Production on the cult-favorite Japanese reality series distributed by Netflix, Terrace House, has been cancelled following the death of 22-year-old contestant Hana Kimura. While production had been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in April, Fuji Television announced on Wednesday that Terrace House Tokyo is cancelled after the star died by apparent suicide over the weekend.
"We would like to express our sincere condolences for the death of Hana Kimura, who appeared on the program," the company said in a statement, adding that Fui Television has "decided to cancel the production" of the 2019-2020 season. The fate of future seasons is still unknown.
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Kimura had been on the receiving end of online hate after an argument between her and another cast member aired on March 31. While the official cause of death has not yet been made public, the news has sparked a debate about cyberbullying in Japan and prompted the government to take action towards potential cyberbullying laws.
Terrace House cast member Emika Mizukoshi also opened up about hate she received from fans of the show in her post mourning her friend.
Mental health and reality TV has been an ongoing issue. Love Island host Caroline Flack died by suicide earlier this year after backlash following a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, and Love Is Blind star Jessica Batten told Refinery29 in March that the public's response to her behavior on the show had been "really rough."
"My dad's actually on Instagram, which is the worst part," Batten said through tears. "I am 35 years old. I don't really care about people on social media, but someone told me to go kill myself and my dad saw. It's the worst part."
In a statement, the women's professional wrestling organization that Kimura was a member of, World Wonder Ring Stardom, said they will "continue to cooperate with the investigation between the parties concerned."
Netflix did not immediately respond to Refinery29's request for comment.
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Suicide Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433.