band “Bijo♂menZ.”
The accident began as a single-vehicle incident caused by Sakurazuka Yakkun. While his manager attempted to call the police from a moving vehicle, he was struck by a truck. When Sakurazuka Yakkun exited his car to assess the situation, he was hit by another vehicle and lost his life.
Although pedestrians are not allowed on expressways, it is believed that Yakkun may have been in a state of panic at the time. The crash occurred on a section known as the “Devil’s Curve,” notorious for frequent accidents. Following this tragedy, the Yamaguchi Prefectural Police enhanced their safety measures, successfully reducing accidents in the area by half.
Sakurazuka Yakkun’s career had declined after he was indicted for attempted abuse in 2011. Nevertheless, upon his passing, many comedians and musicians expressed their condolences. His wake was held on August 8, and a private photo under his real name, Saito Yasuo, was used as his memorial portrait.
In 2016, a cherry tree was planted in his honor at Mine Sakura Park in Mine City. Additionally, one of his most celebrated skits was featured in a 2020 special of Enta no Kamisama. After the broadcast, many fans shared memories of Sakurazuka Yakkun on Twitter, highlighting the enduring affection for the comedian.
29th place Rina Matsuno
Rina Matsuno was a former member of the idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku. She tragically passed away on February 8, 2017, at just 17 years old due to a fatal arrhythmia. She had fallen ill the day before and was resting at home when her parents discovered her unconscious.
Passings from fatal arrhythmia in young people are extremely rare. Her passing prompted an outpouring of grief not only from fans and fellow group members but also from the wider entertainment industry and parents. A “Farewell Ceremony for Rina Matsuno” was held at Pacifico Yokohama on February 25, drawing around 20,000 attendees, including fans and industry figures.
Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku continued their activities after her passing, releasing the single Kanjou Ressha in May 2017. The music video features the members enjoying Hakone, a place Rina had visited with her family. The group also embarked on a nationwide tour starting in April, concluding on July 16—Rina’s birthday. For fans, both February 8 and July 16 have become significant dates of remembrance.
During her life, Matsuno dreamed of holding a festival, and that wish was realized in June 2019 with the “MUSiC Festival – Ebisu Junior High School 10th Anniversary” at the Red Brick Warehouse. The event included performances by bands such as Fujifabric, who have contributed songs to Ebisu Chugaku, reflecting the connections between groups who have also experienced the loss of important members.
While her passing was deeply sorrowful, seeing the remaining members continue their activities has inspired fans to move forward as well. As of 2023, Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku remains active in the music scene.
28th place: Keiko Fuji
Keiko Fuji, the enka vocalist famous for hits like "Shinjuku no Onna" and mother to Hikaru Utada, collapsed in Tokyo in 2013 and was declared DOA at the hospital, at age 62. Authorities ruled her passing a deliberate fall from her high-rise apartment.
Starting around 1988, she battled mental-health challenges yet kept performing. After her daughter Hikaru Utada's breakout debut at 15 in 1998, Fuji's stage appearances tapered off—perhaps a conscious hand-off to the next generation.
Honoring her wishes, the funeral skipped ceremony for immediate cremation; Utada and her son attended. Her ashes were scattered over the ocean, leaving no gravesite.
Though grief weighed on Utada, pregnancy and impending motherhood inspired her to compose again. "A Bouquet for You," out in April 2016, honored her late mother as a lyrical letter to the departed.
No amount of words feels enough—that's why I send you a bouquet of tear-colored flowers. These lines capture Utada's gift and her tender tribute. With Keiko Fuji gone, the daughter who carries her artistry forward will surely craft more classics.
27th place: Takano Hinan
Takano Hina served as the inaugural leader of the idol ensemble KISS Bee. She passed away at the tender age of 20 on July 10, 2020. Her management team withheld details on the circumstances of her loss, though whispers of self-harm have echoed across social platforms. A fleeting Wikipedia entry once claimed "COVID-19 complications," but it was quickly exposed as fabrication.
