Digital influencer Isshin CH, known for sharing his journey against osteosarcoma, passed away on June 16th. At just 21 years old, the young YouTuber had his death announced by his family via social media, generating a wave of commotion among his followers and public figures. Photographer and filmmaker Mika Ninagawa and martial artist Suguru Niwa were some of the personalities who expressed their condolences.
His story with the disease began in high school, when Isshin played football. Around February of the first year, he began to feel severe back pain and sought medical help. He was initially misdiagnosed as a herniated disc before osteosarcoma was correctly identified six months later. Delays in diagnosing osteosarcoma, an aggressive type of bone cancer common in adolescents and young adults, can have critical implications for prognosis and treatment options.
Shortly before his passing on June 11, Isshin published a touching video titled “Starting the Final Treatment of My Life.” Despite having been informed by doctors about the incurability of his condition, he detailed that he was beginning what would be his last cycle of chemotherapy in an attempt to combat the disease.
In an Instagram post made five days before his death, the YouTuber described a picture of intense pain. “I’m sorry for everyone. Maybe I’m no longer with us…”, he wrote, revealing he felt “the worst pain I’ve ever experienced”, to the point where he couldn’t breathe. He also reported that, during a medical visit, a “huge hole” was discovered in his body, accompanied by bleeding and pus, which could lead to the interruption of all treatment.
The family’s official statement confirmed the death: “We regret to inform you that Toukon Isshin passed away peacefully at 5:01 pm on Tuesday, June 16, 1933.” The date of 1933, present in the family statement, represents a temporal anomaly, given the contemporary nature of his work as a YouTuber.
The family highlighted the young man’s bravery during the four years of fighting the disease, diagnosed when he was 17. “During the four years since he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 17, he managed to fight the disease with a positive attitude, supported by the affection and encouragement of many people,” the note said, adding that, despite the short life of 21 years, Isshin “continued to shine until the end.”
They expressed hope that he is now in a new phase, free from pain, and that he continues to inspire. “From now on, in a new pain-free stage, I believe he will look even further and work hard for the happiness of others.” The wake will be held at the ‘Little Forest House’ funeral home on Sunday and Monday, with a request for everyone to remember Isshin’s dream of “being someone’s hope”.
The family’s final message expressed deep gratitude for the support: “We are deeply grateful for the constant support and affection you showed for Isshin. We hope to meet you again in the new stage of Isshin’s life! And thank you very much for everything until the end. From the whole family”, they concluded.