Yonekura’s film Angel Flight remains on schedule despite her current absence

A raid by the Narcotics Control Department was reported in October

There is good news regarding actress Ryoko Yonekura (50), who has continued to remain out of sight.

Her starring film Angel Flight: THE MOVIE, scheduled for worldwide release on Amazon Prime Video on February 13 next year, is expected to be released as planned.

A representative from the management office of one of the film’s cast members told this outlet:

“We’ve been informed by the production side that there are no changes to the release plans. The payment has already been made as well. It looks like everything will proceed on schedule.”

The film is based on Angel Flight: International Repatriation Specialist, written by author Ryoko Sasaki. It depicts the work of international mortuary repatriation specialists—professionals who transport the remains of Japanese people who died abroad back to Japan, or foreign nationals who died in Japan back to their home countries.

Yonekura plays a highly capable company president of “Angel Hearse,” whose office is located inside Haneda Airport. The drama series began streaming on Prime Video in March 2023 and was also broadcast on NHK from May 3 to June 7 this year.

Dark clouds began to gather in October this year. Bunshun Online reported that “Matori” (the Narcotics Control Department of the Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Bureau, under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) intended to proceed with an investigation of Yonekura on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act. There were also reports that Matori conducted a search of Yonekura’s home in August.

Right before these reports surfaced, Yonekura had abruptly canceled a series of upcoming appearances.

She withdrew from the Barneys New York Ginza flagship store ambassador announcement event on September 19 and from the 21st Clarino Beautiful Legs Award 2025 ceremony on October 6, citing poor health. She also pulled out at the last minute from Jaguar Land Rover Japan’s event on September 25, where she was scheduled to be appointed ambassador for the popular “Defender” model.

Where is the Argentine dancer she had been living with?

Her Instagram, which she had frequently updated, also stopped on August 19. Many comments online expressed concern about her health.

Another TV network insider familiar with the situation told reporters:

“Then the Bunshun report came out, and it caused a huge shock. The media rushed to Yonekura’s home, but she had already moved elsewhere. There’s no question that authorities questioned her, but jumping to the conclusion that she’s guilty is premature. In fact, it’s been about a month since Bunshun’s report about the raid, and nothing new has happened. The Argentine dancer she had been living with is apparently no longer in Japan.”

That’s what they said.

Even so, with this much confusion surrounding her, a personal explanation will eventually be necessary—especially with Angel Flight set for worldwide release in February. Related promotional events are planned before the release, and it seems unlikely she can simply show up as if nothing happened.

“Yonekura-san is someone with a strong sense of responsibility. Considering how many people have been affected, I believe she will take some kind of action before the February release. In fact, I hear there are already behind-the-scenes moves in that direction,” said the same TV insider.

The work itself depends heavily on Yonekura’s presence. To allow viewers to fully immerse themselves in the story, it would be best to shut out unnecessary noise as early as possible.

An executive from a talent agency who knows Yonekura said:

“She has long suffered from cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia. It’s a difficult condition that causes headaches, dizziness, memory issues, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. I hear she is still undergoing treatment. The stress from these reports must be tremendous. I hope she doesn’t push herself too hard.”

It seems the worst-case scenario—having the film shelved—has been avoided. For now, we wait for Yonekura to speak in her own words.