Written by: Allysa Malicdem | Published on: July 18, 2021 at 3:08 PM PHT (GMT+8)
July 18, 2020 - Japan mourns the passing of Japanese actor and singer Haruma Miura. Today marks his first death anniversary. The 30-year old artist has starred in various TV anime series, anime films, stage plays and television and mini-series, earning his way to the top of his career. He was Eren Yeager in the two-part anime live action adaptation film ‘Attack on-Titan’ in 2015.
On the afternoon of July 18, 2020, Miura was found hanging in his closet at his condominium in Minato, Tokyo. His body was discovered by his manager who came to pick him up for work. Police investigations reported and concluded death by suicide, as an apparent suicide note was found in his room.
Friends of his claimed of seeing no signs of depression nor hints of anxiety and suicide from the actor. Fans and supporters offered condolences over the loss of an ‘idol’ and ‘icon’.
COMMEMORATING HARUMI MIURA:
Born on April 5, 1990 in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan, Harumi Miura started early in his entertainment industry, landing into roles that defined his acting career. He made his debut in the TV drama adaptation of the novel ‘Agri’ at age seven. He was cast alongside two members to form the boyband Brash Brats while continuing his acting career.
His first lead role was Taiyo Sasaki in the 2006 sports film ‘Catch a Wave’. He also landed main roles in various films including Shota Kazahaya in ‘Kimi ni Todoke’ (2010), Koji Shida in ‘Tokyo Park’ (2011), Yama in ‘Harlock: Space Pirate’ (2013), Ryo in ‘Five Minutes to Tomorrow’ (2014) and Sato in ‘Little Night, Little Love’ (2019). He also played Kamotaro Ito in the anime film adaptation ‘Gintama 2’ (2018).
Among his lead roles in TV anime adaptations and television series (NHK period dramas) include Ren Kazama in ‘Gokusen’ (2008), Fujimaru Takagi in Bloody Monday (2008-2009, for two seasons), Kotaro Mochizuki in ‘Samurai High School’ (2009), Hiroto Saeki in ‘Last Cinderella’ (2013), Takuto Sawada in ‘Boku no Ita Jikan’ (2014) and Daichi Yuki in ‘Two Weeks’ (2019).
Apart from TV and film acting, he also made appearances and even earned lead roles in theatrical plays including Val Xavier in ‘Orpheus Descending’ (2015), Lola in ‘Kinky Boots’ (2006) and Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov in ‘Crime and Punishment’ (2019).
In 2019, he made his debut as a singer with the release of his first single “Fight for Your Heart” followed by “Night Diver” in 2020.
His vast experiences led to nominations and awards, including:
Newcomer of the Year in the 31st Japan Academy Prize (2008) for the film ‘Koizora’
Newcomer of the Year as Artist in the 2009 Elan d’or Awards
Best Actor Award and Haruko Sugimura Award in the 24th Yomiuri Theater Award for the stage play ‘Kinky Boots’
Asia Star Award in the 2019 Seoul International Drama Awards for ‘the Japanese drama ‘Two Weeks’
TODAY:
It’s been a year since Japan had lost a ‘gem’. Haruma Miura will always be remembered for his works that introduced and spread Japanese culture through his works locally and internationally. Miura's legacy is forever etched on the hearts of his fans and supporters.
Like Eren Yeager, fly high!
Sources: Various sources, ARAMA Japan, NHK