On the morning of her abrupt departure, she shared a poignant Twitter update: "Thanks to all of you, I've come this far." The prior day, her Instagram featured a snapshot of wilted roses alongside dandelions.
Roses symbolize eternity, often laid at resting places in European traditions. Dandelions evoke parting ways. That earlier upload carried weight, suggesting she might have been steeling herself for a final choice.
Earlier, on May 23, 2020, Terrace House's Hana Kimura ended her life amid online vitriol. Four days on, Takano reflected, "As a target of constant insults and harassment, it feels routine now—I barely register it." She too likely endured relentless digital abuse.
KISS Bee persists with vigor. On July 9, 2023, five fresh faces joined the lineup. Her absence has oddly propelled the group's ongoing momentum.
26th place: Nakamoto Koji
Nakamoto Koji, a former member of the comedy group The Drifters, passed away in a traffic accident at around 9:12 AM on October 18, 2022. The incident occurred at a pedestrian-only intersection in Yokohama City. Although he was rushed to the hospital, he suffered severe head and facial injuries and passed away the following day despite medical treatment.
In 2012, Nakamoto married singer Sanyo Junka, who was 27 years his junior, marking his third marriage. However, she left him shortly before his passing. A weekly magazine reported that Nakamoto was living in a cluttered home and struggling with significant debt, and he passed away just five days after the article was published.
After he was hospitalized, fellow Drifters members Takagi Boo and Kato Cha reportedly confronted Miyoko, blaming her for the situation. During the funeral, Miyoko allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior, including taking photos of Nakamoto’s body, and rumors emerged that she had misappropriated part of the 600,000 yen in posthumous name fees entrusted to her by Nakamoto’s agency.
Following media coverage, Sanyo Junka faced criticism, being labeled a “monster wife,” but she filed a lawsuit asserting that the allegations were unfounded. Ultimately, it remains unclear whether Nakamoto Koji experienced happiness in his final years.
25th place: Kiyoshiro Imawano
Kiyoshiro Imawano, the lead singer and guitarist of RC Succession, passed away on May 1, 2009, at the age of 58 due to carcinomatous lymphangiopathy. He had been diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer in May 2006 but chose radiation and chemotherapy over surgery to preserve his ability to sing. By January 2007, he had gradually returned to his musical activities.
In February 2008, his cancer recurred, and he was hospitalized again in February 2009. When his condition suddenly worsened, his family and close friend Reiichi Nakaido were by his side. A private funeral was held on May 4, attended only by close friends and family.
RC Succession had a long and influential career, active from 1968 to 1991. On May 9, a public rock-style funeral for fans, titled Kiyoshiro Imawano AOYAMA ROCK'N ROLL SHOW, was held at Aoyama Funeral Hall, drawing 43,000 attendees. This demonstrated that Imawano’s popularity remained undiminished.
Eulogies at the rock funeral were delivered by notable figures such as Naoto Takenaka and Hiroto Komoto. The memorial portrait displayed used his real name, Kiyoshi Kurihara, rather than his stage name. Even today, Kiyoshiro Imawano continues to have a devoted fanbase, and a commemorative fan event called Imawanoki is held every May 2, marking the anniversary of his passing.
24th place: Atsushi Sakurai
Atsushi Sakurai was the lead vocalist of the rock band BUCK-TICK. He passed away on October 19, 2023, at the age of 57, from a brainstem hemorrhage. That day, Sakurai was performing at KT Zepp Yokohama when he suddenly collapsed after singing the third song, Zekkai. Staff members assisted him off stage, but despite medical attention, he passed away shortly afterward.
BUCK-TICK made their major debut in 1987 and quickly rose to fame for their striking visual style and unique artistic vision. Known for his commanding stage presence, Sakurai earned the nickname “Demon King” and wrote lyrics for many of the band’s songs. During his final performance, he continued to sing even while crouching down, embodying his unwavering pride as a musician.
Although the band has lost its vocalist, the members and staff have decided to continue their activities. Guitarists Hisashi Imai and Hidehiko Hoshino will share vocal responsibilities, and a new tour is scheduled for 2025.
