EIGHT-YEAR-OLD JAPANESE CHILD PERFORMER HIRATA RUNA DIES DAYS AFTER HER FINAL CONCERT

Eight-year-old Japanese child performer Hirata Runa, known affectionately as Luna-chan, has died suddenly just days after performing on stage.

Runa, who was training to become a pop idol with the DIANNA project in Nagoya, Japan, died on September 27, according to her family and agency.

Her agency said she died from myocarditis resulting from influenza. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle.

Her family said Runa “passed away peacefully” at around 4am.

The news came as a devastating shock to fans and fellow performers who had watched the young girl continue developing her career as a singer and dancer.

SHE PERFORMED JUST DAYS BEFORE HER DEATH

Runa had taken part in a live concert on September 20, just seven days before her death.

The performance was one of the final public appearances of the young performer, who had already spent a significant part of her childhood taking part in the idol programme.

Following the concert, Runa made what became her final social media post.

She thanked those who had supported the performance and wrote that she had had a wonderful time.

“I hope the people in part three have fun too,” she wrote.

At the time, there was no indication that the message would become her final post.

A CHILD WHO DREAMED OF BEING A POP STAR

Runa was born on April 16, 2018.

Her official profile described her interests as including travelling and playing video games.

She had spent around a third of her life involved in singing and dancing through the DIANNA project, which trains young performers in Nagoya.

Although she was only eight, Runa had already built a following among people who enjoyed watching the young performers develop their skills.

Her family said being an idol was an important part of Runa’s life.

In a tribute released after her death, they wrote:

“A third of Runa’s life was as an idol.”

They also described her as someone who loved everyone around her.

FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

Runa’s relatives held a funeral in her honour following her death.

In their emotional message, they asked people to remember the little girl for the happiness she brought to those around her.

“Runa loved everyone,” they said.

They added a heartfelt request:

“If possible, please let her stay in a corner of your hearts as an eternal idol.”

The family also thanked the people who had been part of Runa’s life, including friends who had supported her, fans who followed her activities and the organisation that helped her pursue her dream.

They also thanked everyone who had known and cared for her.

FANS LEFT SHOCKED BY HER SUDDEN DEATH

News of Runa’s death prompted an outpouring of grief online.

Fans described themselves as shocked and heartbroken after learning that the young performer had died so suddenly.

Fellow pop star trainee Miyata Ryoka also paid tribute, saying the news had left her “at a loss for words.”

For many who had followed Runa’s performances, the fact that she had appeared on stage only days before her death made the news particularly difficult to process.

WHAT IS MYOCARDITIS?

According to Runa’s agency, her death was caused by myocarditis resulting from influenza.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. It can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood and, in some cases, can lead to serious complications.

The agency’s statement did not provide further details about Runa’s illness before her death.

Her family have asked the public to respect their privacy while they mourn.

They specifically requested that people do not make private inquiries, seek interviews or raise questions about the circumstances surrounding her death on social media.

REMEMBERING LUNA-CHAN

Runa’s life was brief, but much of it was filled with the music and performances she loved.

She sang, danced and dreamed of becoming a pop idol, performing for audiences while still a child.

Her final concert took place only a week before she died.

Now, her family hopes that fans will remember her not simply for the heartbreaking circumstances of her death, but as the cheerful young girl who loved performing and brought happiness to people around her.

“A third of Runa’s life was as an idol,” her family said.

They hope she will remain “an eternal idol” in the hearts of those who knew and supported her.

Hirata Runa was eight years old.