Japanese actress Nagiko Tono, best known for starring in NHK’s 1999 morning drama “Suzuran,” has been confirmed dead at the age of 45. Tokyo’s Metropolitan Police Department said DNA analysis on 17 July identified a body discovered in her Toshima-ward apartment on 3 July as Tono’s. Investigators reported no external injuries or signs of disturbance in the residence and are treating the case as an accident, ruling out foul play or suicide. Tono’s family, announcing the death on her official blog, echoed the police assessment and said her pet cat had been safely rescued. A former child actor, Tono built a career across television dramas, films and stage productions, while publicly discussing battles with an eating disorder. The family said funeral services will be held privately.