[Summary] Japanese National Actress Takeuchi Yuko Passes Away... Fans in Shock

Familiar from the movie 'Be With You'... 3-time Japan Academy Best Actress Award Winner
Died 8 months after remarriage and childbirth... Successive 'Extreme Choices' in Japanese Entertainment Industry

Famous Japanese actress Takeuchi Yuko appearing in the 2004 film Be With You. Photo by D'Station Co., Ltd.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Takeuchi Yuko (40), a top Japanese actress who appeared in numerous Japanese dramas and movies, has passed away.

According to NHK and other Japanese media on the 27th, Takeuchi Yuko was found collapsed by her family at her home in Shibuya, Tokyo, around 2 a.m. She was then taken to the hospital but ultimately died.

The police are investigating the exact cause of death, considering the circumstances at the scene, and suspect that Takeuchi Yuko may have taken her own life.

Takeuchi Yuko married actor Nakamura Shido, with whom she co-starred in "Be With You," and gave birth to a son the same year. They divorced in 2018 due to her husband's affair. Amid family troubles and public speculation, Takeuchi Yuko remarried actor Nabayashi Daiki in February last year and gave birth to a son in January this year. Fans were shocked by the sudden news.

Fans visited Takeuchi Yuko’s SNS, expressing disbelief and shock with comments like "I can't believe it" and "This is unbelievable." They also offered condolences with messages such as "Rest in peace" and "She was an actress I really liked; it's so sad."

Acquaintances were also shocked and said they could not understand the reason for Takeuchi Yuko’s death. It was reported that she spent time with her family as usual the day before her passing.

Colleagues have been sending tribute messages following Yuko’s death. Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, who worked with Takeuchi Yuko on many projects over 20 years, appeared devastated, saying, "I can't accept this as reality." He added, "Although we did not have private interactions, she was always in my heart. She was always a shining person," expressing his condolences.

Actor Honda Tetsuya, who co-starred with her in a drama, posted on SNS, "Reiko, the character Yuko played, was my muse. I am grateful and wish her peace." Actor Kote Shinya, who appeared with her in a movie, also expressed sorrow, saying, "I don’t know what to say. I am very sad."

Takeuchi Yuko debuted as a commercial model in 1999 and gained popularity by appearing in various dramas and movies.

She also won the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role three times between 2003 and 2005. She became known in Korea as well through works like "Be With You," which was remade there.

Meanwhile, this summer, the Japanese entertainment industry has been shaken by the deaths of several stars. In July, popular actor Miura Haruma passed away at the age of 30. A document presumed to be a suicide note was found at the scene.

Last month, broadcaster Hamasaki Maria was found dead at her home in Tokyo at the young age of 23. Also, on the 21st, veteran Japanese actor Fujiki Takashi, aged 80, left a suicide note and took his own life at his home.

※If you are struggling with difficult feelings such as depression and need professional help, you can receive 24-hour counseling at the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1393, Lifeline 1588-9191, or Youth Hotline 1388.