J-Pop star aged eight dies five days after stage performance

Published: 05:32 EDT, 30 September 2026 | Updated: 05:33 EDT, 30 September 2026 A J-Pop star has died aged just eight – only five days after performing on stage.Hirata Runa, known as Luna-chan, died at around 4am on Friday after suffering myocarditis linked to influenza, according to her agency.She had posted a cheerful message thanking fans following what would become her final performance.Runa, who loved travelling and video games, was born on 16 April 2018 and was in year three of primary school.She was a trainee with girl-group scheme DIANNA Project in Nagoya, Japan.The eight-year-old appeared at its Regular Live Vol.70 concert on 20 September.Following the performance, she wrote in her final public post: 'Thank you again today.'It was so much fun. I hope the people in part three have fun too.'Just five days later, Runa died.Her agency said: 'Nagoya trainee Hirata Runa has passed away due to myocarditis resulting from influenza.' Hirata Runa, known as Luna-chan, had posted a cheerful message thanking fans following what would become her final performance Her agency said the youngster died at around 4am on Friday after suffering myocarditis linked to influenzaMyocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle.No further medical details or treatment history have been released.The agency said Runa's wake and funeral had already taken place with only close relatives attending.It added: 'We ask that people do not make private inquiries, seek interviews or raise questions about this on social media.'Runa's devastated family also shared a message through her official account.They wrote: 'A third of Runa's life was as an idol.'Runa loved everyone.'If possible, please let her stay in a corner of your hearts as an eternal idol.'They also thanked 'friends who were kind to her, fans who supported her, the office that made her an idol, and everyone who was part of her life'.Fellow trainee Miyata Ryoka said the news had left her 'at a loss for words' and that she would pause her social media activity to mourn privately.