On April 23, 2020, actress and talent Kumiko Okie passed away from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and joy. She was 63 years old at the time of her death. As the first anniversary of her passing approached, her husband Kenichi Okawada and daughter Miyu Okawada commemorated her life with a heartfelt online music memorial service titled 'Smile! Okie Festival ~With Music~'. The event, streamed live, featured piano performances and fond memories shared by friends, creating a touching atmosphere that celebrated Okie's life.
During this emotional gathering, Kenichi Okawada, who had previously avoided interviews, broke down as he recounted his wife's final days. "It was hard to express everything, but I wanted to share her story," he said, tears in his eyes. Miyu Okawada, who organized the event and reflected on her mother's impact, stated, "Somehow something was completed within me," capturing the bittersweet essence of the occasion.
On April 14, 2025, Miyu shared a poignant moment during the memorial, revealing that she wore her mother's dress, which fit her perfectly. "I still can't believe what happened to my family in April 2020," she explained. The loss of her mother has left an indelible mark on her heart, as she struggled to reconcile her grief with the passage of time. "Even now, tears suddenly overflow in a casual moment of daily life," she admitted. Both Miyu and Kenichi were unable to visit Okie during her hospitalization or hold a funeral, leaving them with unresolved feelings about her passing.
In a recent appearance on TV Asahi's 'Tetsuko's Room', Miyu and Kenichi discussed their lives since Okie's death. They revealed that they have been living together in a two-family residence for the past four years, a change proposed by Miyu after her mother's passing. Miyu, a single mother living with her eldest daughter, explained her reasoning: "I knew my father was also in sorrow, and I thought it would be nice to support each other as a family, so I proposed it." Kenichi responded, "Maybe I looked lonely. I was happy to be called out to," highlighting the bond that has formed between them since the tragedy.
The two-family setup has allowed them to maintain a close relationship, with Kenichi noting that they share meals together about once a week. The arrangement has provided both comfort and companionship in the wake of their loss. Kenichi, who described himself as a "working couple," has taken on household responsibilities, including cooking. On the show, he showcased his culinary skills with dishes like broccoli and shrimp Chinese style and asparagus meat rolls, surprising Miyu, who thought her mother had done most of the cooking. "I didn't think he could cook so well. I thought my mother made almost everything," she remarked, illustrating the evolving dynamics of their household.
As they navigated their grief, Miyu also spoke about her nine-year-old daughter, who bears a striking resemblance to her late grandmother. "I sometimes think she looks a lot like my mother. My mother also said before she died that my daughter, who was small at the time, looked like me and was very independent," she shared. This connection to Okie has provided a sense of continuity and hope for the family.
Miyu's daughter recently studied abroad in Thailand, demonstrating her independence and adventurous spirit. "There is a winter camp at the school in Thailand. I told her that I couldn't go with her because I had work, but she went alone for a week," Miyu explained. Their conversations during her time away revealed a strong sense of autonomy, as her daughter preferred to socialize with friends rather than speak with her mother. "Her independence is similar to my mother's. She's going her own way. She's stubborn," Miyu noted, reflecting on the legacy of strength that Okie has passed down.
As the family continues to cope with their loss, the memories of Kumiko Okie remain a guiding light in their lives. The live memorial service not only honored her legacy but also allowed both Kenichi and Miyu to express their grief and love for a woman who touched so many hearts. The journey of healing is ongoing, but with the support of one another, they are finding ways to celebrate Okie's life while navigating their own paths forward.
In the end, the story of Kumiko Okie is not just one of loss but also of resilience and love. Her family, though forever changed by her absence, is committed to keeping her spirit alive through their shared memories and experiences. As they continue to support each other, they embody the very essence of what it means to be a family, united in both joy and sorrow.
