A friend of mine sent me this in an email, it is a notice of Shiho-sama's passing from (I believe) Aoni Productions. (Thank you Akaiko Nozomi). ***Translation and romanji done by Cyborg Mermaid.
Heisei 12-nen 2-gatsu 17-nichi
(kabu) Aoni Productions ni shozoku shite orimashtia haiyuu Niiyama Shiho-san ga seikyo sareta koto ni tsukimashite, fan no minasamagata ni gohoukoku ga okuremashita koto wo, fukaku owabi moushiagemasu.
Shiho-san wa, 98-nen 7-gatsu ni Kyuusei Hakketsu Byou nite in-saremashita. Kotsuzui ishoku wo iki, ichijikai mata no kizashi ga arimashita ga, haien ni kakari, naizou shukketsu ni yoru ketsuatsu teika no tame, ?? kou naku saru 2-gatsu 7-nichi gozen 6-ji 23-bun ni eimin saremashita.
Goizoku no gokibou ni yori sougi wa tori okonawazu, kaisha shusai de "Niiyama Shiho-san Owakarekai" wo 2-gatsu 10-nichi tonai (bou/nanigashi) hotel nite ikimashita. Kaijou de wa, seizenchuu ni Shiho-san to shitashikatta goyuujin ya, gyoukai gokankeisha ga tasuu gosankai kenka wo sarete, naki Shiho-san wo shinobimashita.
Seiyuu toshite kagirinai kanousei wo motta Shiho-san wo ushinatta koto wa, fan no minasama, mata kaisha ni torimashite mo munensa de ippai de arimasu ga, semete minasama to goisshoni Shiho-san no gomeifuku wo oinori itashimashou.
Goryoushin kara, minasamagata e no message wo koko ni otsutae itashimasu. "Shiho wa saigo no saigo made, shien shite kudasatta fan no katagata to futatabi genki na sugata to koe de oaidekiru koto nomi wo hagemi ni shite, gambarimashita. Seizenchuu ni ouen shite kudasatta zenkoku no fan no katagata no atatakai okimochi ni taishi kokoro kara no orei wo moushi agemasu."
February 17, 2000
(Corp.) We deeply apologize for our lateness in reporting to her fans that Ms. Shiho Niiyama, an actress affiliated with Aoni Productions, had passed away.
Shiho had been hospitalized in July 1998 for acute leukemia and had returned for a bone marrow transplant. Her symptoms persisted for an hour, but she was suffering from pneumonia due to a drop in blood pressure caused by internal hemorrahaging. Having failed to respond to medication, she went to her eternal rest at 6:23 AM, February 7.
In accordance with the bereaved family's wishes, a company-sponsored gathering, "Farewell, Shiho Niiyama," was held on February 10 at a certain metropolitan hotel in lieu of a funeral ceremony. At the assembly, intimate friends and fellow industry members from throughout Shiho's life were in countless attendance and remembered the late Shiho with flowers.
As a voice actress, Shiho had unlimited potential. The company has received from her fans many expressions of deep regret at having to part with her, but let's all pray together for Shiho's happiness in the next world.
Here, we would like to convey a message to everyone from her parents: "Shiho held out until the very last; with the encouragement of her supportive fans, we saw her face and voice cheerful once more. For their warm feelings, we wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to her fans who cheered her on from all over the country."