TOKYO (TR) – Japanese actress Yuri Nakamura died of rectal cancer on September 1, her management agency announced on Monday. She was 44.
Alpha Agency released a statement on its official website revealing that a private funeral has already been held, attended by close relatives, agency staff, and fellow actors.
Nakamura’s battle with the disease was largely kept hidden from the public. According to her agency, she first battled cancer 13 years ago but chose to keep the diagnosis a secret to avoid causing concern among her colleagues.
After achieving a period of remission, the cancer returned in January of last year. While she underwent a successful surgery, doctors subsequently discovered the cancer had metastasized, ruling out a complete cure.
“Gentle smile”
In July, Nakamura was forced to step down from the upcoming January NHK drama series “Dangerous,” publicly citing a bowel obstruction.
In August, as she was attempting to recover and return to work, Nakamura suffered another bowel obstruction and was informed by doctors that she had only a short time left to live. The agency noted that she spent her final days with loved ones, “keeping a beautiful, gentle smile” until the end.
Born in Osaka, Nakamura entered the entertainment industry in 1996 after passing an audition on the TV Tokyo program “Asayan,” which led to the formation of the singing duo Yurimari. Following the duo’s disbandment in 1999, she transitioned to acting in 2003.
Her major acting breakthrough came in 2007 when she was cast as the heroine in the film “Pacchigi! Love & Peace,” a role that earned her multiple Best Actress and Newcomer awards.
The agency concluded its statement by asking the media to respect the privacy of her bereaved family and to refrain from filming around her residence.
