Japanese dancer Yamada Ria, who led the Jam Republic dance team to victory in Mnet’s teen dance survival show Street Dance Girls Fighter Season 2, has passed away. She was just 16 years old at the time of her demise.
On September 24, 2026, Ria’s family confirmed the sad news through her official Instagram handle. The post reads, “To everyone who has supported Ria, It is with deep sadness that we share that Ria passed away on September 18, 2026.”
Opening up about Ria’s illness, the family statement reads, “Throughout more than a year of illness, she faced each day with incredible strength. Our family is deeply grateful to everyone who supported her and sent her love and encouragement.”
Talking about the dancer’s love for the art, the statement says, “Ria loved to dance. She treasured the friends she made through dance and the connection she felt with everyone who followed and supported her journey.”
And lastly, expressing gratitude, Ria’s family said, “Thank you for dancing with her, sharing moments of joy with her, and cheering her on. We hope her dance and her smile will stay with you. Ria’s family.”
Earlier, on March 27, 2025, Ria talked on social media about her illness, mentioning that, for recovery, she needed to undergo chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, highlighting that it was a life-threatening disease.
Take a look at the old notes below.
