Yonekura Ryoko makes first public appearance since resigning from “CHICAGO” due to Cerebro Spinal Fluid Hypovolemia

Actress Yonekura Ryoko made a surprise appearance at the Japanese premiere of “Spencer ~Diana no Ketsui~” in Tokyo on October 4th.

Yonekura annuonced at the end of September that she would be leaving the Broadway and Japan performances of the musical, “CHICAGO”, which was to start in November, due to Cerebro Spinal Fluid Hypovolemia.

Yonekura posted on Instagram on Sept. 30th:

I have come to this heartbreaking decision as – I had the doctors’ suggestion to refrain from all strenuous activities for six months, and I thought going to NYC with these physical risks may cause inconvenience not only to the BW company but also to my dear fans who would be traveling from Japan and other countries under the current pandemic situation. Calling out on the day of performance is really the last thing I wish to do, hence this decision. I know many patrons have already purchased their tickets and I feel terrible for not being able to entertain them this time around…

I have been suffering from CSFH (Cerebro Spinal Fluid Hypovolemia) for the last couple of years and was finally suggested a new treatment for a recently found leak on the abdominal side. With hope for a full recovery to keep my career – my dream show CHICAGO and all the other work – going, I decided to receive this treatment and for a while all seemed to go well. While the initial symptoms went away, I started to experience severe pain in the sacral area, hypertrophic neuropathy of the cauda equina, severe sciatica, and difficulty in walking, etc. being at work.

I am slowly recovering and am not as disabled as before, but am still far from being able to perform on stage… In the while I have tried every treatment, therapy, and training I could think of to make it in time for my Broadway engagement, but with really frustrating results.

I am so, so, sorry.

I tried and I am here and I am a wreck both physically and mentally. It is so frustrating to know some things cannot be overcome with sheer determination and perseverance…

I believe focusing on recovery is the best thing I can do for now. Hopefully with this big frustration inside me, I will come back much stronger one day – as a performer with many more high-caliber pockets!
Hang on and wait for me~ 🖤

​​My heartfelt gratitude for your love, warmth and support.
Ryoko Yonekura

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 米倉涼子 (@ryoko_yonekura_0801)