Friends and associates from the entertainment industry gathered at a private event in Tokyo on Tuesday to bid farewell to the late Japanese actor and singer Nakayama Miho.



Nakayama released a number of hit songs following her debut in 1985. She died at home in an accident in December. She was 54 years old.



A portrait of a smiling Nakayama was placed at the center of an altar that was adorned with about 5,000 flowers, including red dahlias, one of her favorites.



Costumes worn by Nakayama for NHK's year-end song festival were displayed, along with photos of the star throughout her career.



Organizers say that among the attendees were movie director Iwai Shunji and actor-singer Koizumi Kyoko, a close friend since their days as teenage idols.



Nakayama starred in the 1995 film "Love Letter" directed by Iwai. He said he could not begin to express his feelings about her passing, which he said was "too soon."



Iwai referred to Nakayama as "one of a kind." He said that while she struggled with her identity, she brought depth and authenticity to her roles, and was a special person like no other.



Iwai reflected on the movie's iconic scene in which Nakayama runs through a snowy field shouting a famous line. The director said he did not offer any advice on how to act out the scene, but just let her put her whole heart into it.



Singer Moriguchi Hiroko, who made her debut in the same year as Nakayama, shared fond memories of the late entertainer. Moriguchi said that back in the days before cell phones, the two exchanged messages by fax. She said Nakayama sent her encouraging messages even when she was busy herself. Moriguchi reflected on Nakayama's character, saying that she was very kind, as well as being a composed person, and had inner strength.



She went on to say that Nakayama shined like no one else and said her songs will always be remembered.



Actor Nakayama Shinobu, the late entertainer's younger sister, said Miho would have been 55 years old last month and was probably more startled than anyone else by her own departure. The younger sibling said she hopes people will always remember Miho.