NAGOYA, JAPAN (THECOUNT) — Hirata Runa, an 8-year-old trainee with the Japanese girls’ idol group DIANNA Project, has died five days after performing in concert, with the agency saying she died from myocarditis reportedly resulting from influenza.
Runa died at approximately 4 a.m. on Sept. 25, according to a statement shared through her official X account. DIANNA Project announced her death Sept. 28, expressing gratitude to fans and others who supported the young performer and asking the public to respect her family’s privacy.
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The agency identified Runa as a Nagoya trainee with DIANNA Project, an idol project based in Nagoya. The organization said her wake and funeral were held with only close relatives in attendance, in accordance with her family’s wishes.
Runa’s final performance took place Sept. 20, according to reports. Following the appearance, she shared a photograph on X and thanked those who supported her, writing that she had enjoyed the day.
Her death came only five days after that performance.
Runa’s family later thanked the fellow idols who had been kind to her, the fans who supported her, the agency that helped her become an idol and everyone else who had been involved in her life.
The family also asked that Runa remain in the hearts of those who knew and supported her. DIANNA Project separately requested that people refrain from individual inquiries, media requests and questions on social media concerning her death, citing consideration for the family’s feelings.
The agency said Runa died from myocarditis resulting from influenza. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, which can affect the heart’s ability to function normally. Viral infections, including influenza, can be associated with myocarditis.
Runa was born April 16, 2018, according to her DIANNA Project profile. Her listed interests included video games and travel.
DIANNA Project is based in Nagoya, a major city in central Japan and the capital of Aichi Prefecture. Nagoya is one of Japan’s largest metropolitan areas and sits on the Pacific coast between Tokyo and Osaka.
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