Matsuno Rina of Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku Passes Away (08/02/2017)

I don't like posting these kinds of things, and I especially don't like posting them right away. I don't want to feel like a mindless news reporter, stating the news like it's any other day, any other occurrence. So, if I never immediately post something like this, it's because I want the right words, and because I hope to seem respectful to those that have passed. This is not just 'news' to me, and it isn't just 'news' to you.

Idols are people we care about, and these are the kinds of post I don't want to simply publish and brush over. I am not a disconnected news outlet. I am an Idol fan, like everyone else.

Today, in the early hours of the morning, Matsuno Rina passed away. She was 18 years old, and many of you knew her as a member of Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku. The cause of her death is undetermined as of right now, but nothing will lessen the sadness and pain that her friends, family, fellow group members, management and fans are feeling at this sudden news.

I know a lot of you are heartbroken. Even those who don't follow Ebichu are in mourning. Even when it is an Idol we know little about, or do not cheer on as we do others, the passing of a beloved Idol is hard for all of us, because we are all fans, and we bear the same feelings and hope for the Idols we do cheer on. So, we feel your pain, and we grieve with you.

I do not follow Ebichu, but when I heard the news, all I could do was cry. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and loss Rina's family and fellow group mates are feeling right now, or how saddened and stricken with grief her fans are. It's an unimaginable feeling, and I am so sorry that you are all going through this pain right now.

Right now, I am sad and I am mad. I am sad, because a young girl has died so suddenly in her youth and without warning. I am sad because all those who have loved her, from near or afar, are grief stricken and at a loss for what to do. I am sad because someone's sunshine has been covered by nothing but dismal grey and burning rain, and I am sad because her smile will no longer be present in many of your lives.

And I am mad because there are people out there who dare to say 'I wonder how long it will take Ebichu to disband'. I am mad because people think her Idol career lead her to this point. I am mad because she was so young, and was taken so quickly. I am mad that life can be so cruel.

I want to cry, and I want to hug people. I want to punch a wall and throw a tantrum. I want to make sure the people I know, the ones that loved her, are okay.

I don't want to post this post. But, I want to reach out and say to everyone 'I am sorry' and let you know that Matsuno Rina, even though I did not know or follow her or Ebichu, are in my heart and mind this sad, lonely day.

The Idols we adore and follow, though we do expect them to leave our lives at some point, this is not the way we want to see them go. We hope to see a grand graduation, and to see them lead their lives happily after graduation. We want to know they are fine, and to hear that they are still meeting their fellow members at concerts and dinner dates, or to see them perform again in a new group, or watch as they walk down a new career path.

We never expect to see our Idol one last time. Their smile promises a return, an everlasting ray of sunshine that will warm your heart, and swear to you that they will always be there. You never expect that ray of sunshine to stop shining down on you, so when something as sudden as Rina's passing happens - even when it isn't sudden - the world becomes colder than it already is.

Today is a sad day in the Idol World, and I hope you keep Matsuno Rina, her family, friends, Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku, all of 3B Junior, Stardust Promotions and the fans in your thoughts and heart today. Today, the industry has lost a sweet girl to the perils of nature, and no matter what or who caused it, February 8th, 2017 is a sad and lonely day, and we should pay our respects as best we can to this Idol who has left our lives in the saddest way possible.

But please, even in this time of grief and pain, don't forget the happiness she has brought you. Even when an Idol is gone, never let their smile fade from your memories.

Rest In Peace, Matsuno Rina. You are in my thoughts, like all the other fans out there who loved and adored you.

(For further information regarding this sudden news and turn of events, please follow these Links):

Tokyo Reporter

Arama Japan

Rocket News

Anime News Network

Maruyama Karin, The Idol of An Eternal Summer, has Passed Away

To everyone, whether you were a fan of Maruyama Karin or not, please remember her fondly, and please remember her with absolute love.

