On the morning of September 15, Yahoo News reported that Japanese actress of Korean descent Yuri Nakamura had passed away from colorectal cancer. Earlier in July, she announced her departure from the stage play Dangerous due to an intestinal obstruction. The actress took her last breath on September 1, but it was not until the morning of September 15 that her family authorized her agency to share the tragic news with the media and the public.
It was revealed that the prominent star had kept her medical condition hidden from the public for the past 13 years. Only now have fans learned that Yuri was initially diagnosed with cancer back in 2013. Following treatment, her condition went into remission and stabilized; however, the cancer recurred in January of last year. Although the surgery was successful, the cancer metastasized this year. By August, as Yuri was working to recover her health to prepare for a new project, her bowel obstruction became severe. At that point, the hospital informed the actress that she had very little time left to live.
Her management agency also released an official statement regarding the sudden passing of the actress:
On September 1st, Yuri Nakamura passed away due to rectal cancer. The funeral service was held with only close family, company artists, and staff in attendance.
Thirteen years ago, Yuri Nakamura first began her battle with cancer. At that time, she and the company president agreed to keep her condition private to avoid causing unnecessary worry to her colleagues. She subsequently entered remission and was able to continue pursuing her passion for acting.
However, in January of last year, the cancer returned. Although the surgery was successful, metastases were detected post-operation. Recognizing that a complete cure was unlikely at that stage, Yuri chose to undergo treatment aimed at managing the illness. She researched her condition extensively, and her primary physician encouraged her to keep acting.
In August of this year, while working hard to recover and return to her career, she suffered a recurrent bowel obstruction. It was then that Yuri received the sudden news that she had very little time left.
Despite the prognosis, she remained calm and optimistic, cherishing her final moments with her family to the fullest.
Throughout her 30s and 40s, Yuri fought her illness with extraordinary strength and resilience. We express our deepest gratitude to the fans who continuously supported her, as well as to her co-stars and colleagues who cared for her over the years.
On the morning of September 15, the production team of the project Romantic Anonymous also posted a tribute to lead actress Yuri Nakamura: “We are deeply shocked and speechless upon hearing of Yuri Nakamura’s sudden passing. With her genuine and sincere personality, she always brought smiles and positive energy, filling the set with laughter. We offer our heartfelt prayers for her soul to rest in peace.”
Yuri Nakamura was born in 1982 in Osaka, Japan. She entered the entertainment industry at the age of 16 as a member of the pop duo YURIMARI. In 2003, she officially transitioned to acting. Four years later, Yuri gained widespread recognition for her lead role in the movie Pacchigi! Love & Peace. Most recently, the beauty impressed Asian audiences with her work in Romantics Anonymous, starring alongside top South Korean actress Han Hyo Joo.
