Japanese singer-songwriter Sayuri has died at the age of 28, as announced by her husband on social media. She had been battling a chronic illness and took a hiatus in July due to functional dysphonia, a voice disorder. Fans are mourning her loss and sharing heartfelt tributes online. Read the article to know more.

Japanese singer-songwriter Sayuri’s death, at a young age of 28, has shocked everyone. The news of her death was shared by her husband on X. “We would like to humbly inform everyone who has been supporting Sayuri that she passed away on September 20th. She was 28 years old,” read the statement translated from Japanese.
Her husband, whom she had married in March, has mentioned in the post that she was battling chronic illness.
Few months before, in July, Sayuri had announced a hiatus from work citing functional dysphonia, which is a condition that affects the voice.
Functional dysphonia is a voice disorder characterized by abnormal vocal function without any structural or neurological damage to the vocal cords. The symptoms of functional dysphonia are hoarse, strained, or weak voice. The main causes of this disorder are vocal overuse, stress, anxiety, or improper speaking techniques. Functional dysphonia results from how the vocal muscles are used rather than any physical abnormality.

In many cases, emotional and psychological factors also play significant role in the development of functional dysphonia. Stress or trauma can lead to muscle tension in the larynx, causing difficulty in producing sound. People who use their voice extensively, such as teachers, singers, or public speakers, are particularly prone to developing this condition.

Condolences have started pouring in for the late singer on social media platforms. “rest in peace Sayuri thank you for being a part of this masterpiece you were special,” writes one user. “I like all of Sayuri’s songs, but personally, “Birthday Song” from her first album was the song that really struck me, as it made me realize that she had been seriously thinking about the meaning of her birth since she was just starting out at the age of 20. Now that Sayuri has passed away, I want to listen to the song over and over again, savoring the lyrics. May she rest in peace,” writes another user.

Sayuri is known for ‘Mikazuki’, ‘Hana no To’ (Tower of Flower) from ‘Lycoris Recoil’ (2022), ‘Heikōsen’ (Parallel Lines) from ‘Scum’s Wish’ (2017). She gained popularity with her debut single “Mikazuki” in 2015, which became the ending theme for the anime Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace. Sayuri’s music blends alternative rock with haunting, m ncholic melodies, often reflecting themes of self-discovery and vulnerability.