Kento Watanabe, one of Japan's leading shogi players, made headlines with his heartfelt announcement on X (formerly Twitter) on the 7th of this month, disclosing his divorce from manga artist Megumi Ina. The divorce occurred last year, as the 40-year-old revealed, "Last year, I got divorced. (It is unrelated to my leg injury)." This statement marks a significant moment for both Watanabe and Ina, both of whom have publicly engaged with fans over their relationship through various platforms.
The announcement came as Watanabe reflected on the support he and Ina received from their fans throughout their marriage, saying, "I feel sorry for the fans who supported us as 'Watanabe-kun of Shogi.'" This shared history not only included their relationship but also the popular manga series titled 'Watanabe-kun of Shogi,' which featured Watanabe and was created by Ina—who is also the sister of renowned shogi player Yusuke Ina.
Watanabe elaborated on the difficulties he faced, including recovery from knee surgery, stating, "I have caused quite a bit of trouble for my wife (ex), not just with care, but also needing someone to talk to and encouragement." His openness about these personal challenges resonates with many, highlighting how his injury impacted not just his professional life but his personal relationships as well.
The couple, who married back in April 2004 when Watanabe was only 19 years old, welcomed their first child shortly thereafter, creating what many perceived as a standard family unit typical of successful Japanese couples. The announcement of their divorce naturally surprises fans, who had grown to admire their partnership through personal stories shared alongside media appearances and Ina's manga, which depicted their daily lives.
Further commenting on the situation, Watanabe expressed his intention to continue supporting Ina's work, emphasizing, "I will continue to support the manga, which I hope fans will also appreciate." Despite the personal challenges, both he and Ina aim to remain amicable post-divorce, underlining Watanabe's commitment to active involvement with their shared fanbase. Notably, during the announcement, Ina mentioned via her own X post, "Today marks the publication of 'Watanabe-kun of Shogi' in the latest issue of Bessatsu Shonen Magazine," intertwining their professional lives even after their separation.
For many, the news of their divorce serves as a reminder of the often-unseen struggles faced by public figures who seek privacy amid the very public pressures of fame and expectation, especially within the competitive world of shogi.
Looking to the future, Watanabe is focused not only on overcoming his health issues but also aims to keep the spirit of their joint endeavors alive through continued support for Ina’s work. Echoing resilience amid adversity, he reflected, "I am trying to recover from my injuries and push forward with my life." His hope is to not only heal physically but also to navigate the new dynamics of his life as both a public figure and individual, emphasizing growth and perseverance.
The marriage of Kento Watanabe and Megumi Ina, once perceived as ideal by many, teaches valuable lessons about the realities of relationships, personal challenges, and the human condition. Fans around the world, especially those who followed their story through the lens of shogi and manga, continue to wish both Watanabe and Ina the best as they pursue their individual paths. The change marks not just the end of their marriage but also a new chapter for both, forever linked through their art and life experiences.