Japan Child Idol Trainee Dies at Eight
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago4 MIN
Summary
DIANNA Project, an idol project based in Nagoya, announced on September 28 that eight-year-old trainee Runa Hirata (平田琉七) had died after influenza triggered myocarditis. According to the statements cited by local media, she died in the early hours of September 25 despite emergency treatment. The news shocked fans in Japan and Hong Kong because she had still been active in performances only days earlier. Her family and management said funeral arrangements would be kept private and asked the public not to approach relatives for interviews.
Key Points
- DIANNA Project said on September 28 that Nagoya trainee Runa Hirata, aged eight, died at around 4am on September 25
- Both reports said influenza led to the serious complication of myocarditis, and that she died after efforts to save her failed.
- SingTao reported Hirata had posted after a September 20 performance, saying she was happy and thanking supporters for the show
- Her family said nearly one-third of her life had been devoted to idol and entertainment activities, and she loved meeting supporters
- The company said the wake and funeral would be private, limited to close relatives, and asked media not to interview the family.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers who closely follow Japanese idol culture, the case has resonated because of Hirata's age and how recently she had still been performing. It also drew attention to how quickly influenza-related complications can worsen, with social media interest reportedly surpassing 50 million views after the death was disclosed