
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】
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro music box to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Suspected Japanese ice cream cartel under investigation for price-fixing
All-you-can-eat cheese restaurant in Tokyo is a hidden gem not many people know about
Pokémon coming to Japan’s highway rest stops with exclusive merch and stamp rally this summer
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
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