Image from Maruyama Karin's Official Website

On May 22nd 2015, at 1:30pm, the Idol who had hoped for an Eternal Summer has sadly passed away. Maruyama Karin, who was 21 years old, lost her battle with lung cancer that she had been fighting. The Idol had also suffered a brain tumor from a young age, and yet, despite all of this, she still strived to live out her dream to become an Idol, and was able to make that wish come true this year with the release of her first single.

Karin, nicknamed Rin-chan, worked hard to live out her dream career despite her illness, despite all of the surgeries, and despite how much it tired her. She worked hard, and through this hard work and dedication to become an Idol, she reached out to a lot of people and inspired many, both Wota and Idols alike. She truly became the Idol that inspired all.

Image from Maruyama Karin's Official Website

Even though she was only here for a short time, debuting in 2012 but finally releasing her first solo single in 2015, Rin-chan allowed her presence to be known, and fought for what she wanted to do the most. She is a person who we see that shows us all that life is a one time chance for many, and that sometimes, you must do the things you love and aspire to do even when you do not have much time left within this world. For Rin-chan, it was a dream to bring happiness to others no matter what the set backs, and by doing so, she became an Idol who not only made others happy, but also became an Idol who many would look up to for the battle she was taking on, and the setbacks that could have easily deterred her from such a tiring job.

Since her passing, Idols around Japan who have known and met Rin-chan have grieved for and praised her, just as many Wota have. It is sad and unjust that, in this world, Rin-chan was taken away so early on in her life, when she had so much to live for. But, even though she was struggling in her personal life, as an Idol she would still smile and shine, and she took her once in a lifetime chance, and never let the cancer take away her status as an Idol.

Image from Maruyama Karin's Official Website

Even though I personally was not a fan of hers, nor did I really know of Maruyama Karin as an Idol, I still thought that she was an admirable person who was, in many ways, a strong and wonderful person. It takes strength to pursue a career in being an Idol, however it takes even more strength to pursue such a career as well as battle an illness as draining and threatening as cancer.

Upon hearing of her death last night, I was deeply saddened and taken aback by the news that she had left our world and made her way to a new life. Her death has touched many, and her days as an Idol left a great impression upon not only the fans within Japan, but the Western fans as well. Though we did not know her for long, she was an Idol who everyone knew of, and an Idol we greatly respected and, for many, adored and loved. Though I was not a fan of hers, I was still a fan of Idols who respected what she was doing, and felt inspired by her, too.

Now, however, Rin-chan is without pain, but in her last moments of life, I hope that she held only happy memories from her short-lived life, and held close to her the days she spent as the Idol that she had always wanted to be, and the great joy she brought to those around her. Truly, she will be missed, but forever she will be loved.

Image from babymetal.net

May you Rest in Peace, Maruyama Karin. Though you are now gone, you will be remembered fondly by family, friends, Idols, fans, and even those who were not your fans. To many, you will always be an Eternal Idol.

Maruyama Karin
August 2nd, 1993 ~ May 22nd, 2015
ありがとう

御報告 アイドルとして皆様に愛されて、最後まで生きる希望を失わず、癌と闘って参りましたが、丸山夏鈴は本日１３時１０分に静かに息をひきとりました。 夏鈴のひとりごと動画も昨日で最終回となります。 本日まで丸山夏鈴を御支援していただき有難うございました。

— チェリかめ (@cherryyukarin) May 22, 2015

The announcement, through Karin's mother, announcing the sad news that Rin-chan had passed on, and lost her fight with cancer.

Rin-chans first and only single, Eternal Summer, and its PV.

A video my good friend Vivian suggested for me to watch, that allowed her to fall in love with Rin-chan.

Finally, Rin-chan's final video that she had recorded before her passing.

