The shocking news of another Japanese celebrity’s death stormed the internet today. Maria Hamasaki, a 23-year old contestant on the reality show “The Bachelor Japan,” was suspected to have committed suicide as reported by The Japan Times.
Maria Hamasaki
Her death (2 August) was announced by video streaming website AbemaTV Inc. It is also the company which produces the reality program “Ikinari Marriage” (“Sudden Marriage”), which features Hamasaki among the cast. They decided to suspend the production and distribution of the show in light of her death.
According to another source, Harian Metro, Hamasaki decided to end her life as a result of the harsh comments that she received online. The barrage of negative comments she received was due to her not wearing a face mask outside of her home in April.
Cyberbullying has resulted in many Japanese celebrities to take the same route as Hamasaki did. Her death follows that of Hana Kimura, a 22-year-old female professional wrestler and cast member of the popular Japanese reality series “Terrace House,”. Hana also went through numerous hate comments and instances of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying has been an issue ever since people have better access to social media and the internet. We must always remember to not engage in such activities as it has the power to destroy lives.
If you are ever in the need of help or someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out. A good way to find help is by contacting Befrienders KL. You can also contact them at 03-76272929 (24 hours toll-free line).
Also read: Unemployed Man Going Through Family Issues Faced With RM3,000 Fine For Attempting Suicide
