According to a September 16 report by Japanese media outlet Shukan Bunshun, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, head of Nakayama Miho’s agency Big Apple, revealed that funeral costs—including venue rental, video production, and floral arrangements—totaled under 20 million yen (approximately 180 million KRW). He explained that while some remaining condolence money was originally intended for her family, its delivery has been delayed due to ongoing inheritance issues.
As suspicions mounted over the handling of condolence funds, Suzuki clarified, “Nakayama Miho’s son has already renounced his inheritance. Legally, her elderly mother is the heir, but complex family matters have slowed the process.” He added that although the agency prepared the farewell ceremony with sincerity, Miho’s younger sister, Nakayama Shinobu, continued to voice dissatisfaction.
Close acquaintances revealed that Miho had been estranged from her mother for years due to financial conflicts, claiming that her mother had squandered or invested her earnings, straining their relationship.
Shinobu later expressed her side, stating, “It’s not about money. What saddens me is that my sister’s farewell was handled unilaterally by her agency, leaving little room for the family’s heartfelt intentions. I am not trying to monopolize her legacy, only to protect her dignity within my means.”
Nakayama Miho debuted as an idol singer in 1985 before transitioning to acting, eventually becoming one of Japan’s most beloved actresses. She gained international recognition for her leading role in the film Love Letter, which also won her fame in Korea.
On December 6, she was found dead in her home bathtub, shocking fans across Asia. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police determined her cause of death as “drowning while bathing,” with Japanese media suggesting the possibility of “heat shock”—a sudden temperature change that can trigger strokes or heart attacks.
Nine months later, her passing continues to draw mourning. Around 10,000 fans attended her farewell ceremony in April, a testament to her enduring influence. However, with the estate dispute escalating, it remains uncertain how quickly the matter will be resolved.
Sources: Daum
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