Award-winning Japanese actress Yuko Takeuchi has been found dead at her Tokyo home at the age of 40.
Police have launched an investigation and suspect the mother of two took her own life, media reports say.
She is said to have been found by her actor husband Taiki Nakabayashi at their home in Shibuya Ward. Her death was confirmed at hospital.
Ms Takeuchi was a well-known actress in Japan, having appeared in many films and TV series during her career.
She played a female Sherlock Holmes in the 2018 HBO series Miss Sherlock, which was broadcast in several countries including the US.
She also won best actress in a leading role category three years in a row, between 2004 and 2007, in the Japanese Academy Awards.
Along with her long list of acting credits, Ms Takeuchi's warm, smiling, woman-of-the-people image made her popular with advertisers, Variety Magazine reports.
Although suicide has not been confirmed in Ms Takeuchi's case, it has been the cause of death for a number of Japanese talents recently, including the actress Sei Ashina earlier this month, actor Haruma Miura in July and wrestling star Hana Kimura in May.
Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world although figures have dropped since preventative measures were introduced in 2015, according to the World Health Organization.
Latest Stories
-
Medical Laboratory Professionals threaten to strike over conditions of service
2 hours -
Residents of Anloga, Keta express frustration over ECG billing
2 hours -
I don’t believe in praying in tongues – Strongman
2 hours -
‘After The floods’: VRA and GMet clash over cause of Akosombo Dam spillage disaster
2 hours -
‘After The Floods’: Victims suffer harsh conditions 6 months after Akosombo dam disaster
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo to unveil Otumfuo commemorative stamp
3 hours -
EduSpots distributes over 100 tablets and laptops to 30 community-led education spaces
3 hours -
Taxation is driving away investors – FABAG General Secretary
4 hours -
Effutu MP commissions office for Hepatitis B; absorbs cost of testing, vaccination and management
4 hours -
Bawumia pushes for land digitisation to tackle land guard menace
4 hours -
Faith-based institutions are instrumental in national development – Bawumia
4 hours -
Upholding the Integrity of Presidential Promises: A call to Ghanaian leaders
4 hours -
I don’t start ‘beefs’; I only reply – Strongman refutes claims
4 hours -
Vice President Bawumia promises reforms to turn Ghana’s fortunes around
4 hours -
REGSEC warns encroachers along Tema-Sakumono Ramsar site as it races to prevent flooding
5 hours