Mizuki Itagaki, a 24-year-old Japanese actor and former member of the boy band M!LK, has tragically passed away in Tokyo, as confirmed by his family on April 17, 2025. This heartbreaking news follows a period during which he had been reported missing since January 2025. Mizuki's family shared their sorrow through a heartfelt statement on social media, expressing their deep grief over his untimely death.
In their statement, the family revealed, “We’re very sorry to share that actor Itagaki Mizuki has passed away due to an unfortunate incident.” The family extended their gratitude to Mizuki's fans, saying, “To all the fans who supported him with so much warmth, and to everyone who worked with him, we’re truly grateful from the bottom of our hearts.” This message resonated with many who had followed Mizuki's career and admired his talents.
Despite his success, Mizuki had been grappling with mental health issues that reportedly intensified over the past year. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, as the police had initiated a search which ultimately led to the discovery and identification of his body. His family has not disclosed specific details regarding the cause of his death, but they did express their regret for not being able to share this difficult news sooner with those who were worried about him.
Mizuki Itagaki was known for his roles in films such as The Fool’s Kiss and Fake Motion, and he had recently been taking steps to return to his acting career. His family lamented, “It’s heartbreaking that his life ended like this, something even he probably never expected.” This sentiment reflects the shock felt not only by his family but also by his fans and colleagues.
Born in Tokyo in 2000, Mizuki's journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age. He was just 10 years old when he was discovered by an agent from Stardust Promotion while shopping with his mother. This led to his debut in a music video for the band Fujifabric. Mizuki made his acting debut in the movie Dark Gold Ushima-kun Part 2 in 2014, shortly after joining the J-pop group M!LK.
Throughout his career, Mizuki earned accolades for his performances, including a Best Actor award from critics. He starred in numerous popular television shows, including Black Cinderella, In-house Marriage Honey, and Super Rich. His versatility as an actor and his ability to connect with audiences made him a beloved figure in the entertainment community.
Mizuki's family also shared that he had been working towards a comeback in his professional life and had recently shown signs of recovery, which makes the news of his passing even more tragic. They expressed hopes that fans would keep Mizuki’s memory alive by warmly remembering his work. “He always put his heart into his acting, hoping to bring smiles and happiness to all who watched him,” they noted.
In the wake of his passing, fans have taken to social media to share tributes and express their sorrow. Many described Mizuki as a person who brought immense joy through his performances and down-to-earth personality. One fan emphasized, “Mizuki wasn’t just a kind person but also an incredibly talented actor,” while another expressed a wish that the world had shown him more kindness during his struggles.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans have been sharing their feelings of shock and devastation. One user referred to Mizuki as “many j-movie enthusiasts’ first love,” and others echoed sentiments of love and peace, indicating the profound impact he had on many lives. The outpouring of grief highlights how deeply Mizuki will be missed by those who admired him.
Last year, Mizuki made the difficult decision to leave his agency, Stardust Promotion, and closed down all of his official fan clubs. This transition marked a significant change in his career, and it is clear that his fans were concerned for his well-being during this time. His family has urged fans to remember him fondly, emphasizing the warmth and joy he brought to their lives.
As the entertainment community mourns the loss of Mizuki Itagaki, it is important to reflect on the issues of mental health and the pressures faced by young artists in the industry. Mizuki's struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and understanding, not only for those in the public eye but for everyone facing similar battles.
While Mizuki's life was tragically cut short, his legacy will live on through his work and the memories he created with his fans. As they remember his contributions to film and music, many hope that his story will inspire greater awareness and support for mental health issues.
In a world where the pressures of fame can be overwhelming, Mizuki Itagaki's journey reminds us to cherish our loved ones and to offer support to those who may be struggling. His family’s message resonates deeply: “We hope everyone will keep Mizuki’s memory alive.”
