Actress Yuko Takeuchi's death remains a mystery for Japan

The question of why a loved, respected, successful and seemingly grounded person like Takeuchi, seen here in a 2016 file photo, would take her own life remains unanswered. Photo: AFP

The death of Japanese actress Takeuchi Yuko by an apparent suicide on Sunday has prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection from both ordinary fans and industry insiders.

Age 40 at the time of her death, Takeuchi had been the top of her profession for two decades, appearing in a steady stream of films, TV dramas and, that all-important barometer of popularity in the local entertainment world, TV commercials.