According to The StarMizuki’s family shared the news on Instagram Thursday, revealing that the actor had been struggling with mental health challenges for some time.

“Mizuki had been battling with his mental health, but he always worked hard to bring joy to others through his acting,” read the statement. “He had just begun taking steps to return to work, so it’s heartbreaking that his life ended this way—something he never would have expected.”

The family also expressed their gratitude to those who had supported Mizuki throughout his life, apologizing for not being able to offer a proper farewell.

“We hope you’ll continue to remember Mizuki and the work he did with warmth in your hearts,” they added.

Mizuki was scouted by the prestigious Japanese talent agency Stardust Promotion at the age of 10, when he and his mother were on their way home from shopping. Later, he joined the agency’s all-male musical collective Ebidan and made his acting debut in 2014.