Dec 10 (News On Japan) - IKKO, a talent and beauty professional, revealed on her Instagram account on December 1st that she had been hospitalized for facial nerve paralysis, a condition that left part of her face immobile.
Although she has already returned to work, she spoke by phone with the program ‘Sun! Shine’ about how she discovered the illness, the emergency hospitalization and treatment that followed, and the reflections that have emerged since.
She said the experience prompted her to look inward in a positive way and became an opportunity to reassess herself, and the interview ended, as always, with her familiar catchphrase.
IKKO explained that from around mid-November she had been hospitalized for roughly two weeks due to the emergency nature of the illness. Four days earlier, she had disclosed on social media that she had undergone an emergency admission.
Known for her upbeat personality and energetic catchphrases, she recalled noticing something unusual one day when half of her face would not move. A colleague pointed it out, and when she looked in the mirror she saw that her eyebrow had shifted by about two to three centimeters and her mouth had begun to droop. She said she had been diagnosed with facial nerve paralysis, a condition in which half of the face loses mobility.
Experts explained that anyone can develop the condition, which occurs when fatigue or nutritional issues weaken the immune system and allow a virus to reactivate. The face may feel as if it is being pulled to one side, causing visible distortion.
In a video posted to social media, her right eye still appears difficult to fully open, suggesting lingering symptoms. She described the period leading up to hospitalization, saying she initially did not realize the right side of her face was not moving. She first felt severe dryness in one eye and tried washing it, only to sense something was off around the eyelid.
An MRI scan at a neurosurgery department confirmed no problem with her brain, but when she visited an otolaryngology clinic the following day, the doctor immediately told her she needed to be admitted without delay because delaying treatment could worsen her symptoms.
She was hospitalized almost immediately and spent roughly two weeks receiving treatment. IKKO did not inform colleagues in the entertainment industry, nor did she disclose the diagnosis publicly during that period. She said the reason was that she needed to overcome the situation mentally before she could share the experience as a message that might offer strength, courage, or hope to others.
She said she returned to work this Monday and was determined to view the illness in a positive light. She said the experience helped her reassess her life and that she intends to toss all unpleasant things aside — her signature expression meaning to cast worries away.
Commentators noted that IKKO is known for her consistently positive presence, and the revelation that she was thinking about others even while going through a difficult period left a strong impression. She expressed deep gratitude for the support she received during her illness and said that was why she chose to accept the interview.
The program further explained that the condition she experienced is peripheral facial nerve paralysis, which affects the movement of the eyebrows, eyes, and mouth when the nerve becomes compressed due to swelling caused by a virus. According to neurology specialist Sakai, anyone can develop the condition, particularly when immunity drops due to fatigue or nutritional deficiencies. It affects about 30 out of every 100,000 people annually, with the highest incidence among people in their 40s.
Early symptoms include difficulty closing one eye and liquids leaking from one side of the mouth. Viewers were advised to seek immediate medical attention if they notice such changes, as earlier treatment reduces the likelihood of lasting effects.
Commentators expressed surprise, noting that IKKO is known for her meticulous preparation, professionalism, and sensitivity, and that the experience must have been frightening. They said they hoped she would not push herself too hard but also looked forward to seeing her energetic personality return once she has fully recovered.
Source: サン!シャイン公式ch.
