Actress and singer Miho Nakayama found dead in bath hours before she was due to go on stage

Actress and singer Miho Nakayama has tragically been found dead in the bath, just hours before she was due to go on stage.

Actress and singer Miho Nakayama has been found dead in the bath at her home – hours before she was due to go on stage at a Christmas concert.

The 54-year-old was known for starring in the 1995 movie Love Letter and her success as a singer in the 1980s and 90s, reports The Sun.

The Japanese star failed to show up to work on Friday which led a member of team to her home – where they found her unresponsive.

Japanese actress Miho Nakayama has been found dead. Picture: Junko Kimura/Getty Images

They called paramedics who confirmed her death at the scene, local media reports.

Miho was to perform at a Christmas show in Osaka today – but she had reportedly cancelled beforehand, citing poor health.

A statement published by her agency to her website confirmed her tragic death.

“We are stunned by the sudden occurrence of this event,” it read.

Her cause of death has not been confirmed.

No cause of death has been confirmed. Picture: Junko Kimura/Getty Images

Miho was one of Japan’s most popular teen stars in the 1980s and went on to enjoy a successful acting career.

Love Letter – a film about a grieving widow’s letters with a stranger, in which she played the lead role – became a massive box office hit and garned critical acclaim, as well as earning Miho numerous awards.

The actress leaves behind a son, whom she shares with her musician ex-husband.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Actress and singer Miho Nakayama found dead in bath hours before she was due to go on stage