Idol had missed Tuesday concert before succumbing to unspecified disease.
Rina Matsuno, a member of the idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, passed away on Wednesday, February 8 due to an unspecified disease. She was 18.
The group’s official website had announced on Tuesday that she could not appear at a Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku concert that day due to a health issue.
Sources close to her said that she was recuperating at her home when her condition took a turn for the worse early Wednesday morning. Her parents phoned emergency medical services at around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday. An ambulance took her to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The 18-year-old idol was born in Tokyo on July 16, 1998, and she was scouted for the entertainment industry when she was in first grade. She has made appearances with her idol group in various commercials and modeled in fashion magazines. She also acted in live-action films such as Joker Game Escape, where she acted alongside former Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku member Hirono Suzuki.
Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, which operates as a “little sister group” to Momoiro Clover Z, has performed theme songs for such anime as Pikachu to Eevee Friends, Naruto Spin-Off: Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals, Pokémon: Black and White: Rival Destinies, and Nanana’s Buried Treasure.
Source: Fuji News Network, Asahi Shimbun via Hachima Kikō
Featured image: © RocketNews24
More from Anime News Network:
AKB48 idols Anna Iriyama, Rina Kawaei released from hospital
Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece Voice Actor Ed Blaylock Passes Away
In a shocking twist, some idol singers really will go out with you if you buy their albums
Japan’s most beautiful idol singer faces, with AKB48 barely cracking the top 10【Survey】
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Denny’s in Japan?
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Idols stand by cryptocurrency after major theft leaves them without paychecks
Anime Romance Video Promotes Super Glue on ‘Kiss Day’
Idol anime voice actress explains why she doesn’t like being called an “idol”
Japanese idol reveals disgusting secret about stuffed animals she’s received from fans
The 10 best anime about idols, as chosen by the Internet masses
The Japanese government made an idol anime, and it literally wants your blood【Video】
Former AKB48 idol to take on lead role in live-action Spirited Away stage play
2016 Live-Action Death Note film casts former AKB48 idol Rina Kawaei
Gravity Rush 2 PS4 Game Delayed to January 20