Issey Miyake Cause of Death: Did Fashion Designer Die of Suicide or Health-Related Issue?

What was Issey Miyake's cause of death?

Multiple news outlets revealed the heartbreaking news about Miyake's passing, saying that the famed fashion designer passed away at the age of 84.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Miyake Design Office confirmed his death on Tuesday following his battle with liver cancer. No further details were given to the public after the news emerged.

The American Cancer Society explains that liver cancer has several forms, including Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma, and Hepatoblastoma under the primary liver cancer.

Meanwhile, secondary liver cancer - or metastatic liver cancer - occurs when the cancer is found in the liver but spread somewhere else in the body.

The Issey Miyake Group also shared a short statement about his death, saying (via The Guardian): "Miyake's dynamic spirit was driven by a relentless curiosity and desire to convey joy through the medium of design. As per Mr Miyake's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service."

Fans and internet users also paid tribute to him and showered his works with praises.

One said, "The fashion world has lost yet another legend. I'm heartbroken. RIP Issey Miyake."

Bringing this thread back in honor of Issey Miyake — He was close with Steve Jobs who had commissioned him for Apple Employee uniforms. Issey designed those custom black turtle necks Steve wore 👇🏽 https://t.co/304hAVFg2A
— Shelby Ivey Christie (@bronze_bombSHEL) August 9, 2022

Issey Miyake's Life and Career

Miyake was called "the designer who survived" the bomb as he was in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city while he was having his classes. However, he told the public he never wanted to be labeled like that.

He found it hard to speak about the incident especially since his mother died in three years due to radiation exposure.

"I have tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to put them behind me, preferring to think of things that can be created, not destroyed, and that bring beauty and joy. I gravitated toward the field of clothing design, partly because it is a creative format that is modern and optimistic," he went on.

Despite his tragic past, he worked hard after studying graphic design at a Tokyo art university. He worked with Guy Laroche and Hubert de Givenchy in Paris before heading to New York.

Years after, he returned to Tokyo and launched the Miyake Design Studio.

His pleating techniques flourished when he developed them in the 1980s. From there, he expanded his business and designed more clothes, bags, and watches.