Japanese singer and actress Miho Nakayama, best known for her role in the 1995 film Love Letter, was found dead at her Tokyo residence in Shibuya Ward on Friday, NHK reported. She was 54 years old.

Police said Nakayama was found to have collapsed in her bathroom around noon. Upon emergency call, paramedics confirmed her death at the scene, as reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun. Police are investigating the cause of her death.

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Nakayama was scheduled to hold a Christmas concert in Osaka on Friday but canceled it the morning, citing health issues.

Born in 1970, Nakayama rose to fame in 1985 with her first single “C”, which established her status as an idol. Her 1986 hit Tsuiterune Notterune earned recognition as one of the Japan Record Award’s best songs of the year. She was preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her singing debut next year with a national tour.

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In addition to her music career, Nakayama was a prominent actress in TV dramas and films. Her portrayal in Tokyo Biyori earned her a nomination for the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress in 1998.

Contact the writer at jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn