Japanese-Korean actor Yuri Nakamura, widely recognised for her work in Japanese film and television and her appearance in the Netflix series Romantics Anonymous, has died at the age of 44 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Nakamura’s agency, Alpha Agency, confirmed her death on September 14, stating that she passed away on September 1. Her funeral was held privately and was attended by members of her immediate family, close friends and agency staff.
According to the agency, Nakamura had been living with cancer for approximately 13 years. She had previously entered remission while continuing her acting career and regularly undergoing medical examinations.
Yuri Nakamura’s Agency Confirms Her Death
Alpha Agency announced the actor’s passing in a statement released on September 14.
The agency said Nakamura had initially chosen not to make her cancer diagnosis public. After treatment, she reportedly entered remission and continued working in the profession she loved.
The statement also said she remained committed to regular medical check-ups during that period.
Her death marks the end of a career that extended across almost three decades and included appearances in Japanese films, television productions and internationally viewed projects.
Cancer Returned Earlier This Year
According to Alpha Agency, Nakamura’s cancer was detected again in January 2026.
The agency said she underwent surgery and that the operation was successful, but doctors subsequently discovered that the cancer had metastasised.
At that stage, the agency said the focus of her treatment shifted away from pursuing complete remission and toward managing the illness while helping her maintain the longest and most fulfilling life possible.
The details have been attributed to Alpha Agency’s statement and should not be interpreted as an independent medical assessment.
Her Condition Worsened in August
Nakamura’s health reportedly deteriorated further in August 2026, when she developed another intestinal obstruction.
The agency said she was told that she had very limited time remaining.
Despite the severity of her condition, Alpha Agency described Nakamura as calm and said she continued to show her characteristic kindness and smile. According to the statement, she spent her final period surrounded by family members and people close to her.
Her private funeral followed her death.
Co-Stars and Friends Remember Yuri Nakamura
Following news of Nakamura’s death, members of the Japanese entertainment industry shared tributes and memories of the actor.
Actor Jun Kaname remembered working with her and said that when they appeared together the previous year, she was energetic and helped create a lively atmosphere on the set.
Her co-star Ryohei Suzuki also expressed grief over her death.
Suzuki recalled first meeting Nakamura around two decades ago at an acting school and said that the two later worked together on multiple projects. In his tribute, he described her as strong yet gentle and as someone with dignity and beauty.
The reactions highlighted the long-standing professional relationships Nakamura had built throughout her career.
Yuri Nakamura’s Nearly Three-Decade Acting Career
Born Yuri Sei in Neyagawa, Osaka, Nakamura built a career spanning close to 30 years.
She worked across film and television and became associated with a wide range of Japanese productions. Her credits include the horror film Ju-On: Black Ghost, released in 2009, as well as the 2024 film Beyond Goodbye.
Her international visibility grew further through Romantics Anonymous, the Netflix romantic drama in which she appeared as part of the ensemble cast.
For audiences who followed Japanese cinema and television, her career represented a sustained presence across different periods of the country’s entertainment industry.
Yuri Nakamura’s Work in Romantics Anonymous
Nakamura was also known internationally through Netflix’s Romantics Anonymous, helping introduce her work to viewers outside Japan.
The series brought together Japanese and international audience interest around a romantic story set against a distinctive food-and-relationship backdrop. Nakamura’s involvement became one of the more recent chapters in a screen career that had already lasted decades.
Her passing is therefore being mourned not only within Japan’s entertainment community but also by viewers who discovered her work through streaming.
A Career Remembered Through Film and Television
Nakamura’s body of work covered multiple genres and formats, from television productions to film projects, including horror and drama.
Her earlier appearance in Ju-On: Black Ghost linked her to one of Japan’s best-known horror franchises, while later projects such as Beyond Goodbye and Romantics Anonymous introduced her work to newer audiences.
The breadth of her credits underscores the longevity of a career that began decades ago and continued despite the serious health challenges described by her agency.
Final Word
Yuri Nakamura’s death at 44 has brought an end to a screen career that lasted nearly 30 years. Her agency said she had lived through a lengthy period of cancer treatment, including remission, a recurrence discovered earlier in 2026 and a subsequent deterioration in her condition.
Friends and former co-stars have since remembered her for her warmth, professionalism and presence on set. Through films, television and streaming projects, Nakamura connected with audiences across different stages of her career.
She is survived by the memories of her work and by the family, friends and colleagues who were with her during her final days.