Interestingly, novelist Haruka Tono, who received the Akutagawa Prize in 2020, is Sakurai’s son. Sakurai divorced when Tono was a child, and Tono was raised by his mother, though he reportedly often listened to BUCK-TICK’s music. It’s said that Haruka Tono inherited his father’s deep sense of artistry and literary talent.
23rd place: Takashi Fujiki
Takashi Fujiki, an actor and vocalist honored with the Kinokuniya Drama Award for "Not a Nightingale," ended his life by hanging on the second floor of his remodeled Nakano Ward apartment on September 20, 2020. At 80, his last role aired in the January 2021 drama "Meiji Kaika Shinjuro Tantei Cho."
His son found him after stopping by to check in. In his farewell note, Fujiki wrote, "I lack the confidence to keep acting." Just a week earlier, news broke of Ashina Sei's passing; a week later came Yuko Takeuchi's, stirring unrest in show business.
Yet Fujiki's schedule stayed full—he had the drama and a musical lined up for the next year. At his age, stepping back might have loomed. What weighed on him alone in that space remains a mystery.
Notably, Ashina Sei, Haruma Miura, and Fujiki all shared the screen in the 2008 series "Bloody Monday." Whether mere chance or something deeper links them is unknown. Still, each poured heart into their craft. Perhaps crushing pressures sparked the tragic sequence.
22nd place: Masaya Oki
Masaya Oki, the actor who shot to fame as Detective Scotch in the series "Taiyo ni Hoero!," ended his life on June 26, 1983, by leaping from the 47th floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel. At 31, he landed in the 7th-floor rooftop pool and passed instantly; falling backward left his face untouched.
He struggled with bipolar disorder, officially listed as the cause of his passing. After stepping away from TV, he poured himself into theater. The act came right as an Osaka stage show was set to open, yet he'd reserved the room half a year earlier—strongly hinting at long-held intent.
His farewell note read, "I'll await nirvana with my father." This referred to Tadao Hikage, the agency head who took him in back in 1975, shaped his stardom, but demanded intimacy in exchange. Hikage later claimed a 300-million-yen policy payout on Oki and faced arrest for methamphetamine charges.
Oki's loss lingers as a grim chapter in showbiz, yet it sparked profound grief. A quiet funeral followed four days later, with a larger memorial a month on. Stars filled the venues; Kenjiro Hira mourned him as "a man like a Phalaenopsis orchid."
21st place: TARAKO
TARAKO was a voice actress and singer best known for portraying the main character, Maruko, in the beloved anime Chibi Maruko-chan. She passed away in March 2024 at the age of 63. After falling ill in November 2023, a medical examination revealed that she was suffering from a “serious illness.” Beginning in February 2024, she continued her work by recording from her hospital room.
Details about her illness were not disclosed publicly. Since taking on the role of Maruko in 1990, TARAKO had remained active in voice acting, narration, and hosting. She was known to be a heavy drinker—something her agency had advised her to stop—which suggests she may have been overexerting herself.
A memorial event titled TARA-chan Thank You Gathering – To You, My Precious One was held in June of the same year, attended by fellow voice actors, colleagues, and fans who came to pay their respects. Voice actress Kokoro Kikuchi succeeded her in the role of Maruko.
Chibi Maruko-chan creator Momoko Sakura passed away in 2018 from breast cancer. By March 2024, three of the six voice actors portraying members of the Sakura family had been replaced. Even so, the continued success of the series stands as proof that Chibi Maruko-chan remains a beloved national treasure, alongside Doraemon and Crayon Shin-chan.
20th place: Hiroyuki Watanabe
Hiroyuki Watanabe, the actor beloved for his parts in the drama "Arashi of Love," was discovered by relatives in his workout space on May 3, 2022. At 66, hanging was the cause, though early talk suggested a training mishap; it was in fact a deliberate act.
A small family funeral took place on the 10th, with wife Hideko Hara sharing a note. Watanabe had long dealt with autonomic nervous system issues and sank into low moods once COVID-19 lockdowns began.
