Japanese-Korean actress Yuri Nakamura has passed away from rectal cancer. She breathed her last on September 1 at the age of 44. Her agency, Alpha, confirmed the news of her death on September 14.

According to Variety, Nakamura's cancer was first diagnosed about 13 years ago.

At that time, she and the agency's president decided not to disclose her illness in the workplace to prevent coworkers from worrying unnecessarily.

Her cancer was subsequently brought under control through treatment. Along with regular health check-ups, Nakamura continued her acting career.

However, cancer was detected again in her body in January 2025. Post-surgery tests revealed that the disease had spread to various parts of her body.

Realizing that a full recovery was no longer possible, the actress focused on keeping the cancer under control.

According to the agency, she aimed for a longer and more vibrant life, continuing to work even during her illness with the encouragement of her doctors.

However, in August of this year, an intestinal obstruction made her realize that her final moments were approaching.

The agency stated that she received the news very calmly and maintained a beautiful, serene smile during her final moments spent with family and loved ones.

The agency's statement noted that a large part of Nakamura’s thirties and forties was spent battling cancer, yet that same period was filled with joy, fulfillment, and meeting countless wonderful people.

Early Life and Career
Born in Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, Yuri Nakamura was of mixed descent. Her father was a third-generation Zainichi Korean (Korean-descent resident in Japan), and her mother held dual citizenship in South Korea and Japan.

Before entering acting, Nakamura started her career in music. In 1996, she passed the singing audition for the popular reality show Asayan.

Later, she formed the musical duo Yurimari with her friend Mari Izawa. The duo debuted in 1998 but disbanded just a year later, after which Nakamura focused on acting.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she gained recognition by acting in both festival-oriented films and mainstream movies. Her notable works include:

• After the Storm (2016)
• Disaster film Fukushima 50 (2020)
• Science fiction movie Ark (2021)

She also acted in Netflix series such as Beyond Goodbye (2024) and Romantics Anonymous (2025). Her death has plunged the Japanese entertainment industry into mourning, remembering her dedication to her craft while battling cancer for many years.