According to Sinchewsince Nakayama’s divorce from Tsuji—a music composer and author whom she married in 2002—in 2014, their son has been living with his father in Paris.

The relationship between Nakayama and her son was reportedly distant, and they had lost contact in recent years. As a result of his decision to renounce the inheritance, Nakayama’s mother will inherit the actress’ entire estate.

Nakayama’s estate is believed to be modest. In her later years, she resided in an apartment in Tokyo owned by an acquaintance. She had little interest in real estate investments and did not own significant assets such as land or vehicles. Her assets primarily included savings, valuable jewelry, watches, and performance clothing. Additionally, she earned royalties from songs she composed and wrote lyrics for. Her annual income was reportedly a few million yen (1 million yen equaling approximately US$6,946.)

Nakayama made her debut in 1985 in the television drama “Maido Osawagase Shimasu,” which quickly led to her rise to fame. She released her debut single “C” shortly after and made her film debut in the blockbuster “Be-Bop High School.” She became one of Japan’s most popular idols during the 1980s, achieving five consecutive number one singles during the era’s “Golden Age.”

Nakayama was nominated for a Best Actress award at the 1998 Japanese Academy Awards for her role in “Tokyo Biyori.”

The actress was found dead in her Tokyo home by her staff in Dec. 2024 at the age of 54.