Hara explained, "Illness overwhelmed him, trapping him in deep worry. We’d just started help when it happened so fast." The prior day, he’d been upbeat, gearing up for the show Golf no Kizuna.
On May 3, 2023, Hara posted on Instagram that his ashes now rested in place. Her words show a spouse still healing yet pushing ahead. The flood of replies afterward proved how many hearts still cherish Hiroyuki Watanabe.
19th place: Kazuyoshi Miura
Kazuyoshi Miura, a familiar TV face from programs like "I Don't Need Comic Magazines!," ended his life by hanging in a Los Angeles Police Department holding cell on October 10, 2008 (local time). At 61, authorities labeled it self-inflicted, though his attorney insisted on foul play.
Back in 1981, his wife at the time was fatally shot by an intruder in Los Angeles. By 1984, reports surfaced framing the attack as an insurance scheme with Miura as the orchestrator—later dubbed the "Los Angeles Scandal."
Then, when a woman missing since 1979 turned up deceased and Miura had pulled large sums right after she vanished, the press latched onto the "Ross scandal." In 1985, he faced arrest in a separate assault matter but walked free in 2003. He spent 13 years locked up over the string of cases and often spoke out against media overreach.
Signs of strain showed through shoplifting arrests in 2003 and 2007. February 2008 brought detention on Saipan tied to the 1981 event. Once transferred to LAPD custody, he took his life. Cremation followed, and his remains returned to Japan with family on October 25.
Whether he was truly guilty or wrongly accused remains unresolved.
No. 18: Hatakeyama Mugi
Mugi Hatakeyama, the actor who captured hearts as Kirenger in "Himitsu Sentai Goranger," took his life by hanging on July 13, 1978, amid production of "Tokusatsu Saizensen." At 34, his early loss sent waves of grief through showbiz and the Goranger fanbase.
During a special-effects shoot, while colleagues wrapped up, Hatakeyama failed to signal the all-clear promptly. The following day, he missed call time. Concerned, his manager visited his home and learned he had already passed.
Kirenger stood out with quirks like a curry obsession and nimble heft, traits Hatakeyama embodied vividly. That bold persona, however, weighed heavily. Once Goranger wrapped, steady gigs dried up; he scraped by in minor parts with slim pay.
Show business often traps talents in "one-hit wonder" molds. Some embrace the fame, others fight to break free. Whether Hatakeyama found joy in Kirenger's spotlight remains unknown.
17th place: Ken Shimura
Ken Shimura, the beloved comedian from the duo The Drifters, passed away on March 29, 2020, at age 70 due to COVID-19. As the virus was just beginning to surge across Japan, his loss struck deeply in show business and underscored the disease’s grave danger.
He first felt unwell on March 15. Hospitalized five days later with severe pneumonia, he was placed on ECMO by the 24th and never woke again, departing on the 29th. To curb spread, his remains went straight from hospital to crematorium—no final visits allowed.
On April 1, a tribute aired with Cha Kato delivering a heartfelt eulogy that left many in tears. Honors kept coming: Higashimurayama City named him an honorary citizen on June 25, and he earned the Special Achievement Award at the 37th Asakusa Entertainment Awards on September 9. A bronze statue rose in his hometown in June 2021.
Shimura wasn’t alone among stars lost to the virus—Shinichi Chiba and Kumiko Okae also fell victim. Though its grip has loosened, COVID-19 posed a real menace to the world for a long stretch after it emerged.
16th place: Ryuhei Ueshiba
Ryuhei Ueshiba, the goofy heart of the comedy trio Dacho Club, was discovered unresponsive by his wife in their Nakano Ward home on May 11, 2022. Rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead at 61. Evidence at the scene pointed to a deliberate act.
Known for slapstick antics, Ueshiba was quietly earnest and sensitive. Such gentle souls often carry melancholy, dreading to burden others and bottling up pain until it deepens.
He had stable work and his wife managed the money, yet loneliness crept in. COVID-19 cut off friend meetups, and losing mentor Ken Shimura to the virus hit hard.
The funeral stayed family-only, but pals flooded in claiming, “I’m Ryu-chan’s family too.” He was never truly alone—surrounded by loved ones who bid him farewell with grateful hearts.
