Ria Yamada Dies at 16 After Yearlong Illness
Japanese dancer Ria Yamada, who gained recognition through Mnet’s Street Dance Girls Fighter 2 as part of Team Jam Republic, has died at age 16. Her family announced the news on September 24, saying she passed away on September 18 after more than a year of illness. She had previously stepped away from dance activities while receiving treatment.
Official Announcement
The death of Ria Yamada was announced by her family through a post shared on her Instagram account on September 24, according to multiple Korean media reports.
The family said that Ria passed away on September 18, 2026, after living with illness for more than a year. They also expressed gratitude to the people who supported her and described her deep love for dancing.
Rather than focusing on achievements, the family’s message remembered Ria for the relationships she built through dance and the support she received from dancers, friends, viewers, and fans. They asked that her dancing and smile remain in the memories of those who followed her journey.
Table of Contents
Ria Yamada’s Journey to Street Dance Girls Fighter 2
Ria Yamada was a Japanese dancer who began training at a very young age. Her professional profile states that she started dancing at six and signed professionally at 13. She developed skills in hip-hop, popping, and animation and competed in dance events before appearing on Korean television.
She came to wider attention in 2023 when she participated in Mnet’s Street Dance Girls Fighter 2. Ria entered the competition as an individual dancer and was selected by the Jam Republic mentor team. She eventually became part of the Team Jam Republic lineup that won the program.
The program ran from November 21 to December 26, 2023, bringing teenage dancers from different backgrounds together in a competitive format. Team Jam Republic finished first in the final competition.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 21, 2023 | Street Dance Girls Fighter 2 premiered |
| December 26, 2023 | Team Jam Republic won the final |
| 2025 | Ria publicly shared news about her illness and treatment |
| September 18, 2026 | Ria passed away, according to her family |
| September 24, 2026 | Her family announced her death publicly |
Her Health Battle
In 2025, reports said Ria had disclosed that she was dealing with an autoimmune illness. She later paused her activities to concentrate on treatment. Media reports also said she was undergoing intensive treatment and had been preparing for chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Because medical details came from reports about her public updates and family-related statements, it is important not to add a specific cause of death beyond what has been officially disclosed. The family’s announcement described a battle with illness lasting more than a year.
Her Dance Career
Before and after the Mnet program, Ria Yamada was recognized for her technical ability and distinctive dance style. Her agency biography says she had performed at major showcases, competed in dance battles, and worked on choreography and teaching projects. She was also associated with performances connected to the Baby Jam project after Street Dance Girls Fighter 2.
Her appearance on the show was especially notable because she competed as a young individual dancer rather than arriving as part of a large established crew. Her selection by Jam Republic helped introduce her style to a much wider audience.
Why It Matters
The news has drawn attention across the international dance and Korean entertainment communities because Ria Yamada became known to viewers while she was still a teenager.
Her story also highlights how Street Dance Girls Fighter 2 introduced young dancers from different countries to a global audience. Ria’s performances connected her with viewers who followed the series and later continued to support her dance career.
The family’s message placed particular emphasis on dance, friendship, and the connections Ria made through performing. That makes her legacy closely tied to the art form she loved and to the young-dancer community she became part of.
What’s Next?
At the time of publication, the reports reviewed for this article do not provide details about a public memorial service, funeral arrangements, or future tributes from Mnet or Jam Republic.
Further statements may follow from people and organizations connected to Ria’s dance career. For now, the confirmed information remains that her family announced her death, gave September 18 as the date of her passing, and asked supporters to remember her for her dance, smile, and relationships with others.
FAQ
1. Who was Ria Yamada?
Ria Yamada was a Japanese dancer who appeared on Mnet’s Street Dance Girls Fighter 2. She competed as an individual dancer and was selected by the Jam Republic mentor team, later becoming part of the winning Team Jam Republic lineup.
2. When did Ria Yamada pass away?
Her family announced that Ria passed away on September 18, 2026. The announcement was shared publicly on her Instagram account on September 24.
3. How old was Ria Yamada?
Korean news reports identified Ria as 16 years old at the time of her death.
More Info About Kpopbio
