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Japanese pop star Hirata Runa—who rose to fame as a trainee member of Japanese girls’ idol group DIANNA Project—died of myocarditis which was brought on by influenza. She was 8.
By Sasha Wayman Oct 03, 2026 4:10 PM | Updated 5 minutes ago
Child Pop Star Hirata Runa Dies at 8
Hirata Runa’s family is facing the worst.
The pop star—who was a trainee member of Japanese girls’ idol group DIANNA Project—died of myocarditis, a heart condition caused by influenza, her talent agency confirmed on Sept. 28. She was 8.
Sharing that Runa “has passed away due to myocarditis resulting from influenza,” in a translated statement shared online, her agency added, “We extend our deepest gratitude to all the fans who have supported Hirata Runa and to all those involved who have provided assistance.”
Myocarditis is defined by inflammation of the myocardium, a muscle that is responsible for making the heart contract, according to Mayo Clinic, which can reduce the organ’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.
The statement continued, “Out of respect for the feelings of the bereaved family, we kindly ask that you refrain from making individual inquiries, interviews, or asking questions on social media regarding this matter.”
Just five days before her death, Runa had performed at a concert on Sept. 20, according to Chinese outlet The Standard.
“Thank you for today too,” she wrote on X after her final performance alongside a photo of her smiling, “I appreciate it It was so much fun.”
DIANNA Project also shared that a wake and funeral were held for Runa, which they added in their statement “were held privately for immediate family and close relatives only.”
X/Hirata Runa
Following her death, Runa’s loved ones spoke out about how she would have wanted to be remembered.
“One third of Runa’s life was spent as an idol,” they wrote in a statement shared to her X account, “please let her remain in a corner of your hearts as an eternal idol.”
“To all the fellow idols who were kind to Ruyu during her lifetime,” they added, “to the fans who supported Ruyu, to everyone at the agency who made Ruyu an idol, and to all the people who were involved with Ruyu, thank you very much.”
Keep reading for more of Runa's sweetest photos...
X/Hirata Runa
A Star Is Born
Runa proved she was ready to follow her dreams, striking a powerful pose in September 2024.
At the time, the young star captioned the pic, "Today, I'm gonna give it my all at the regular performance, yo!"
X/Hirata Runa
Strike a Pose
The idol trainee showed off her street style in a coordinated blue ensemble with fun headpiece in May 2025.
X/Hirata Runa
Soaking Up Summer
Runa beat the heat with a summer adventure in Morikoro Park in July 2026.
X/Hirata Runa
Rawr!
The child pop star had some fun with a Godzilla exhibit at a mall in Nagoya, Japan in September 2026.
X/Hirata Runa
Pretty in Pink
Runa threw up a peace sign while posing in a matching pink set in September 2026.
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