In August 2023, wife Hikaru Hirokawa released an essay, “Ryu-chan’s Idiot,” sharing private memories that show the man behind the laughs.
15th place: Ai Iijima
Ai Iijima, once an adult video star, TV figure, and entrepreneur, was discovered deceased in her Shibuya Info Tower apartment on December 24, 2008. At 36, pneumonia was the official cause; she had likely passed around a week prior.
She stepped away from the spotlight on March 31, 2007, yet kept fans updated via her blog. Just ten days before the end, she seemed fine, joining a "Stop AIDS" panel.
Her March 2009 funeral at Tokyo Prince Hotel drew 1,500 mourners, a testament to her lasting draw even in retirement. Shinsuke Shimada and Hideyuki Nakayama delivered tributes, with the service aired live.
The abrupt loss stunned supporters, who kept leaving blog messages. It shut down October 31, 2015, after gathering roughly 72,700 comments—proof of her enduring appeal.
Pneumonia was confirmed, but questions linger. Why did it strike? Whispers point to sleeping-pill excess or worsening kidney infection. AIDS rumors circulated, but her physician firmly refuted them.
14th place: Izumi Sakai
Izumi Sakai, the lead singer of ZARD, passed away on May 26, 2007, after a 3-meter fall inside Keio University Hospital. She was 40. The fatal injury was a severe head contusion from striking the back of her skull. Authorities investigated whether it was accidental or intentional, but ruled it an accident.
Since around 2000, she had battled uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts; cervical cancer surfaced in 2006. By 2007, it had reached her lungs, yet she stayed optimistic, drafting lyrics for an upcoming tour and album amid treatments.
The fall occurred at 5:40 a.m.—an odd hour to be wandering the ward. Still, tour prep kept her busy. No farewell note appeared, and her room showed no signs of tidying. Rumors of rejecting Soka Gakkai overtures remain baseless speculation.
Her loss prompted flower displays in Tokyo and Osaka, drawing about 10,000 to sign condolence books and leave blooms. An industry memorial took place June 26 at Aoyama Funeral Hall; the public service the next day welcomed 40,100 attendees—the fourth-largest postwar gathering in Japan.
13th place: HIDE
HIDE, X JAPAN’s iconic visual kei guitarist, was discovered on May 2, 1998, hanged from his apartment bedroom doorknob. At 33, his sudden loss triggered a wave of copycat attempts nationwide, prompting bandmates to hold a press conference pleading for fans to choose life.
No note explained his choice. Rumors swirled of burnout from band pressures, yet the soft doorknob method fueled speculation: perhaps a drunken stunt turned fatal. The truth stayed locked away.
X JAPAN paused for years before returning in 2007. Their track “IV” weaves in HIDE’s archived riffs, digitally revived. Its video places an empty mic stand beside a HIDE-branded one, as if he’s still onstage.
A 50th-birthday tribute album dropped in 2014. In 2016, his legendary 1996 solo tour “PSYENCE A GO GO” hit theaters. Events honoring him keep rolling out.
HIDE remains an untouchable idol for youth and visual kei acts alike.
12th place: Yukiko Okada
Yukiko Okada, a shining 1980s idol, first tried to end her life on April 8, 1986 in her apartment. After receiving care, she later leapt from the 8th floor of Sun Music’s headquarters building. She was just 18. A penciled note, believed to be her farewell, remained.
Sun Music hosted her funeral on April 10; more than 3,000 mourners turned out, proof of her massive draw. That same month, 125 other teens took their lives, earning the wave the name “Yukko Syndrome” amid rising youth concerns.
What drove her stays hidden. Overwork robbed her of sleep, and she struggled to connect with men—private burdens she kept quiet. In 2000, Sun Music’s former chief manager and policy director also hanged himself.
Yoko Oginome, a peer from that era, still visits her grave yearly. Fans mark the anniversary at the jump site and her resting place, cherishing memories. Forever 18, she captivates those who grew up with her.
