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| Former Sakurazaka46 Member Yuuka Sugai Shares News of Father’s Death |
Former Sakurazaka46 member and actress Yuuka Sugai shared some heartbreaking news on 20 April — her beloved father has sadly passed away.
Fans first noticed something was off when Sugai was absent from her regular Sunday slot on Kansai TV’s horse racing show, Keiba BEAT.
Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) account, she posted a short message earlier in the day apologising for missing the live broadcast.
She didn’t give a reason at the time, but asked fans and staff to continue supporting the programme and hoped the racing event would go smoothly as always.
Then, later that day, she updated her X again — this time with a deeply personal message.
“My father, who had been battling illness for some time, has passed away,” she wrote. “I was granted time to say a final goodbye.
【ご報告】
— 菅井友香&staff (@sugaiyuuka1129) April 20, 2025
以前より闘病しておりました父が、永眠いたしました。
突然のことで恐縮ですが、最期のお別れの時間をいただいておりました。
今後とも感謝の気持ちを忘れず
これまで以上にお仕事に真摯に向き合ってまいります。
どうぞよろしくお願い申し上げます。
Though this comes as sudden news, I want to continue facing my work with even more sincerity and never forget to be grateful.”
Her message was simple, composed and full of quiet strength — a tone that fans of Sugai will recognise instantly. She didn’t go into detail, choosing instead to express appreciation for the support around her and to gently reassure those worried about her absence.
Messages of support quickly poured in from fans online, many sending their condolences and encouraging her to take all the time she needs. “Don’t overdo it, Yuuka,” one fan wrote. “We’re always here.”
Yuuka Sugai rose to prominence as a founding member and captain of Keyakizaka46 (now Sakurazaka46), known for her elegance and grace both on and off stage.
Since graduating from the group, she’s carved out a career as an actress and TV personality, with her regular appearance on Keiba BEAT showing her versatility beyond the idol world.
It’s clear she’s dealing with a deeply personal loss, but if her message is anything to go by, she intends to move forward — with gratitude and composure, just as she’s always done.
We’re sending quiet strength to Sugai-san and her family during this difficult time. And to all fans, let’s give her the space and support she needs to come back in her own time.