Miho Nakayama and ‘Love Letter’ Director Shunji Iwai Had Huge Plans For Iconic Film’s 30th Anniversary in 2025- “We had promised to make a pilgrimage”
- Love Letter actress Miho Nakayama passed away at the age of 54.
- J-pop idol Nakayama's cause of death is still not confirmed.
- Shunji Iwai pens down his condolence message for Miho Nakayama.
Japanese actress and musician Miho Nakayama is widely known for her work in Shunji Iwai’s 1995 Love Letter. Upon release, the movie received a positive response from the critics and the audience and garnered success in other East Asian countries. Love Letter became one of the first Japanese movies to be shown in South Korea after World War II.
Because of her successful musical career, Miho Nakayama became one of the most popular idols during the Golden Age in the 1980s. She was highly respected and appreciated by her fans and peers. The actress-singer has passed on December 6, 2024. Following her death, Love Letter filmmaker Shunji Iwai shared their plan for the anniversary of the movie.
J-pop star Miho Nakayama passes away at the age of 54
According to reports by Japan Times, Japanese idol and actress Miho Nakayama was found dead in the bathtub of her home in Tokyo on Friday i.e., December 6, 2024. The cause of her death is yet to be confirmed, but it has been reported that medical personnel confirmed her death.
Nakayama’s management company released a statement confirming the news of her death. The statement read,
It is with deepest regret that we have to make this sudden announcement to all those who have been involved with Nakayama’s career and to the fans who have supported her, but it has happened so suddenly that we are also stunned and saddened by the news. We are still in the process of confirming the cause of death and other details.
BBC reported that an acquaintance of the late actress found her dead in a bathtub after she failed to show up for work. The singer was scheduled to perform at the Christmas concert in Osaka, but she canceled her appearance, citing health reasons. The actress was reportedly preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her debut next year with a national tour.
After tasting the success in the music industry, Nakayama, who was known as Miporin by her fans, turned to acting in TV shows and movies. She received appreciation from critics and her fans for her acting work and also kept releasing music simultaneously. She is known for her hit songs including Sekaiju no Dare yori Kitto, Toi Machi no Dokoka De.
For her brilliant performance in Tokyo Biyori the actress received a nomination for the Japanese Academy Award in 1998. A son she shared with her former husband and musician Hitonari Tsuji survives her.
Shunji Iwai pens down a heartbreaking letter following Miho Nakayama’s sudden demise
Filmmaker Shunji Iwai took to his social media to share a heartbreaking letter following the news of Love Letter actress Miho Nakayama’s demise. He wrote,
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.’
He further wrote that when the news of her sudden passing was reported he had so many emotions swirling inside him—frustration, and deep regret. He added that he is unable to give a formal word of remembrance for the late actress, so tonight he just prays to be by her side.
Fine Line Features acquired the American rights to Love Letter, and it was released under a new title, When I Close My Eyes.
The late actress’ had shared a post on her social media a day before her death about her visit to the French American artist Louise Bourgeois’ exhibition and wrote how impactful the art was for her. She wrote that she has been to hell and back, and it has been wonderful. Fans of the actress have also shared their condolences on social media, stating that they didn’t expect to read such heartbreaking news.
Miho Nakayama’s untimely demise has forced the entertainment industry to look back and worry about the artists and the pressure they are put under. Artists are often advised to keep their challenges and struggles with mental health away from the media and the fans, and sometimes suffering alone can lead to unforeseen situations.
However, there has been no news about the cause of her death. Love Letter is available to stream on Roku.
We send our condolences to Miho Nakayama’s friends and family.