Articles On Maruyama's Passing:

Tokyo Girls' Update
J-Pop Idols
Pure Idol Heart
OhayoSeoul

Tsukimiya Karen of Steamgirls Passes Away

Source Links:

Nihongogo

J-Pop Idols

Mecha Punch

Arama! Japan

On September 8th 2014, it was announced that Tsukimiya Karen of Steamgirls, under the underground-Idol agency Alice Project, had died in what is being considered an accident in July of this year. Her father had alerted the agency of her passing on the same day that it was revealed to the press.

Karen, who was 17 at the time of her passing, had been taking a break from her activities within the agency and the group in order to treat depression and anxiety. She reported to the fans that she still wished to perform, however, and so did not graduate from the group or agency.

The cause for Karen's death is unclear, other than that is being referred to as an accident.

Now, Karen's profile and photo have been removed from the official website, but her official blog and twitter have been left open per her fathers request, at least for now.

This is depressing. Like, it really pains me. The fact that another girl has passed and also the fact that this is the third piece of Idol news this month, in the past two weeks at most, that I have heard an Idol has died. This is really sad.

I was really shocked to see this news, so soon after the news of the girls of LADIES' CODE, and I didn't expect it; who does? We don't expect Idols, especially girls this young and energetic and with so much ahead of them, to leave their lives so quickly and so suddenly. I was so sad when I read about all of this, not just because of the fact there has been so much in terms of death happening lately around the globe, but also because even though I didn't know of Tsukimiya Karen directly, I actually did know of Alice Project and Steamgirls, because I once followed Alice Project as a whole a few years ago. That, and hearing about the deaths of anyone really makes me sad and I feel hurt for their family, friends, co-workers and fellow group mates.

The saddest part about Karen's death, though, is that we don't actually know what happened to the poor girl; I have my own speculation that it may have been suicide, and I am sorry for voicing that thought, but that is what I think. When I saw that she had gone on a break to treat anxiety and depression, I just thought that could be the reason... and that's horrible, that's sad. Death is sad, and we've seen a lot of it lately, but I feel so... I don't know. I feel down, pained. All of this news is just so horrible, I don't like it, but who does? I'm really saddened by this new departure. She was so young, and I feel for everyone who knew and loved her, because she was the light in someone's life, for sure.

I cried when I heard the news. I think I tried to not believe it when I heard it, because it's just something I really did not want to hear, but I know it's happened; I'm sad. I'm truly, deeply saddened by this, and I feel for hr parents, family, friends, co-workers... everyone who adored this girl and loved her. She was gone too soon.

17 is too young to die. EunB and RiSe's tender ages of 22 and 23 scared me with how young they had passed, but 17 is even younger. It's scary, and no child or person should die when their life is pretty much just beginning, accident or not.

I don't know, like many others, what caused Karen's death, and I don't want to speculate on it. All I can say is that I hope, before she left this world, Karen knew how much she was loved and how blessed she was. I hope she rests in peace and is no longer hurting, feeling the pain or overwhelming stress. I hope that right now, she is in a happier place.

I pray and think of her parents, family, friends, the agency she was under and her co-workers, fellow members, and I hope that they remember the good times with Karen and all of her smiles, the joy that she brought everyone. I hope that now, she can rest.

It's sad news to hear once again, and I am sorry for once again writing a post about a young Idol's passing. But please, think of Karen, and think of those who loved her dearly.

LADIES' CODE's RiSe Passes Away (7/09/2014)

The Korea Times US

All KPop

Metro

BBC News UK

Earlier this morning, it was reported that LADIES' CODE member RiSe, 23, sadly passed away after succumbing to the injuries she had sustained during the accident that took place on the 3rd of this month.

The news comes just 4 days after the passing of fellow member EunB, who died just after the accident had taken place.

RiSe had undergone operation for serious head injury following the crash and fell into a coma, however this morning at 10:10am, she left the lives of many.

