Tragic News: Miho Nakayama Passes Away Ahead of 'Love Letter' 30th Anniversary

In a shocking turn of events, Miho Nakayama, the beloved star of the iconic film 'Love Letter,' has passed away at the age of 54. According to local public broadcaster NHK, Nakayama was found deceased in her home in Shibuya, Tokyo, on December 6. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of her death.

Nakayama gained immense popularity in South Korea through her role in the 1995 film 'Love Letter,' directed by Shunji Iwai. The film tells the poignant story of Hiroko, who sends a letter to her late first love, Itsuki, only to receive a response from another Itsuki, rekindling her memories of first love. One of the film's most memorable scenes features Nakayama calling out, "Ogenki desu ka?" (How are you?) against the stunning backdrop of Hokkaido's snowy landscape, a moment that continues to resonate with fans.

The film attracted 1.4 million viewers during its initial release in South Korea and has been re-released multiple times, with a special edition planned for its 30th anniversary next year. This news has left fans heartbroken, especially since Nakayama expressed her desire to return to Korea for the re-release during her appearance at the 2017 Busan International Film Festival, where she spoke about the film's impact.

Throughout her career, Nakayama received numerous accolades, including the Best Actress award at the 20th Hochi Film Awards and the 17th Yokohama Film Festival for her role in 'Love Letter.' She was previously married to author Hitonari Tsuji in 2002, but the couple divorced in 2014 after 12 years of marriage.