Overview
- Shoko Nakagawa faced a benign tumor in her salivary gland, which posed risks of facial paralysis during surgery.
- Despite the dangers associated with the surgery, she proceeded with the operation and still experiences some lingering side effects.
- Nakagawa is an advocate for health awareness, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being.
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Shoko Nakagawa is a multifaceted talent, known for her work as an actress, voice actress, singer, and illustrator. She is also active in cosplay and maintains a YouTube channel. A lifelong fan of Pokémon, her first significant role was as a presenter on the Pokémon Sunday TV show, which aired from 2006 to 2010.
As a prominent voice actress, Nakagawa is recognized for her roles including Diana in Sailor Moon Crystal, Alena in Dragon Quest Heroes, and the Japanese voice of Rapunzel in Disney’s Tangled. She has also reprised her role in video games like Kingdom Hearts II and Ralph Breaks the Internet, while contributing her voice to various characters in Pokémon films since 2007. Her singing career includes noteworthy performances, particularly as the vocalist for the opening theme of Gurren Lagann, titled “Sorairo Days.”
Recently, Nakagawa disclosed a significant health issue, revealing that she was diagnosed with a tumor in her parotid gland—an essential component of the salivary system. In a candid video shared on her YouTube channel, she reflected on the prospect of stepping away from her entertainment career due to her condition:
Benign Yet Risky Tumor
The tumor Nakagawa was diagnosed with was benign, meaning it was not cancerous; however, its potential to become malignant posed a significant risk. Additionally, if the tumor continued to grow, it could lead to facial paralysis—a serious concern for someone whose career relies heavily on voice work. Nakagawa was faced with about an 80% chance of experiencing facial paralysis during surgery due to the high concentration of nerves in that region. This daunting reality prompted her to contemplate leaving the entertainment industry altogether.
In a post on her X account, Nakagawa shared that the tumor had actually been diagnosed five years earlier, but doctors initially advised her not to worry. As time passed and the tumor continued to grow, she recognized that her health and quality of life were far more important than her career aspirations.
I had surgery for a parotid gland tumor around January last year.
It’s been a while since I’ve fully recovered, so I talked about it on YouTube.
I heard that it affects 2-3 people out of 100,000, but on the Internet there are many comments from people who have suffered from the same disease.
Just a little extra information. …
pic.twitter.com/NWtRDExWHy— 🍉Shoko Nakagawa🍉🐈⬛ (@shoko55mmts)
December 8, 2024
Grateful for Surgery
After undergoing the surgery in January 2023, Nakagawa reported lingering symptoms such as ear numbness and occasional pain when pressed. She has emphasized the critical importance of regular health check-ups, stating that even benign tumors could mimic malignant ones despite initial tests. Such conditions can lead to complications like facial swelling, swallowing difficulties, and loss of movement.
Fortunately, Nakagawa is still thriving in the entertainment industry, continuing to inspire others with her story of resilience and determination.
Source: ANN
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