Popular Japanese YouTuber known as Zepa has passed away 'unexpectedly' at age 26.

Zepa, whose legal name has not been made public, had built a huge following of more than 1.4 million fans across social media.

The young social media star had gained over 624,000 subscribers on YouTube alone, where she often shared clips of herself trying out various foods and drinks.

A message confirming her shock death was shared to her X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.

'I apologize for this sudden report. Zepa has passed away unexpectedly,' the post, which was written in Japanese but translated to English, said. 

'On behalf of the deceased, I deeply apologize for the abrupt news of their passing. The funeral was held privately with only family members in attendance. 

'We sincerely thank you for the kindness and support extended to the deceased during their lifetime.'

The cause of death has not been released. 

Zepa had spoken about her struggles with alcoholism in the past.

In a post shared on X days before her death, she wrote: 'It seems that the average lifespan for alcohol dependency is around 50 years old... Have I already passed the halfway mark...?'

She also posted a message on March 15 that said: 'Where are my strengths, anyway... My cheerful side? Nah, I get alcohol depression sometimes too, though, lol.'

In January, she confessed in a tweet: 'I'm worried about myself,' and in December, she shared: 'I don't have alcohol-free days.' 

The YouTube star, from Japan's Kansai region, had originally dreamed of becoming a hairdresser.

But she later changed course on her mother's advice and went on to study law at university.

She launched her YouTube channel in 2022. 

Fans were quick to share their heartbreak over the news of her passing.

'Jesus what the f**k? I was just watching her stream like two weeks ago, that is devastating. She was one of my favorite Japanese content creators,' one social media user shared.

'That's very tragic. Especially since she tried quitting and spent time raising awareness for alcoholism. Rest in peace,' said another.

'I love [her videos] so much, and I keep rewatching them over and over, getting tons of energy from them,' someone else shared. 

'I was really looking forward to your activities on the new channel, so this is just too shocking... My deepest condolences.'

'I'm shocked by the sudden news of your passing. Zepa-san, it's truly heartbreaking that it happened at such a young age of 26,' read a fourth post. 

'Thank you for all the enjoyable streams up until now. I sincerely pray for your soul's eternal peace.'

'I'm so shocked that I can't find the right words, but for now, just one thing... Thank you so much for all the energy you've given me until now,' said a fifth.