A talent scout discovered 15-year-old Miho Nakayama in Harajuku, Tokyo’s well-known center for youth culture. She released her debut single “C” and was given a starring role in the film Be-Bop High School, based on the manga series of the same name. It was the beginning of a successful career that produced 22 albums and eight Number One singles, as determined by the Oricon charts (the Japanese equivalent to Billboard).
As an actress, Miho was universally praised for her film and television work. She was nominated for Best Actress by the Japanese Film Academy and appeared numerous television shows, including the popular Love Story TV series.
In 2002, Miho married Japanese musician Hitonari Tsuji. Miho gave birth to a son a year later, but the marriage ended in divorce after 12 years. Tsuji moved to Paris and maintained custody of their child.
In December 2024, Miho canceled an appearance on a Christmas show, citing poor health. She was found dead in her home by staff later in the day. Miho was 54 years old. An investigation revealed she had died from “an accident” while bathing, but no further details were released.