Ken Watanabe, the celebrated Japanese actor, offered audiences a glimpse of his family dynamics during his recent appearance on the TBS program "Nichiyoubi no Hatsumira Gaku". On December 15, 2023, viewers were treated to not only the star power of Watanabe but also the charm of his daughter, Anne, who connected via video from Paris. The segment became particularly heartwarming as Anne shared insights about her father’s unexpected prowess in domestic duties.
During her video address, Anne recalled moments from her past when Watanabe had come to visit her family. Reflecting on these days, she said, “私よりも家事能力とか、段取りみたいなのはすごいなって” (His house-management skills are greater than mine). These comments opened up conversations about Watanabe's role not just as a father but also as something of a caretaker during her children's early years.
Anne reflected on the experience of having Watanabe help out when her children were young, stating, “子どもたち寝かせに行って1回私が部屋にこもらなきゃいけないのが、だいたい1時間くらいある” (I need some quiet time to put the children to bed for about an hour). During those quiet moments, she observed her father effortlessly managing chores. “なんて便利なんだ…と” (How convenient it was…) she recalled, recognizing his adeptness at making the kitchen tidy, preparing simple snacks, and even walking the family dog—all within the hour she was occupied with her children.
The fondness of these recollections painted a rich picture of Watanabe as not just Hollywood’s leading man but as the nurturing grandfather he is today. The actor’s willingness to help didn’t just stop at chores; Anne highlighted his attempts to shower his grandchildren with gifts, albeit with some amusing errors. “洋服のサイズはね、わかんない。難しくて” (I don’t understand clothing sizes; it’s difficult), Watanabe chuckled, admitting to his challenges when buying appropriate clothing for his grandchildren.
Anne detailed instances where her father would buy clothes for the little ones only for them to be the wrong size. It becomes apparent through their exchange how much love Watanabe puts behind these gestures, making his occasional missteps part of his charm. Anne waved off any disappointment with laughter, describing how he often operated with the best intentions.
With every story, Watanabe’s playful personality shined through, as Anne recalled moments when Watanabe would take the time to create joyful experiences for his grandchildren. She mentioned how her father plays the trumpet – quite likening it to his characters on screen. “たぶん格好寄せてきたんじゃないかな” (He might have dressed up for it) as she shared how he had sent her kids videos of himself playing tunes from "天空の城ラピュタ" (Castle in the Sky).
Adding depth to their conversation, Anne couldn’t help but compliment her father’s resilience and achievements. She expressed her immense pride when she witnessed Watanabe perform together with other talented actors during the American Broadway production of "The King and I". “なんか初めてすごいなと思った” (I thought, ‘Wow, he’s amazing for the first time’), she said, acknowledging the emotional weight of seeing him triumph on such substantial stages even during challenging times, particularly following his battle with cancer.
This installment of the show effectively highlighted the tender familial relations between Watanabe and his daughter. The anecdotes shared by Anne served as wonderful reminders of the personal and private moments stowed away from the public eye, marking Watanabe not merely as an esteemed actor but as the loving and supportive father who’s always ready to lend support—whether it be through household tasks or meaningful life lessons.
While many know Ken Watanabe for his distinguished roles and contributions to cinema, this episode offered viewers poignant insights, reshaping the way fans may think of him as he embodies so much more than accolades—he is also a cherished father and grandfather.
