Miho Nakayama’s Dual Career as Singer and Actor Sets a Great Record

Actress and singer, both very active in their own right

Miho Nakayama (54) tragically passed away in an accident while bathing at her home in Tokyo on December 6. Her funeral and farewell ceremony were held on December 12 at a funeral hall in Tokyo. After the ceremony, her younger sister, actress Shinobu Nakayama (51), who served as the chief mourner, released a statement on Miho’s official website.

Shinobu expressed, “To me, my sister is ‘my beloved older sister,’ as well as ‘everyone’s Miho Nakayama,’ and ‘the eternal shining star,'” quoting the title of Miho’s hit song. She also shared that Miho’s 20-year-old son, whom she had with her ex-husband, author Hitoshi Tsujii (65), had flown from France to attend and was able to reunite with Miho. A memorial event is planned for a later date.

According to reports from some sports newspapers covering the funeral, around 30 family members and people from the agency attended. The altar was adorned with colorful flowers, including Miho’s favorite deep red dahlias, and featured all 39 of her single CDs and cherished photographs. In the center of the altar, there was a portrait of Miho performing in her favorite dress at her final stage on December 1 at Billboard Yokohama. Shinobu had been holding her composure throughout, but during her final speech as the chief mourner, her tears overcame her, and she struggled to speak, which moved everyone present to tears.

Miho made her acting debut in January 1985 with the drama Maido Osawagase Shimasu (TBS), and in June of the same year, she debuted as a singer with the theme song “C” for the TBS drama Natsu Taiken Monogatari. She continued to excel in both acting and singing throughout her career, achieving significant success in the 1990s.

In January 1994, her drama Moshi mo Negai ga Kanunara (TBS) featured her hit single Tada Nakitakunaru no which became her first million-seller as a solo artist. In 1992, her collaboration with the popular band WANDS on Sekai-jū no Dare Yori Kitto also became a million-seller. Miho Nakayama was the first female singer from the ’80s to have two million-sellers. The only other female artist to achieve this feat was Miki Imai (61), who debuted in 1986 and also balanced acting with singing, achieving million-sellers with PIECE OF MY WISH (1991) and PRIDE (1996).

A record that will likely never be broken.

Miho Nakayama, who made her debut in a TBS drama, became a rising star in the acting world. As her fame grew, both TBS and Fuji TV began competing to cast her as the lead in their dramas.

At Fuji TV, she starred in several hit dramas starting with Kimi no Hitomi ni Koi Shiteru! (1989), followed by Suteki na Kataomoi (1992), and For You (1995), all of which were prominent in the coveted Monday 9 PM drama slot. Additionally, she sang the theme songs for her lead dramas, setting records that seemed impossible to break.

“As of the October season, Miho Nakayama has starred in seven Monday 9 PM dramas, ranking second behind Takuya Kimura (52), who has 11. She is the only female actor in the top 10 for most lead roles in this time slot. Moreover, she has sung the theme songs for four Monday 9 PM dramas, tying with Leo Ieiri (30) for the most by a female singer.”

While Leo Ieiri may continue to break this record due to her association with actors in the same agency, it seems unlikely for anyone to surpass Miho’s achievements. Recently, Monday 9 PM dramas have been changing lead actors frequently, making it difficult for any actor to secure a second starring role, which makes it hard to break Miho’s record. It is said that it will be difficult for anyone in the future to balance both singing and acting at such a high level as Miho did. While group members may be an exception, it has become rare for lead actors to also sing the theme songs for their shows.

In recent years, Miho Nakayama had taken on supporting roles in films and TV shows, expanding her range as an actress.

Miho’s official website announced on the 16th that a drama she filmed before her passing will air in January of next year. The drama will be part of two shows starting in January 2025: Nihon Ichi no Saitei Otoko: Watashitachi no Kazoku wa Nisemono Datta (starring Shingo Katori, 47, on Fuji TV) and the latest installment of the popular Kaseifu no Mitazono series (starring Masahiro Matsuoka, 47, of TOKIO on TV Asahi).

In Saitei Otoko, Miho will appear in episodes 1 (airing on January 9) and 3 (airing on January 23) as the head of a daycare center. In Mitazono, she will appear as the main guest in the first episode, which will air on January 14.

Had she not passed away so suddenly, Miho would have continued to appear in numerous works. Her untimely death is deeply mourned.

 

We are looking forward to receiving your information and tips on “FRIDAY Digital”. Please send your information to the following information form or to the official X.

Information Form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips
Official X: https://x.com/FRIDAY_twit