On January 7, renowned shogi player Akira Watanabe, known as Meiken Kusen, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce his divorce from manga artist Megumi Ina. This personal milestone has been highlighted by Kusen's heartfelt message expressing his regrets.
Watanabe stated, "I got divorced last year. (It has nothing to do with my foot injury)," making it clear to fans who had long followed his career and personal life. His openness about the timing of the divorce has brought feelings of regret, particularly toward their shared supporters. "I'm sorry for those who supported us as 'Shogi's Watanabe-kun,'" he elaborated.
The couple had been married since April 2004, and together they welcomed their son just months after tying the knot. Throughout their marriage, Megumi Ina gained recognition as the creator of the manga series "Shogi's Watanabe-kun," which reflects their shared passion for the game.
Kusen's announcement didn't just dwell on the past; it also touched upon the present challenges he faced due to his health, particularly his knee surgery. He acknowledged the support he received from Ina during this trying time, admitting, "I have troubled my (ex) wife quite significantly due to my inability to move properly since before my knee surgery," showcasing his appreciation for the role Ina played during his recovery.
Interestingly, on the same day of Kusen's announcement, Megumi Ina shared her own update, stating, "Today features 'Shogi's Watanabe-kun' in 'Bessatsu Shonen Magazine.'" This indicates her continued commitment not just to her art but also to positively transforming the narrative surrounding their separation.
Fans and commentators have responded with empathy, reflecting on the public nature of their relationship and the pressures surrounding them both as individuals and as partners. Ina's mention of the manga’s publication seems to suggest her desire to maintain focus on her professional work even as her marriage chapter closes.
Meiken Kusen's future remains hopeful as he navigates through his divorce and personal challenges. His commitment to recovering from his injuries and continuing his career is evident, as he shared, "I hope to recover from my injuries and continue to support the manga.”
This announcement marks not only the end of his marriage but also a significant transition for both Watanabe and Ina. Supporters are now left to ponder the impact of this change on their respective futures within the shogi and manga communities.
Kusen's ability to be upfront about his struggles offers insight for many facing similar life changes. The hope is for both him and Ina to flourish individually and continue to contribute to their loved fields.