On April 17, 2025, the entertainment world was rocked by the tragic news of actor Mizuki Itagaki's death at the young age of 24. His family shared the heartbreaking announcement via his official Instagram stories, stating, "Actor Mizuki Itagaki has passed away due to an unforeseen accident." This revelation came after Itagaki had been reported missing since the end of January 2025, and his body was later discovered in Tokyo.
Itagaki's family explained that he had been struggling with mental illness since 2024, which contributed to his disappearance. They expressed their gratitude to fans and colleagues who supported him throughout his career, stating, "He always wanted to bring smiles and joy to everyone through his artistic activities." The family also apologized for the delay in sharing this devastating news with fans who had been concerned for his well-being.
Born on October 25, 2000, in Tokyo, Itagaki made his film debut in 2014 with the movie "Gekijouban Ushijima-kun Part 2." He quickly rose to fame, participating in popular films such as "Ao Haru Ride" and "Solomon's Perjury." His television credits include significant roles in NHK Taiga dramas like "Hana Moyu" in 2015 and "Kirin ga Kuru" in 2021, as well as the 2020 morning drama series "Yell." In addition to his acting career, Itagaki was also a member of the vocal dance unit M!LK from 2014 to 2020.
In March 2024, Itagaki abruptly left his agency, Stardust Promotion, sparking concerns among fans due to the lack of an explanation. His profile was removed from the agency’s website, and the fan club was closed, leading to widespread speculation regarding his well-being. By late April 2024, Itagaki took to Instagram to reveal that he had left the agency and had been hospitalized.
Despite these challenges, Itagaki remained active in the entertainment industry, transitioning into game streaming and art streaming. However, updates on his social media accounts ceased after January 2025, leaving fans worried about his silence.
In a poignant reflection on his aspirations, a 14-year-old Itagaki once expressed his desire to become independent and responsible in his craft. He stated, "I want to grow up quickly and live on my own. I want to be an actor who is entrusted with responsibilities." His ambitions and talent were evident from a young age, having been scouted in Shibuya while in the fifth grade.
The announcement of Itagaki's passing elicited an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike. His TikTok and Instagram accounts were flooded with messages of sorrow, with many expressing disbelief and sharing memories of his work. One fan wrote, "I wanted to see Mizuki-kun's acting again," while another reminisced, "His performances and singing voice have always helped me. I will always love him."
Entertainment magazine Terebi-kun also paid tribute to Itagaki on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, "Actor Mizuki Itagaki has passed away at the age of 24. He has been active in many movies, TV dramas, etc. since his teens." They highlighted his role as a young Karakuri engineer in the 2015 special effects drama "#Hand-to-mouth Squadron Ninninger," noting the coincidental timing with the show's 10th anniversary this year.
As fans continue to mourn the loss of this talented young actor, it is clear that Mizuki Itagaki’s legacy will endure through his body of work and the impact he had on those who admired him. His journey, though tragically cut short, serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by young artists in the entertainment industry.
In the wake of his passing, discussions about mental health awareness have resurfaced, emphasizing the importance of support systems for individuals facing similar struggles. Itagaki's story sheds light on the often-hidden battles that many in the entertainment field endure, underlining the need for compassion and understanding.
As the community reflects on Itagaki's contributions to film and television, many hope that his story will inspire greater openness regarding mental health issues, encouraging others to seek help and support. His vibrant spirit and dedication to bringing joy to others will be remembered fondly by fans and peers alike.
Ultimately, Mizuki Itagaki's life, though brief, was filled with passion and promise. His performances will continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring that his memory lives on through the characters he portrayed and the joy he brought to countless fans.
