News of Itagaki’s passing comes after a period of worry and uncertainty. He had been missing since January of this year, prompting a widespread search effort by authorities, his friends, and his family. His family bravely disclosed that Itagaki had been facing mental health challenges, which they indicated began in 2024. The search for the young actor continued for months, filled with hope for his safe return.
Tragically, within the past week, the search came to a heartbreaking end. Itagaki’s body was discovered within the Tokyo metropolitan area. Authorities have notified his family of this devastating news. While details remain limited, his death has been officially described as an “unexpected incident.” This vague description leaves many questions unanswered, but underscores the sudden and unforeseen nature of this loss.
Mizuki Itagaki’s journey in the entertainment world began at a young age. He first stepped into the spotlight as a member of the vocal dance unit M!LK in 2014. He remained a part of this group until 2020, gaining valuable performance experience and building a dedicated following. His transition into acting proved to be a successful one, showcasing his versatility and talent on screen.
In 2015, Itagaki secured a role in the ambitious two-part movie project Solomon’s Perjury, further establishing his presence in the film industry. His talent was quickly recognized, and in 2016, he was honored with the Male Rookie of the Year award at the prestigious Japanese Movie Critics Awards. This early recognition signaled a bright future for the young actor, and he continued to take on diverse and challenging roles.
Itagaki became increasingly known for his appearances in live-action adaptations of popular manga and anime. Beyond Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, his filmography includes notable titles such as Hot Gimmick: Girl Meets Boy, Ushijima the Loan Shark Part 2, and Blue Spring Ride. He also demonstrated his range in projects like Moribito – Guardian of the Spirit and Hibiki. In a particularly challenging role, he portrayed twins in the live-action adaptation of For the Kid I Saw in My Dreams, showcasing his ability to embody distinct characters within the same narrative.
His work extended beyond the screen, as Itagaki also engaged in stage performances. Notably, he participated in Evangelion Beyond, a stage production that resonated strongly with otaku and anime enthusiasts, given its connection to the iconic Evangelion franchise. This demonstrated his appeal to a broad audience, encompassing both mainstream filmgoers and dedicated fans of Japanese pop culture.
For those unfamiliar with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, it’s a manga series that has garnered significant acclaim. Published in English by Dark Horse Comics, the manga tells the story of three high school girls who form an animation club, Eizouken, determined to create their own science fiction anime. Asakusa, with her passion for world-building, Mizusaki, the talented animator, and Kanamori, the money-savvy producer, must overcome challenges like a lack of budget and a dilapidated studio to bring their imaginative visions to life. The manga itself was nominated for the prestigious Manga Taisho Award, recognizing it as one of the best new manga of its year.
The news of Mizuki Itagaki’s passing is a stark reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by young individuals in the entertainment industry and beyond. While the details surrounding his death remain unclear, the acknowledgment of his mental health struggles highlights the importance of mental well-being and support systems. His family’s openness about this aspect of his life is commendable and may encourage others to seek help and support when facing similar difficulties.
Mizuki Itagaki’s career, though tragically short, was filled with promise and achievement. He left a lasting impression on audiences through his diverse roles and dedication to his craft. From his early days in M!LK to his award-winning performances in film and his ventures into stage work, he consistently demonstrated his talent and versatility. His contributions to the live-action manga adaptation world, particularly his role in Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, will be remembered by fans for years to come.
As we mourn the loss of such a young and promising talent, we extend our deepest condolences to Mizuki Itagaki’s family, friends, and fans. His passing is a significant loss to the Japanese entertainment industry, and he will be dearly missed. May his memory be a source of comfort to those who knew and admired him, and may his work continue to inspire aspiring actors and artists.
In remembering Mizuki Itagaki, we celebrate his life and his contributions to the world of entertainment. His performances brought joy and entertainment to many, and his legacy will live on through his films and stage work. The sudden departure of such a young and talented individual is a profound loss, and the outpouring of grief and remembrance is a testament to the impact he had on those around him and the wider audience he touched through his art. We join in sending our heartfelt condolences and support to all who are grieving his passing.