Shizuka Arakawa, the celebrated Olympic figure skating champion, opened up about her unconventional meeting with her husband during an appearance on the television show "When the Husband is Asleep" on April 15, 2025. The episode, hosted by fellow mothers Miki Fujimoto and Natsuko Yokozawa, delved into Arakawa's parenting experiences and her unique love story.
Arakawa, who married a non-celebrity man in 2013, revealed that her introduction to her husband was orchestrated by their parents, likening it to an arranged marriage. "We met through a mutual acquaintance of our parents. There were people who had no intention of getting married, and they suggested, 'Why don't you meet for a bit?" she shared, prompting laughter from the studio audience.
Reflecting on her decision to marry, Arakawa stated, "I thought to myself, if I don’t go now, I will just keep rushing ahead with my life." This moment of introspection led her to meet her husband, and she decided to marry him without any hesitation. "I didn’t look back and just went for it," she recalled, emphasizing her certainty in the decision.
When asked by Yokozawa if she felt an instant connection upon meeting, Arakawa admitted, "I don’t really know what that 'instant connection' feels like..." The atmosphere during their first encounter was more akin to an interview, as her husband was a dedicated worker who knew very little about her. "He didn’t even have a television," she explained, which surprised the hosts. Yokozawa humorously interjected, "But everyone knows you, right?" referring to Arakawa's fame.
Arakawa laughed at the situation, noting that their initial conversation revolved around basic questions like, "What do you do for a living?" She expressed that their shared curiosity and interest in each other's lives at the same pace was a positive aspect of their relationship. "It was just right for us," she concluded, reminiscing about how their relationship blossomed.
In addition to discussing her marriage, Arakawa also touched upon her life as a mother of two children—a 10-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. The challenges of parenting and balancing her career as a figure skater were also part of the conversation, as she shared her experiences in raising her children and the joys and difficulties that come with it.
Arakawa's candid revelations about her marriage and family life resonated with viewers, showcasing her down-to-earth personality despite her status as a world-renowned athlete. Her story serves as a reminder that love can come from unexpected places and that sometimes, the best relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding.
As the episode concluded, it was clear that Arakawa's journey from Olympic gold medalist to devoted mother and wife is one filled with warmth, humor, and a touch of serendipity. Her experiences highlight not only her athletic achievements but also her personal growth and the importance of family in her life.
