Hirata Runa, an 8-year-old trainee with the Japanese idol program DIANNA Project, has died only days after what became her final public performance.
DIANNA Project announced on September 28 that the Nagoya trainee died from myocarditis associated with an influenza infection. A message later shared through Runa’s social account said she died at around 4 a.m. on September 25.
Five days earlier, Runa had appeared at DIANNA Project’s Regular Live Vol. 70 on September 20. She posted after the event to thank supporters and wrote that she had enjoyed the performance, a message that became her final public post.
The agency thanked fans and others who had supported Runa and said her wake and funeral were held privately with close relatives. It also asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
Her Final Performance Came Five Days Before Her Death
Runa appeared at DIANNA Project’s Regular Live Vol. 70 on September 20 as one of the project’s Nagoya trainees. Japanese outlet Nikkan Sports reported that the appearance became her final performance.
She thanked people for the day and wrote that she had a good time, while encouraging fans attending the later portion of the event to enjoy themselves as well.
DIANNA Project had announced the September regular performance earlier in the month as part of its continuing live schedule. Other trainees and groups from the project also appeared during the day’s programming.
DIANNA Project Said Myocarditis Was Associated With an Influenza Infection
In its official announcement, DIANNA Project said Runa died from myocarditis associated with influenza. The statement also confirmed that her wake and funeral had already taken place privately at the family’s request.
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle that can weaken the heart and interfere with both its pumping function and electrical system. The American Heart Association says viral infections, including influenza, are among the infections that can lead to the condition.
Children can develop acute myocarditis following viral illnesses. The American Heart Association notes that viral infections are the most common cause of myocarditis in children and that severe cases can progress rapidly, although symptoms and severity vary widely from one patient to another.
Influenza itself can produce cardiac complications in children, including myocarditis and pericarditis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Her Family Asked Fans to Remember Her as an ‘Eternal Idol’
Runa’s family later shared a message thanking the young performers who had been kind to her, the fans who supported her and the agency that gave her the opportunity to pursue her interest in becoming an idol.
TV Asahi reported that the family confirmed Runa had died at approximately 4 a.m. on September 25. The family also expressed gratitude to everyone who had been part of her life and entertainment activities.
They said approximately one-third of Runa’s life had been spent pursuing her idol activities and asked supporters to keep her in their memories as an “eternal idol.”
Runa Was One of DIANNA Project’s Young Nagoya Trainees
Runa was born on April 16, 2018, according to her official DIANNA Project profile. The project listed gaming and traveling among her interests.
DIANNA Project operates as an idol development program in which young performers train in singing, dancing and live performance while working toward more established roles within the project’s groups. Japanese outlet J-CAST News reported that the project is operated by Nagoya talent agency SISTERMANAGEMENT.