Eight-year-old Japanese idol trainee Runa Hirata has died from myocarditis caused by influenza.
Runa Hirata, an eight-year-old trainee with the Japanese idol group DIANNA Project, has died.
Her team announced this week that the 8-year-old passed away peacefully at around 4:00 a.m. on September 25. Her cause of death was myocarditis, an inflammation of the middle muscular layer of the heart wall.
Hirata’s last performance was on September 20. Afterwards, her team posted a message to fans on her account: “Thank you for today too, I appreciate it. It was so much fun.”
The agency’s statement
DIANNA Project confirmed the sad news on its website. Hirata trained with the group in Nagoya.
“We sincerely thank you for your continued support of the DIANNA Project. We regret to inform you that Runa Hirata, a trainee with the DIANNA Project in Nagoya, has passed away due to myocarditis resulting from influenza.” the statement read.
Her wake and funeral were held privately, “in accordance with the wishes of her family,” with only close relatives attending.
The agency also thanked her fans sincerely.
“We would like to express our deepest and heartfelt gratitude to all the fans who have supported Runa Hirata, as well as to everyone involved who has supported her throughout her activities.”
A request for privacy
The statement ended with a request to respect Hirata’s family’s privacy during the difficult time.
“Out of consideration for the feelings of her bereaved family, we respectfully ask that you refrain from making individual inquiries or requests for interviews regarding this matter, as well as from posting questions about it on social media.”
They also mentioned her career on X:
“One-third of [Runa’s] life was spent as an idol. [Runa] loved everyone dearly. If possible, please let her remain in a corner of your hearts as an eternal idol. On behalf of the person herself, I sincerely thank you. Thank you so much for everything until now.”
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