Actress and singer Miho Nakayama has been found dead in the bath at her home – hours before she was due to go on stage at a Christmas concert.
The 54-year-old was known for starring in the 1995 movie Love Letter and her success as a singer in the 1980s and 90s, reports The Sun.
The Japanese star failed to show up to work on Friday which led a member of team to her home – where they found her unresponsive.
They called paramedics who confirmed her death at the scene, local media reports.
Miho was to perform at a Christmas show in Osaka today – but she had reportedly cancelled beforehand, citing poor health.
A statement published by her agency to her website confirmed her tragic death.
“We are stunned by the sudden occurrence of this event,” it read.
Her cause of death has not been confirmed.
Miho was one of Japan’s most popular teen stars in the 1980s and went on to enjoy a successful acting career.
Love Letter – a film about a grieving widow’s letters with a stranger, in which she played the lead role – became a massive box office hit and garned critical acclaim, as well as earning Miho numerous awards.
The actress leaves behind a son, whom she shares with her musician ex-husband.
