Former Morning Musume member Kaori Iida suffered the tragic loss of her son earlier this year, it was learned on Friday. Iida had given birth to her first child in January, but he died of chronic renal failure on July 27.

According to Iida's agency, the child began having kidney problems right after birth. He was kept in the hospital while receiving treatment, and Iida continued watching over him there. In April, the boy was released from the hospital. But on the morning of July 27, the child's health suddenly worsened and his kidneys ultimately failed.

Iida had reportedly been overwhelmed with grief, but she has gradually been able to overcome her grief. She has decided to return to work, starting with an Elder Club performance in Tokyo on January 10.