Multiple Japanese celebrities have announced their marriages recently, creating waves of excitement and mixed reactions across social media platforms. The spotlight this New Year has shone brightly on entertainers and athletes, with revelations about their personal lives capturing public interest.
One of the standout announcements came from actress 伊藤沙莉 (Sairi Ito), who took to Instagram on January 4 to share the news of her marriage to playwright and screenwriter 蓬莱竜太 (Ryuta Horai). The announcement was made during her internet radio show, "伊藤沙莉のsaireek channel," where she expressed her joy and gratitude. Ito’s long-time friend, 玉井詩織 (Shiori Tamai) from the idol group ももいろクローバーZ (Momoiro Clover Z), quickly congratulated her via Instagram stories, saying, "I'm so happy for you!" as they reminisced about their decade-long friendship since they met on the set of the film "幕が上がる" (The Curtain Rises) back in 2015.
Meanwhile, 粗品 (Soshina), half of the popular comedy duo 霜降り明星 (Shimofuri Myojo), has also stirred attention on his YouTube channel, where he humorously commented on recent celebrity marriages announced on January 1. He mentioned several couples, including actor 溝端淳平 (Junpei Mizobata) and his wife, along with comedian 吉村崇 (Takashi Yoshimura), and voice actor 神谷浩史 (Hiroshi Kamiya) and actress 逢沢りな (Rina Aizawa). Soshina's playful critique—delivering punchlines about the public's mixed responses to these announcements—showcased the whimsical side of celebrity culture.
Another notable marriage announcement was made by 集団ワンダーキャッスル's (WANDER CASTLE) member 桐山照史 (Teruaki Kiriyama), who revealed his union with former Japanese volleyball player 狩野舞子 (Maiko Kano) on January 3. Despite the celebratory nature of the announcement, it came with unexpected drama as his group's YouTube following saw a significant decline, reportedly losing 3 to 4 thousand subscribers shortly after the news. Fans expressed disappointment on social media, attributing the loss to Kiriyama's relationship and the perceived ‘匂わせ’ (implying) hints shared by Kano, which had garnered mixed feelings among fans.
For actor 東浜巨 (Kyo Higashihama) of the ソフトバンクホークス (SoftBank Hawks), the new year brought personal joy as he married a non-celebrity, also hailing from Okinawa, on December 25. Higashihama expressed his aspiration to continue excelling at baseball, now with the added support of his spouse, declaring the year as pivotal for his career.
The public's reaction to these marriage announcements varies greatly, from heartfelt congratulations to skepticism, illustrating the complex relationship between celebrities and fans. Several fans celebrated伊藤's announcement with warmth, reflecting on her growth and popularity after her recent performance as co-host at the esteemed "第75回NHK紅白歌合戦" (75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen). On the other hand, the decline of followers on the YouTube channel of WEST. stirred discontent, with critics questioning the loyalty of fans toward the group.
伊藤沙莉’s nuptials resonate positively with fan sentiments, particularly considering her rising stardom as host during New Year’s Eve and her recent projects. Fans took to Twitter to express their affection, saying, "I’ve come to like 伊藤 more than I thought!" as she showcased her charming personality on the national stage. The combination of professional success and personal joy has positioned her favorably within the entertainment industry.
Looking forward to the future engagements and performances of these celebrities, the headlines are likely to remain vibrant with news surrounding the lives of this fresh batch of newlyweds. Fans eagerly await what these married stars will bring to their careers, hoping the personal joys will intertwine with their artistic endeavors.
While some public responses have hinted at mixed feelings and skepticism, these marriages reflect not only personal milestones but also the impact they hold within the entertainment culture of Japan. The interplay between celebrity announcements and fan reactions will undoubtedly continue to shape narratives within this captivating industry.