Beloved Star Nakayama Miho Passed Away After Tragic Drowning Accident In Her Home

Renowned Japanese actress and singer Nakayama Miho has passed away in a heartbreaking accident. Authorities have confirmed that the 50-year-old star died from drowning while bathing at her home in Shibuya, Tokyo. The incident occurred on December 6, with her body discovered later that morning.

Nakayama was set to perform at a Christmas concert in Osaka on the same day. When she failed to show up at a scheduled meeting around 9 a.m., a concerned colleague visited her residence and found her unresponsive in the bathtub. Police and her management agency have ruled out foul play, stating there was no evidence of medication misuse or a suicide note at the scene. Her agency described it as an “unfortunate accident.”

The autopsy results confirmed that she passed away due to an accident that occurred while bathing.

— Nakayama’s agency

Born in Tokyo, Nakayama began her career at the young age of 14, debuting in the TV drama Every Time You Call. She quickly gained fame, starring in popular dramas and movies, including the critically acclaimed Love Letter. As a singer, her hits like Tweed no Nuguene and WAKU WAKU Sasete catapulted her to the top of Japan’s idol scene in the 1980s.

Her influence extended far beyond music and film. In the late 1980s, she was recognized as one of Japan’s most beloved female idols, alongside Shizuka Kudo and other icons. After marrying musician and novelist Tsuji Hitonari in 2002 and moving to Paris, Nakayama paused her career before returning with the 2010 film Sayonara Itsuka. She and Tsuji divorced in 2014.

Following her tragic passing, tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues. May she rest in peace.