11th place: Beautiful Chiba
Mira Chiba, an actress whose first feature was the 2007 movie "Hanakage," ended her life in December 2022 at just 36. The backlash stemmed from her public claim of assault against filmmaker Sion Sono.
In Shukan Bunshun's April 2022 edition, she detailed an incident from 2012, saying Sono connected with her via actor Tak Sakaguchi and invited her to his place under the guise of work. There, he pushed her onto the bed and tried to force intimacy.
She managed to get away, but the harassing LINE texts kept coming. Sono rejected her account and pursued legal action against the magazine for compensation and a retraction.
Six months on, in December, Chiba took that step. Having stepped back from acting, she focused on single motherhood. The nonstop online vitriol after going public left her emotionally drained.
Lately, survivors in showbiz—regardless of gender—have spoken out more about misconduct. To honor her, the field might need real change.
10th place: Jiro Tamiya
Jiro Tamiya, the actor who soared to stardom in the 1978 adaptation of The White Tower, ended his life on December 28, 1978, with a clay-pigeon shotgun in his bedroom. He was 43. A farewell note lay in the adjacent room; police ruled it self-inflicted. A quiet funeral followed on December 30, with a larger memorial on January 12.
Despite a dazzling career, Tamiya battled bipolar disorder triggered by tuberculosis, leaving him fragile long before the end. His character, Goro Zaizen, claws toward professorship but succumbs to lung cancer.
To embody the fading man, Tamiya fasted three days for the final bed scene. He penned Zaizen’s final letter himself and even lay as the “corpse” on the stretcher. Afterward, he remarked he had “passed on well,” hinting at a deep bond with the role.
His loss came with just two episodes remaining in The White Tower. Interest surged; the finale drew 31.4% viewership. Tamiya’s image etched itself into countless memories.
9th place: Hinako Ashihara
Hinako Ashihara, the manga creator behind popular titles like Hourglass and Sexy Tanaka-san, took her own life on January 29, 2024, near Kawaji Dam in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. The trigger stemmed from complications surrounding the October 2023 TV adaptation of Sexy Tanaka-san.
Ashihara insisted on staying true to her original story. Yet the network pushed a heavily revised script for her approval, leading her to pen episodes 9 and 10 herself. On January 26, she shared the full account on X, sparking public backlash against the screenwriter and producer.
Two days later, she erased all posts. Her final message read, “I didn’t mean to attack anyone. I’m sorry.” Sexy Tanaka-san remains incomplete—a heartbreaking loss of promising talent.
Adapting manga or novels into live-action often sidelines creators’ visions. Ashihara’s tragedy has exposed deep tensions between authors and television networks.
8th place: Sachiyo Nomura
Sachiyo Nomura, affectionately known as “Sachi,” was a well-known celebrity who passed away on December 8, 2017, from ischemic heart failure at the age of 85. Although she continued to draw public attention for her outspoken and unconventional personality, her health and memory began to decline around 2011, leading her to gradually withdraw from public life.
A farewell ceremony was held on January 25, 2018, at a hotel in Tokyo, attended by about 1,000 people. Among them were prominent figures from the baseball world, including Atsuya Furuta, as well as entertainers such as Kinichi Hagimoto and Tamao Nakamura. Her husband, baseball legend Katsuya Nomura, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came to honor her memory.
In March 2019, Katsuya Nomura published his memoir I Can’t Say Thank You, in which he reflected on their life together. Known as one of the entertainment world’s most devoted husbands, he described their relationship as being “like a battery,” always connected and mutually supportive. Even during Sachiyo’s well-known public disputes, such as her rivalry with Mitsuyo Asaka, Katsuya remained firmly by her side.
Sachiyo often spoke candidly about passing away, saying her ideal passing would be “to be found cold in the morning when they come to wake me up.” She also once told her husband, “Let’s both pass away peacefully.” True to her words, the couple were reunited in the afterlife when Katsuya Nomura collapsed at home and passed away on February 11, 2020—two years and two months after her. One can only imagine the warm conversation they might be sharing together once again.
