#SHOWBIZ: Child J-pop star Hirata Runa dies aged 8 from flu-related heart condition

TOKYO: Japanese child pop star Hirata Runa has passed away at the age of eight, just days after delivering her final live concert performance.

Hirata, a trainee member of the Japanese girl group Dianna, "passed away peacefully" in the early hours of Sept 25, according to a family statement released on X.

Her talent agency subsequently confirmed that the young performer died of myocarditis brought on by influenza complications.

According to medical experts at the Mayo Clinic, myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can severely impair its ability to pump blood, often causing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rhythms.

The Dianna Project management expressed its sorrow and requested privacy for the grieving relatives.

"The wake and funeral were held privately with only close family members present, in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family," the agency said.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to all the fans who supported Hirata Runa and to all those involved who provided assistance."

The management also asked the public to refrain from interviewing family members or making direct inquiries on social media out of respect for their privacy during this difficult time.

The tragedy occurred less than a week after Hirata's final performance in Nagoya on Sept 20.

Following that show, the young singer posted a picture of herself smiling on X along with a final message to her supporters, writing: "Thank you for today, I appreciate it. It was so much fun."