Issey Miyake real cause of death: Did he commit suicide or was it due to health issues?

Multiple news outlets broke the heartbreaking news of Miyake’s death, reporting that the famed fashion designer died at the age of 84.

Issey Miyake died due to liver cancer

Miyake Design Office confirmed his death on Tuesday following a battle with liver cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. After the news broke, no further information was released to the public.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are several types of liver cancer, including Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma, and Hepatoblastoma under primary liver cancer.

Meanwhile, secondary liver cancer, also known as metastatic liver cancer, occurs when cancer is discovered in the liver but spreads to other parts of the body.

The Issey Miyake Group also shared a short statement about his death, stating:

“Miyake’s dynamic spirit was driven by a relentless curiosity and desire to convey joy through the medium of design. As per Mr Miyake’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.”

Fans and internet users also paid tribute to him and showered his works with praises.

A netizen wrote:

“The fashion world has lost yet another legend. I’m heartbroken. RIP Issey Miyake.”

Issey Miyake’s life and career before death

Miyake was dubbed “the designer who survived” the bomb because he was in Hiroshima at the time the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. However, he stated to the public that he never wanted to be labeled as such.

He found it difficult to talk about the incident, especially since his mother died three years later as a result of radiation exposure. He furthered:

“I have tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to put them behind me, preferring to think of things that can be created, not destroyed, and that bring beauty and joy. I gravitated toward the field of clothing design, partly because it is a creative format that is modern and optimistic.”

Despite his tragic past, he worked hard after graduating from a Tokyo art university and studying graphic design. Before moving to New York, he worked with Guy Laroche and Hubert de Givenchy in Paris.

After many years, he returned to Tokyo and established the Miyake Design Studio.

When he developed pleating techniques in the 1980s, they were a huge success. He then expanded his business by designing more clothing, bags, and watches.