7th place: Kyu Sakamoto
Kyu Sakamoto was a celebrated singer best known for timeless hits like Ue o Muite Arukou (“Sukiyaki”). He tragically died at the age of 43 in the crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123 on August 12, 1985—one of the deadliest single-aircraft accidents in history, claiming 520 lives and leaving only four survivors.
His body was identified by his family on August 16, though it was reported to be severely damaged. On August 21, during Yoru no Hit Studio DELUXE, singer Shinichi Mori gave an emotional performance of Sakamoto’s song Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo (“Look Up at the Stars in the Night”), moving many viewers to tears.
Even decades later, Kyu Sakamoto’s music remains beloved around the world. Ue o Muite Arukou was a major international hit, covered by numerous artists including Hikaru Utada and Hibari Misora. Another of his songs, Ashita ga Aru Sa (“There’s Always Tomorrow”), was famously reinterpreted by Ulfuls and members of Yoshimoto Kogyo.
In 2003, Ken Hirai released a cover of Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo, using advanced digital technology of the time to create a virtual duet with Sakamoto.
Sakamoto’s musical legacy also lives on through his eldest daughter, Hanako Oshima, who has followed in his footsteps as a singer. After giving birth in 2009, she became especially popular among mothers, performing picture books such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar in song. Kyu Sakamoto’s passion for music continues to inspire both his daughter and countless artists today.
6th place: Masahiko Shimura
Masahiko Shimura, frontman and guitarist for the rock outfit Fujifabric, passed away on December 24, 2009, at only 29. The circumstances remain a mystery—even his bandmates lack clear answers. Theories range from self-harm to heavy drinking or poor habits.
Shiina Ringo, a close friend, honored him during her Tokyo Jihen set at that year's COUNTDOWN JAPAN finale, donning stark black-and-white garb as a quiet nod.
Fujifabric pressed on, honoring Shimura's spirit with a core trio: Soichiro Yamauchi on vocals and guitar, Daisuke Kanazawa handling keys, and Shinichi Kato on bass. They outlasted their time with him yet announced a break in February 2025.
In 2022, Yamauchi dropped a solo record featuring "Shiro" (White), a raw lament for Shimura. The track lays bare his lasting sorrow. Time won't dim those bonds.
5th place: Hana Kimura
Hana Kimura, the pro wrestler featured on Terrace House, passed away on May 23, 2020, at just 22 after slashing her wrists. Authorities confirmed it as a deliberate act. She shared a photo of the injury online with the words, “I just wanted love while I was alive.” Her mother, arriving at the apartment, found a farewell note and a container likely used to produce hydrogen sulfide.
The trigger appeared tied to Terrace House on FOD. Her on-screen actions sparked backlash; after Netflix dropped the episodes on March 31, the online abuse surged past what the May 18 TV airing had stirred. At first, the show’s criticism seemed the main culprit.
Her mother, Kyoko Kimura, shifted the narrative. Hana’s controversial moments were scripted by staff direction, painting her as the villain. The pain came not only from digital attacks but from being forced into that role.
Afterward, Fuji TV pledged to examine cast welfare and program practices. From March 2021, those who slandered Hana faced legal action one by one.
Kyoko founded the NPO Remember HANA to fight online harassment and extend support to others in similar pain.
4th place: Toshiyuki Nishida
Toshiyuki Nishida was a veteran actor admired for his performances in numerous historical dramas. He also showcased his singing talent when he appeared on the Red and White Song Contest in 1981, performing If I Could Play the Piano. Nishida passed away suddenly on October 17, 2024, at the age of 76.
Although he was in his later years, he remained active in his career, appearing at the preview screening of Doctor X the Movie on October 8. He was even scheduled for work on the day of his passing. The cause of his passing was ischemic heart disease. Over the years, Nishida had battled several health issues, including cervical subluxation and cholecystitis in 2016.
Nishida’s early life was marked by hardship. He grew up in a difficult family environment and left his hometown of Fukushima at a young age. He had often expressed a wish to have his remains buried there, and about a month before he passed on, he quietly visited Fukushima — an act some believe may have reflected a sense of foreboding.
