Actress Yuri Nakamura dies at 44 after long battle with cancer

Japanese-South Korean actress Yuri Nakamura has passed away at the age of 44 due to complications from rectal cancer. Her agency, Alpha Agency, confirmed the news, noting that she passed away on September 1.

Nakamura had been battling the disease for approximately 13 years. According to her agency, she and the agency president had previously agreed to keep the specific nature of her illness private to avoid causing unnecessary concern among her colleagues. While she had entered remission at one point, the cancer returned in January 2025, leading to a diagnosis of metastasis following surgery.

Despite her health challenges, Nakamura continued to work, following medical advice to maintain an active life. She was widely recognized for her roles in various films and series, including the Netflix production ‘Romantics Anonymous’.

Following the announcement, numerous colleagues and figures from the entertainment industry, including Matsumoto Wakana, Ishida Yuriko, and Tsuchiya Tao, have shared tributes praising her talent, kindness, and professional dedication.