Polaris Entertainment reported;

‘At the time of the accident on the 3rd, RiSe obtained a big injury to her head and was moved to the hospital. She was operated on as much as possible for a long time, but she has ultimately passed away.
‘Her parents, who came from Japan, and the label employees stayed with her at the end. We are sorry to give another sad news since the late EunB and we cannot hide our sorrow.’

Further reports concerning Sojung, Ashley and Zuny are still recovering from their injuries, with both Ashley and Zuny being released from hospital, whilst Sojung is currently still in hospital after being operated on for a facial fracture, and is in recovery.

I'm sorry to once again update with sad news, but when I heard about RiSe's passing I knew that I wanted to say something towards it.

I'm sad. I'm really sad. I didn't listen to or even know of LADIES' CODE until recently, actually until the accident happened, but I feel so terrible right now for those who have lost two girls, EunB and RiSe respectfully, to this horrible crash that could not have been prevented. The news, even for us none-fans who aren't into K-Pop or the group itself, are so devastated. It's cruel, it's heartbreaking, and sadly it is reality; today, we have lost another life far too early on. She was only 23.

I won't lie and say that this sort of thing isn't scary for me; it really is, and realising that two girls who were so blessed and loved by many, family, friends, fellow members, workers and also their beloved fans, have passed on to the Heavens, resting in peace and away from life now, it's scary to think about just how easily we can be taken away.

It's difficult to think that someone so young and loved was taken away so early on in her life, but after her struggle with her head injuries and surgery, I hope that now, finally, RiSe is able to rest in peace and will no longer hurt or suffer from what happened. Now, she is with EunB.

I'm deeply saddened by this, I don't like that it's happening, but this is life; it snatches away precious lives from us sometimes, and we suffer for it with our grief.

I am so sorry to every fan of RiSe, EunB and LADIES' CODE who is suffering right now. My prayers and thoughts are once again with those who cared for RiSe and are having a difficult time right now. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know that you will all keep RiSe and EunB in your thoughts during this sad month.

Rest in Peace, RiSe. You were too young to leave this world, but now you won't hurt any more. I am so sorry that you had to leave this Earth far too early.

LADIES' CODE member EunB Passes Away (03/09/2014)

Edit: This post has been edited due to clarification that the driver was not killed on accident.

Sources:

Inquisitr

Hollywood Take

Today, September 3rd, it was revealed just an hour or so ago that the member EunB of the Korean girl group LADIES' CODE has died during a tragic accident. She was just 22 years old.

Reports reveal that around 1am today in Korea, the van the girls were in lost control due to slippery roads and that EunB died her injuries. Sojung and RiSe are both in critical condition from the accident. The other members, Zuny and Ashley, as well as two stylists and their managers were injured but are not in critical condition.

This is news I heard from my friend earlier, someone who enjoys K-pop far more than I do and whom I think does enjoy the group. The news, even for a non-K-pop fan, is extremely heartbreaking and horrible to hear. I don't want to hear this sort of thing anywhere, and it is so saddening to know that someone so young and with a whole life ahead of them was taken from this world early on.

It's scary and terrible, and it has shocked so many people around the globe. The news has shaken everyone up, whether you are a fan or just some random passerby who happened to hear this tragic news story on the web. Like everyone else, I am saddened by this news and in a state of disbelief as well; someone so young and talented has been taken away so quickly. All I can do right now aside from grieve for the poor girl that was taken away is wish her family, friends and co-workers my condolences and prayers, much like everyone else around the world.

This is disheartening news to think about for anyone, but please keep EunB and her family, friends, band-mates and co-workers in your minds today and wish for their well-being and that they pull through this terrible time of grief they are all going through. This is a hard time for many, especially those who were closest to EunB as well as her fans, and this news has devastated us all, but please keep her in your thoughts.

Rest In Peace, EunB. You will be dearly missed, but we thank you for your short time on this Earth and for the greatness you have brought the fans, the love you have given your friends and family, and the music you have delivered since stepping into the lives of many people around her. Your soul will live on, and you will truly be remembered by many.