Miho Nakayama’s Death Sparks Tribute Specials on Record Awards & Kohaku

The movement to honor the achievements of the late singer and actress Miho Nakayama (aged 54), who passed away suddenly, is gaining momentum.

Nakayama was found deceased on December 6 in her bathroom at her home in Shibuya, Tokyo. There were no apparent external injuries, and the front door was locked, so the police determined there was no suspicion of foul play.

On the 8th,

“According to the autopsy, it has been confirmed that there was no foul play. The cause of death was determined to be an unfortunate accident that occurred while bathing.”

her official website reported.

“Surely, More Than Anyone in the World” became a massive hit, selling over 1.8 million copies.

Nakayama began her entertainment career in 1985 with the TV drama Maido Osawagase Shimasu (TBS), and debuted as a singer the same year with the song “C”, winning the Best New Artist award at the Japan Record Awards. In 1986, she won the Gold Prize at the Record Awards with “Tsuiteru ne Notteru ne”, and again in 1988 with “You’re My Only Shinin’ Star”.

In 1992, her single “Sekai Juu no Dare Yori Kitto” with the rock band WANDS became a huge hit, selling over 1.8 million copies. Her 1994 ballad “Tada Nakitaku Naru no” also became a million-seller.

She first appeared in the prestigious NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen at the age of 18 in 1988, and has since participated seven times. As an actress, she starred in many acclaimed works such as the film Love Letter and the drama Mama wa Idol! (TBS).

“When the sudden news of her passing broke, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was that shocking. Currently, TV stations are in talks about creating tribute programs. Many stations have plenty of footage of Nakayama from her life, and it’s just a matter of negotiations with her agency,” said a TV industry insider.

On the broadcast of Fuji TV’s “2024 FNS Song Festival” on the 11th, a scene of Miho Nakayama singing was aired, and at the end,

“Miho Nakayama, thank you.”

This subtitle appeared.

It was decided that Miho Nakayama would be awarded the Special Achievement Award at the “66th Japan Record Awards” broadcast on TBS on December 30. According to music industry sources,

“Her passing led to this decision being made abruptly. On the day of the broadcast, TBS will air some of her precious singing scenes.”

It is said.

NHK’s “Kohaku Uta Gassen” is also in a rush. A segment to honor the late actor Toshiyuki Nishida, who passed away in October, has already been confirmed,

“There is also a movement to create a new segment for Miho Nakayama,” 

Said a TV station source.

In March next year, a farewell event will be held with fans in attendance.

Some media outlets report that a few members of the “85 debut group,” including Hiroko Moriguchi, Shizuka Kudo, Yui Asaka, Yuki Saito, Yoko Minamino, Miyoko Yoshimoto, Yoko Ishino, Noriko Matsumoto, and Yoko Sano, will gather to sing Miho Nakayama’s hit songs. Whether this is true or not, it is expected that covers of songs by the “Flower 85 Group” will be showcased in upcoming music programs.

Additionally, on March 19 next year, a five-disc Blu-ray box set titled “～Miho Nakayama 40th Anniversary～ Miho Nakayama ‘The Best Ten’ Permanent Edition” featuring her performances from the TBS program “The Best Ten” will be released. This set was not created in response to her passing but was something Nakayama had been preparing for her 40th anniversary next year.

“We’ve been in discussions with Nakayama-san about this for about a year. It includes all her appearances on ‘The Best Ten,’ and it’s sure to become a treasure for her fans. Although I can’t say this loudly, the distributor is apparently planning additional production,” said a source from the record company.

Nakayama’s farewell event is scheduled to take place after March next year. Flower offerings from fans are expected, and large-scale funeral venues in Tokyo are being considered.

“Even after Nakayama-san’s passing, people at her agency seem to be busy with various meetings. There have been offers for books and photo collections. The immense reaction shows just how much of a top idol she was,” said a sports reporter.

The shock of Miho Nakayama’s sudden death continues to resonate.