Miyuki Kanbe

Biography

Miyuki Kanbe (神戸 みゆき, Kanbe Miyuki; 7 May 1984 – 18 June 2008) was a Japanese actress, model and singer. Throughout her career, she starred as Sailor Moon in the Sailor Moon musicals, as well as portraying Hinaka Tachibana in Kamen Rider Hibiki and Kyouko Kakehi in Battle Royale II. In addition to acting, Kanbe also pursued a singing career, where her songs were used as the theme songs to the anime series Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch.

== Career == Kanbe portrayed Sailor Moon in the Sailor Moon musicals. Kanbe was chosen out of 500 women for the role. Much of her career involved physically demanding roles. As late as June 2008, she had been active and vocally expressing an interest in furthering her career. She was cast in the role of Eponine in the Japanese production of Les Misérables and in Miss Saigon, but was forced to give them up due to poor health in February 2007.

== Death == Since February 2007, Kanbe had been in and out of the hospital until dying at 4:08 am on 18 June 2008 due to sudden heart failure. Her funeral was held in Kawasaki, Kanagawa on 21 June 2008.

== Filmography ==

=== Live-action television === Moero!! Robocon (1999), Nanako Yokokawa (episode 43) D-girls Idol Tantei San Shimai Monogatari (2001) (episode 11) Hatchobori no Nana Nin (2003), Oyumi (episode 3) Kamen Rider Hibiki (2005–2006), Hinaka Tachibana Kyoto Chiken no Onna (2006), Tamiko Kuraki

=== Television animation === Yume ☆ Ouen Tai (1999–2000) Ikaring no Menseki (2000), apparently at HYPER GO Gou Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!! (2001–2002) LF+R Morning YOUNG LIVE JAPAN / Young Live Nippon LF+R Music TV (2001–2003) Baku NEW (2001–2002) Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch (2003), Auri (episode 34)

=== Film === Battle Royale II (2003), Kyouko Kakehi 69 sixty nine (2004) Kamen Rider Hibiki & The Seven Fighting Demons (2005), Hinaka Tachibana / Hinako

=== Theatre ===