J-pop singer Urin Kokoro passes away 2 days after announcing hiatus due to spinal injury

Japanese singer Urin Kokoro. Photo from Kokoro's Twitter

Her agency MAD’S iNK confirmed the news in a post on X on Tuesday.

"The news of her passing came so suddenly that all the band members, artistes and staff are still finding it difficult to accept and are in deep sorrow," the agency wrote, according to AsiaOne. "Please note that we will refrain from disclosing the date, time and location of the funeral at the request of her family."

"We would like to thank you for all the support and encouragement you gave to Urin Kokoro during her lifetime, and we pray for the repose of her soul."

The agency also announced that activities for all three of its groups have been temporarily suspended to honor Kokoro.

Although Kokoro’s age has not been officially disclosed, multiple news outlets reported that she was 20 at the time of her passing.

On Feb. 19, Mazari shared an update on X stating that Kokoro had been diagnosed with a cracked spine and would be undergoing surgery, resulting in the cancellation of her performances scheduled for Feb. 25 and 26. They also mentioned that following her doctor’s advice, Kokoro would perform seated to avoid physical strain before and after the surgery.

On Feb. 23, the singer missed another performance and subsequently posted on X announcing her hiatus.

"I’m sorry to those who were planning to come [to the performance] today," she wrote. "I’ll be taking a break to take care of myself and prepare for the future."

Her final public appearance was on Feb. 20, when she performed but had to remain seated in a photo with the audience due to her condition, which required her to limit physical activity.

Kokoro began her career in 2022 as a member of the idol group Miracle Fanfare!, performing under the name Otonashi Urin. She left the group in Sep. 2023 and later re-entered the entertainment scene as a founding member of Mazari, a seven-member girl group known for its "curse" concept performances.