On December 15, 2024, acclaimed actor Watabe Atsuko made a notable appearance on TBS's "Sunday's First Ear Learning" show, where he shared intimate details about his life, including his Hollywood experiences and personal insights. The hour-long episode was filled with heartwarming anecdotes and revelations about his career, friendships, and family.
During the show, Watabe discussed the surprising realities of Hollywood salaries, noting, "結局新人扱いなんですよ。あれ？おかしいな、日本で8カ月仕事した方がもうちょっとお金になるよね？みたいな。ヘタすると半分だった" which translates to, "I was treated like a newcomer. It was strange; working eight months in Japan paid more than my work there, sometimes even half the amount." This candid insight highlights the disparities he faced as he transitioned to international cinema.
Watabe recalled his career-defining role in "The Last Samurai,” which became pivotal for his rise as Hollywood star, grossing ¥14 billion and earning him an Academy Award nomination. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity but admitted his initial feelings of uncertainty without formal contracts, reflecting on how different the processes were compared to Japan.
The conversation took on a more personal note as he shared his close bond with fellow actor Hiroyuki Sanada, stating, "毎年2人だけで忘年会をしてます," meaning they hold annual year-end parties together, where they reminisce about the past year. He added the warm details of their conversations, stating, "今年どうだった？""もうそろそろ体使うの辞めた方がいいんじゃない？" which means, “How was the year? Maybe it's time to stop pushing our bodies so hard.” This reflection on their friendship adds depth to their relationship beyond their professional lives.
Not only reflecting on his fellow actors, Watabe also opened up about his family. His daughter, Anna Watabe, made a special appearance via video on the show, sharing, "心の底からすごいと思った" or "I truly think he’s amazing," expressing pride and admiration for her father’s resilience and achievements throughout his career. It was evident how much family means to him, and having his daughter's presence added emotional weight to the conversation.
Watabe's love for his family extended beyond just sentiments as he joked about sending video messages of himself dressed as characters from Studio Ghibli to his grandchildren, reflecting the light-hearted side of him as he balances being both a celebrity and family man.
Besides highlighting his family relationships, Watabe’s conversation about his health struggles added another layer to his narrative. He revealed aspects of his battle with serious illnesses, including acute myeloid leukemia and stomach cancer discovered during different stages of his career. His strength during these trying times serves as inspiration, leading him to express gratitude for each day, relaying how these experiences taught him about the significance of life and how he approaches his roles and relationships.
Throughout the interview, viewers not only got to see the top-tier talent of Watabe but also the relatable and humble side of him. The show adeptly blended entertainment with thoughtful discussions about the pressures of fame and personal struggles, displaying just how multifaceted Watabe truly is.
It’s clear from this episode of “Sunday's First Ear Learning” on TBS and from Watabe’s recounting of his experiences, both heartwarming and challenging, he remains dedicated to his craft and family, forever embodying the spirit of resilience and affection. The life he leads transcends acting, retelling the stories of battles won and values cherished. His love for acting, family, and creativity remains undeniably strong.
