40 years old feels way too young for anyone to pass on from this life, and anything younger definitely feels obscene in a way, as though those that have passed have been robbed of what could have, and should have been a long and prosperous life. It’s not confirmed at this time, but it does sound as though inquiries are being made to determine whether Yuko Takeuchi, the famed actress that starred in Ringu, took her own life. While the implications are bound to upset plenty of people it’s necessary to find out since it would appear that there have been a few people in Japan that have taken their own lives in recent times and one would have to wonder why this is, especially since some of them, such as Yuko, have been seen as widely popular and didn’t have much reason, as far as anyone could see, to commit suicide. The problem with suicide however is that many people won’t know until someone actually commits the act that anything was wrong. Some individuals are particularly skilled at showing people what they want to see, meaning that they can hide whatever pain or battle they’re going through with a mask that tells people that everything is okay. In the case of an actor, it would usually take someone that knows them on an intimate level to really know what’s going on behind the pleasing mask they use for everyone else.
To say that her passing has upset a great number of people feels slightly off-kilter since it’s obvious as a woman of the people, as many knew her, Yuko was in fact one of the most loved actresses in her time and in her country. Those in the USA might not have known her quite as well, but this doesn’t diminish the effect she had on many during her time since all one has to do is read up on her a bit to understand just what she did for the people and how she was revered as an actress. This news is something that people will no doubt remember for some time to come since the loss of anyone in the entertainment industry is often a heavy blow since they can’t hope to be replaced given that those that pass are unique and had a style that people had come to enjoy and love. But it does feel accurate to say that there will be a few doubts and plenty of discussion as to how she passed, as the very word ‘suicide’ is enough to change the minds of many and get them thinking that there was something wrong in her life that no one knew about.
She had quite the career to be certain, with plenty of roles that people could view her in and plenty of experience that could have continued to push her career forward. But the idea of suicide is something that people tend to talk about in gossip and rumors and rarely want to discuss openly since it’s a wound that many don’t care to talk about. Suicide is often treated as something that might diminish a person in the eyes of those that look up to them since they either don’t want to think that the person had anything wrong with them, or they don’t want to see the person in any other way. It is something that needs to be discussed since the act is something that acts like an emotional bomb that affects everyone the individual touched at some point in their lives, particularly those that cared about them the most. Why it happens tends to vary from one person to the next, as some have far more sensitive triggers than others and don’t need much of a shove, requiring only a certain trigger that might send them into a state of depression that they can’t escape and don’t want to feel any longer. This kind of condition is something that many people simply can’t deal with, and the only way out appears to be the final act that sends them on their way. It might sound dismissive, but anyone that’s had to deal with someone close to them that’s committed suicide (hand raised) knows the pain and the hurt that is caused by it, and they know what it is to feel confused by the act.
At this time it’s best to wish for the best for Yuko’s family and friends and hope that they find some way to get past this moment, though it might very well take a great deal of time and understanding before the matter can be laid to rest. It is extremely sad to see a person go at an age that for many of us is a transition to another part of life. Rest in peace ma’am, you will be missed.
I created this account and am posting this comment just to say that this was a very moving and well-written article. I feel the same as you. I had only seen Miss Sherlock and didn’t even know the actress’ name but this news hit me hard – as John Donne said, “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind”. I love Japan and, in general, the Japanese people. I hope they are able to address this streak of depression/suicide in their country.
Rest in Peace, Takeuchi-san.
Indeed, very well written and thought out post. I remember watching her in Lunch Queen back in the early 00’s and recently rediscovered her in Miss Sherlock, where she was absolutely incredible. Was really hoping for a season 2. I was actually in the middle of watching one of her other dramas when she died so this upset me quite a bit.
You make a great point, in that, since she was an actress, she was probably able to put on a front for the people around her, thinking it best not to worry or bother them. It seems she likely had postpartum depression, which I know from a friend who experienced it, can be horrific. My sister’s best friend had it and she said she would get these sudden, intense urges to kill herself and even her baby. They started quite a few months after the baby was born. I hope this opens a discussion in Japan about postpartum and depression in general, it’s much needed. I hope Yuko is at peace now.
I appreciate your feedback and can echo your sentiments. I’ve had a few family members that have committed suicide in years past, and it is a very painful experience, as well as demoralizing as the survivors wished they had known, and that they could have done something to help those in need. It is a hope that this will be addressed in Japan to help those in need. Again, much appreciated, and I’m certain Yuko will be missed but hopefully remembered fondly as well.