Japanese model and actress Aoi Fujino has died at the age of 27, just days after announcing her retirement from the entertainment industry. Her mother confirmed the news on January 5 via a statement on Fujino's Instagram page, expressing gratitude to those who supported her daughter during her lifetime.
Fujino, who was from Ishikawa Prefecture, had been diagnosed three years ago with a rare malignant tumour called rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue sarcoma that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults. She had put her career on hold to focus on treatment, returning briefly in August 2024 before stepping away again.
In her final message to fans on December 31, Fujino wrote: "This is my last message to all Aoi Fujino fans. I really loved you. Thank you so much for everything up until now. Please remember me once in a while." She was best known for her work in swimsuit and lingerie modelling, and had been named one of the 100 bustiest celebrities in the world.
Fans have flooded social media with tributes, with one writing: "Life of illness must have been hard, but I was touched by the feeling of not forgetting to smile even in the midst of it. Rest in peace." Another said: "I can't accept this, but thank you for everything you've done. I'll never forget you!"
