Japanese actress Nakayama Miho dies at age 54

Nakayama Miho. Photo from Weibo

Popular Japanese actress Nakayama Miho has been found dead at her home in Tokyo. She was 54.

Police in the capital reportedly rushed to Nakayama's home in Shibuya Ward after being called by her management agency Friday afternoon. She was confirmed dead at the scene.

Police are investigating the cause of her death.

Nakayama made her acting debut in 1985. She also launched a career as a singer that year and soon became a pop star.

She starred in TV dramas and films, including the 1995 movie "Love Letter" and "Kenja no Ai" in 2016.

"Love Letter" remains one of her most recognized works internationally, earning her critical acclaim and several best actress awards. She was also nominated for a Japanese Academy Award for her role in "Tokyo Biyori" in 1998.

In 2002, she married, moved to Paris and took a long break, returning to the TV and film industries in 2010.