Yumi Sekiya, one half of the popular mixed-gender comedy duo Hanai Chigo, has made headlines with her joyful announcement of pregnancy. On March 5, 2025, Sekiya, who is 41 years old, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share this significant update with her fans.
Her post read, "ハナイチゴ関谷41歳！妊娠しました！！ 只今6ヶ月で6月末に出産予定です", which translates to "Announcement: Hanai Chigo Sekiya at 41 years old! I am pregnant!! Currently, I am six months along and expecting to give birth at the end of June."
There was also some playful mystery surrounding the gender of her baby, as she elaborated, "性別は赤ちゃんが頑なに股間を手で隠してしまっていて、まだ分かりません," meaning "The gender is unknown as the baby is stubbornly hiding it with his hands." This hint of humor reflects Sekiya's lighthearted approach during this special time.
To accompany her announcement, Sekiya shared before-and-after photos showcasing her growing baby bump, giving her followers even more personal insight as she navigates this exciting chapter of her life.
Looking toward the future, Sekiya announced plans to take maternity and childcare leave following her solo performance on April 13, 2025. She expressed her eagerness to connect with her audience one last time before going on leave, stating, "4／13の自主ライブをもって産休＆育休に入ります 是非ライブ来てください," which translates to "I will go on maternity and childcare leave after the self-produced live show on April 13, please come to the live show!" This invitation highlights her commitment to engaging with her fan base even as she prepares for motherhood.
Yumi Sekiya and her comedy partner Komatsuzaki formed their duo Hanai Chigo back in 2015, quickly gaining popularity for their engaging performances. Several years later, Sekiya made headlines again when she revealed her marriage to a man 15 years her junior, which marked another milestone event within her personal life.
Fans of Sekiya can undoubtedly look forward to both her live performance and the arrival of her baby later this year. Her pregnancy is not only joyous news but reflects the celebration of life transitions common to many. Sekiya's announcement has already garnered enthusiastic support from fans and colleagues alike, showcasing the vibrant culture surrounding Japan's entertainment industry.
With her upcoming leave and the anticipation of her new role as a mother, Yumi Sekiya’s future looks promising. Not only does it mark the continuation of her own life's story, but it also opens doors to new narratives of motherhood within the public eye. Sekiya’s blend of humor, warmth, and relatability makes her one of the cherished talents of her generation, and many will be eager to see how this next chapter of her life influences her work and performances moving forward.
For now, the laughter and charm of Sekiya continue to resonate with audiences, making this novel life stage all the more exciting and relatable.