Kim Jae-Wook shares emotional memories of working with Miho Nakayama on Butterfly Sleep, reflecting on her talent and their time together, following her sudden death at 54.
Kim Jae-Wook, a well-known South Korean actor, recently expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Miho Nakayama, his co-star in the 2018 Japanese-Korean film Butterfly Sleep. The Japanese actress and singer, aged 54, was found dead in her Tokyo home on December 6, 2024. Her death was later ruled an accident by her agency. Kim Jae-Wook attended a special stage greeting event for Butterfly Sleep on April 22, 2025, where he shared touching words about Nakayama, her legacy, and their shared moments on set.
Miho Nakayama’s Passing Shocks Fans and Industry
Miho Nakayama was a beloved figure in Japan, known for her role in the 1995 romantic film Love Letter and her successful music career during the 1980s and 1990s J-pop boom. She was found unresponsive in a bathtub at her home in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward after failing to appear for a scheduled Christmas concert in Osaka. Her agency, Big Apple, confirmed her death, stating they were “shocked and saddened” by the sudden loss. An autopsy conducted on December 8, 2024, determined that Nakayama died due to an accident while bathing, with no foul play involved.
The news sent ripples through the entertainment world. Fans and colleagues mourned her loss, with many sharing tributes online. One fan wrote:
So deeply saddened by the news of Nakayama Miho’s death. Her music has been the soundtrack to many days of my life over the years. I’m grateful for the inspiration she has given me and for what her songs have represented for me. May she rest in peace.
Thank you for the music you gave us.
Nakayama had canceled her Osaka concert earlier that day, citing health issues. Her final Instagram post, shared on December 5, 2024, featured a photo from an art exhibition by Louise Bourgeois at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, showing her engagement with the cultural scene just before her passing.
Kim Jae-Wook’s Emotional Tribute
At the Butterfly Sleep special stage greeting event on April 22, 2025, Kim Jae-Wook spoke about Nakayama with visible emotion. He described their time filming the movie as a “summer full of special, unforgettable memories.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with her, calling it an honor.
The many moments when we created difficult scenes together. It was a summer full of special, unforgettable memories. I will treasure them. Miho-san, it was an honor to work with you. R.I.P.
Kim Jae-Wook also shared his feelings of sadness and gratitude, noting Nakayama’s impact on him both as an actress and as a person.
When I saw Nakayama’s young footage, I realized that she was a more amazing person than I knew. I felt happy that we were able to leave a legacy together in the form of a movie, but at the same time I felt sad. I want to thank the director for creating such memories for me.
He admitted to feeling disappointed that he could not share the stage with Nakayama to greet her fans, adding:
It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say hello to Japanese movie fans, Nakayama’s fans, and my fans, and I wanted to stand here with joy. I’m very disappointed that that’s not the case.
Butterfly Sleep: A Memorable Collaboration
Butterfly Sleep, directed by Jeong Jae-Eun, is a poignant Japanese-Korean film released in 2018. It tells the story of Ryoko Matsumura, played by Nakayama, a 54-year-old novelist diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She forms a deep connection with So Chan-Hae, a young Korean student portrayed by Kim Jae-Wook, who helps organize her library and transcribe her novel. The film explores themes of love, memory, and loss, with the two leads sharing a tender, understated chemistry.
Nakayama’s performance was widely praised for its depth, especially in scenes depicting Ryoko’s struggle with memory loss. Kim Jae-Wook, the only Korean actor in the predominantly Japanese cast, impressed audiences with his fluent Japanese and subtle acting. He later shared that working with Nakayama was a learning experience, and he admired her professionalism.
The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival on October 12, 2017, where Nakayama and Kim Jae-Wook walked the red carpet together. It was released in Japan on May 12, 2018, and in South Korea on September 6, 2018. Fans of the movie often highlight the emotional weight of the story and the strong performances by both actors.
Miho Nakayama’s Illustrious Career
Born on March 1, 1970, in Saku, Japan, Miho Nakayama debuted in 1985 with the drama Maido Osawagase Shimasu and her single C. Nicknamed Miporin, she became one of Japan’s most popular idols during the 1980s. Her music career included 22 studio albums and eight number-one singles, such as Sekaiju no Dare Yori Kitto and Tada Nakitaku Naru no. Her 1995 film Love Letter earned her awards at the Hochi Film Awards and Blue Ribbon Awards, cementing her status as a versatile actress.
Nakayama starred in 14 films and numerous TV series, including Tokyo Biyori (1997), Butterfly Sleep (2018), and Lesson in Murder (2022). She also appeared in the 2021 stage play Aoi no Ue/Yoroboshi with Yuta Jinguji. Her personal life included a marriage to musician Hitonari Tsuji from 2002 to 2014, with whom she shared a son. She is also survived by her younger sister, Shinobu Nakayama, a retired actress and singer, and her younger brother, Tomoaki.
Kim Jae-Wook’s Journey and Connection to Japan
Kim Jae-Wook, born on April 2, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, spent part of his childhood in Japan due to his father’s work as a journalist. This experience gave him fluency in Japanese, which he showcased in Butterfly Sleep. His acting career began with roles in Coffee Prince (2007) and grew with projects like Her Private Life (2019) and Crazy Love (2022). Fans admire his versatility, from playing romantic leads to intense villains, as seen in Voice (2017).
His work in Butterfly Sleep marked a significant moment, as it allowed him to connect with Japanese audiences and collaborate with Nakayama. He expressed a desire to work in more Japanese projects, inspired by his experience with her.
Fans and Industry Mourn Nakayama
The Japanese entertainment industry and fans worldwide continue to honor Nakayama’s legacy. Director Shunji Iwai, who worked with her on Love Letter, shared his grief, noting plans to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary in 2025. Celebrities like Naoto Takenaka and Eriko Kitagawa also paid tribute, highlighting her influence.
On social media, fans expressed their heartbreak:
yeah. terrible. She made an impact on so much. Her music, her dramas, films… Be Bop High-school, even her video game “Nakayama Miho no Tokimeki High-school” being the first popular dating sim. Many people my age and older remember her fondly for so many reasons. Japan lost a cultural icon.
I watched every single drama of hers and had all her albums (in cassette tapes 🤣)!!!!! I watched every variety show she was a guest in! I was a mega fan…
Recent Updates on the Tribute
As of April 22, 2025, Kim Jae-Wook’s tribute at the Butterfly Sleep event remains a focal point for fans mourning Nakayama. The film has seen renewed interest, with screenings and discussions celebrating her performance. A tribute concert to mark Nakayama’s 40th anniversary is planned for June 18, 2025, at NHK Hall in Tokyo, a venue she had chosen for her 2025 tour. Her contributions to J-pop and film continue to inspire new generations.
CREDITS: Daum, The Japan Times, Kyodo News
