Mizuki Itagaki was a popular Japanese actor, singer, and model who tragically passed away at the age of 24 after being missing for nearly three months.
Born on October 25, 2000, in Tokyo, Itagaki rose to fame as a member of the J-pop boy band M!LK and later became known for his standout performances in dramas and films, including the sports-themed series Fake Motion and The Fool’s Kiss.
Itagaki was first scouted by Stardust Promotion at the age of 10 and quickly became a rising star in Japan’s entertainment industry. He officially joined M!LK in 2014 and earned acclaim for his acting debut in Dark Gold Ushima-kun Part 2 the same year. Over the next decade, he built a devoted fan base with his roles in television dramas and movies, earning the New Actor Award at the 23rd Japanese Film Critics Awards in 2015.
In March 2024, Itagaki left his talent agency and closed his official fan club, with fans noting his struggles with mental health in the months that followed. He was last seen at the end of January 2025, prompting a police search after his disappearance was reported by his family. On April 17, 2025, his family confirmed via social media that his body had been found in Tokyo, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search.
The family’s statement expressed deep gratitude to fans and colleagues, acknowledging Mizuki’s dedication to bringing joy through his work and his efforts to return to acting before his untimely death. While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, his family and multiple reports noted that he had been struggling with mental health issues since the previous year.
Tributes have poured in from across Japan’s entertainment industry, with fans and collaborators mourning the loss of a talented young star whose career was only just beginning to flourish. Mizuki Itagaki is remembered for his warmth, talent, and the happiness he brought to audiences, both as a performer and as a person.