In his later years, Nishida frequently used a wheelchair, but his passion for acting never waned. Colleagues on set admired his extraordinary skill and ensured that he was treated with great care and respect during filming.
In his autobiography An Actor’s Life, Laughter and Tears, Nishida declared, “I intend to keep acting for as long as I live.” True to his words, he continued his craft until the very end, embodying the spirit of a lifelong actor.
3rd place: Yuko Takeuchi
Yuko Takeuchi, the actress beloved for dramas like Now, I'm Coming to See You, was discovered hanged in her bedroom closet on September 27, 2020, and pronounced dead at the hospital. She was 40. No farewell note surfaced, but the scene pointed to a deliberate act.
Her husband, Taiki Nakabayashi, who found her, said, “She seemed fine—nothing stood out.” The evening before, their family of four shared a normal dinner. Yet hours later, after she went upstairs, everything changed.
What led her there remains unclear. After parting with Shido Nakamura, she wed Nakabayashi and welcomed their second child in January 2020. Postpartum struggles or childcare stress may have played a part, given the short time since birth.
That year saw a heartbreaking string of celebrity losses—Haruma Miura, Sei Ashina, Takashi Fujiki. Miura had shared the screen with her; his passing might have weighed heavily.
Whispers of marital strain circulated, yet the couple was often seen happily with the kids. Nakabayashi now raises both boys—the elder from her first marriage, the younger their own—while continuing to act.
They’ve settled in a quiet coastal town outside Kanto, where the sea air lingers. The move centers on the children. Blood doesn’t define family; love does—and their life quietly proves it.
2nd place: Yutaka Ozaki
Yutaka Ozaki, the singer behind anthems like "15 no Yoru" and "Graduation," collapsed in an Adachi Ward private residence on April 25, 1992. He made it home with his wife and brother, but his state deteriorated fast; he passed away at the hospital. He was 26.
The news stunned fans, especially teens. On April 30, 40,000 filled his funeral—on par with tributes for figures like Shigeru Yoshida and Kiyoshiro Imawano. Whispers say some followed him in taking their lives, underscoring his magnetic pull.
Officially, pulmonary edema took him, yet autopsy traces of stimulants led to a ruling of overdose-triggered lung failure.
TV Asahi aired a documentary alleging his wife and a friend plotted his end with drugs. She sued, won every case, and the broadcast vanished—fully debunking murder claims.
Though cut short, Ozaki’s classics still echo. His son, Yuya Ozaki, carries the torch as a singer. In April 2023, he’ll drop a CD blending his tracks with Dad’s timeless "I LOVE YOU." The fire for music clearly runs in the blood.
Yuya was a toddler when his father passed on, holding no direct memories. Maybe he sings to build the ones he never had.
1st place: Haruma Miura
Haruma Miura, the actor who rose to fame in dramas like "14-Year-Old Mother," ended his life by hanging in his bedroom closet on July 18, 2020. He was 30. His manager found him while stopping by to collect him for a drama shoot. No farewell note turned up, and what led to his choice remains unclear.
At the time, he starred in the film "Okane no Kireme ga Koi no Hajimari." Yet he appeared noticeably slimmer, worrying many supporters about his well-being. Factors might have included online backlash, the weight of his own high standards, or tangled family matters.
This wasn't an isolated tragedy—peers like Sei Ashina, Takashi Fujiki, and Yuko Takeuchi soon followed suit. The pattern persisted with losses such as Sayaka Kanda in 2021, Hiroyuki Watanabe in 2022, and Ryuhei Ueshiba.
Word of his passing spread beyond Japan to places like the U.S. and U.K. He held special appeal in China, where related coverage topped 1.1 billion views. Fans worldwide grieved. Shows featuring him aired unchanged, but with added subtitle tributes.
On January 16, 2021, his hit "Gintama 2: Rules Are Meant to Be Broken" hit broadcast TV, reigniting buzz and showing his draw endures.
Marking four years since his loss on July 18, 2024, his official X account shared a touching tribute, drawing floods of heartfelt replies. Miura's spirit clearly lingers in hearts everywhere.