Japanese dancer Yamada Ria has died at the age of 16.
Ria’s family announced through social media on September 24 that she had died on September 18.
Ria was a contestant who won with Jam Republic on Mnet’s ‘Street Dance Girls Fighter 2’ in 2023.
3-line summary
1. Yamada Ria died at 16
2. Her family announced her death on September 18
3. Memories remain of her winning performance and dancing
News of her death and the time she spent battling illness, as told by her family
In an obituary, Yamada Ria’s family said that she had endured bravely every day while fighting an illness for more than 1 year. The family expressed gratitude to those who supported Ria and sent her love and encouragement.
According to reports by Newsis and Money Today, Ria had focused on treatment after announcing in March of last year that she was battling an autoimmune disease. Money Today reported that it had previously conveyed an update saying Ria needed chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. However, it has not been confirmed that the family specifically disclosed the name of the disease or the course of treatment in this obituary.
The family remembered that Ria loved dancing above all else. They also said that she valued the friendships she made through dance and the bonds she formed with people who watched and supported her journey. The obituary brings to mind relationships formed through dance before the results of the competition.
From choosing her first stage to winning with Jam Republic
Yamada Ria, born in 2009, appeared as a Japanese individual contestant on Mnet’s dance competition program ‘Street Dance Girls Fighter 2’ in 2023. According to a Newsis report, she joined the dance crew Jam Republic after receiving the choice of every master in her first performance.
Jam Republic, to which Ria belonged, won the final on the live broadcast on December 26 of the same year. This competition and her joining the winning team were what made Ria’s name known to Korean viewers. Money Today reported that Ria was a promising dancer who had also made a name for herself by winning several competitions.
The scenes confirmed during the short competition process are clear. She stood on stage as an individual contestant, joined the team, and that team won the final. This stage’s memories are also connected to the reason Ria’s family expressed gratitude to those who danced with her and shared moments of joy.
Memories of dance that remain alongside her winning record
What is confirmed through this news is the fact of her death announced by her family, as well as the memory that Ria valued dance and the support of people while receiving long-term treatment. Her activities cannot be defined by a single scene, but Jam Republic’s winning performance remains a distinct record of Ria’s encounter with Korean viewers.
The family expressed gratitude to the people who danced with Ria and shared joy with her. The obituary announced at 16, separate from the result of winning, reminds people of a dancer who loved dancing.
References
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