Japanese actress Ryoko Yonekura, known for her role in “Doctor-X,” made a rare appearance on NHK’s program on the 14th. It was her first live television appearance since announcing in 2019 that she was suffering from Cerebrospinal Fluid Hypovolemia. Yonekura, who rarely participates in talk shows, shared insights on her recent health struggles during the program.
In 2022, Yonekura had to decline a role in the Broadway musical “Chicago” due to health issues. She revealed that she had been suffering from Cerebrospinal Fluid Hypovolemia, caused by a wound in her side leading to spinal fluid leakage. This condition resulted in intense pain around her spine, swelling of the cauda equina, sciatic nerve pain, and difficulty walking, as well as an inability to bend her back.
She also mentioned that her illness was diagnosed as Acute Low Back Pain and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, causing physical impairment and leading her to temporarily halt her acting career.
Yonekura mentioned in May 4th’s “2nd Yokohama International Film Festival” that her health had improved. During her appearance on NHK’s program “Asaichi” on the 14th, she described how her illness had many unknown aspects. At one point, she struggled to walk, felt weak and couldn’t even stand up or sit properly.
Despite experiencing symptoms, Yonekura continued filming the drama series “Angel Flight” at the early stage of her illness. She prepared a bed on set to lie down and originally planned to finish filming before heading to Broadway for “Chicago.” However, she realized during filming that her condition was beyond her willpower to overcome, leading her to make the difficult decision to step back.
Recalling the past, she expressed feeling like she was on a stopped escalator while others around her couldn’t understand her struggles. She mentioned, “Even looking at car lights, I thought the lights were all connected and couldn’t understand where I was.” She also discussed not knowing how to sit properly but feeling fine when lying down.
Moreover, Yonekura admitted that she had contemplated leaving the entertainment industry over the past two years but met a great doctor last year. She underwent surgery in August, and her health suddenly took a turn for the better in May this year.
Having experienced a period of pushing herself to work despite needing rest, she shared her future goals, stating, “I don’t want to hide while working but rather reset myself to work in perfect condition. That is my current goal.”