Chisato Moritaka And Yosuke Eguchi – A 22-Year-Long Partnership
They initially crossed paths during a joint appearance on a radio show, but it was a second meeting at a 1995 relief event for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that truly sparked their connection. Four years later, in 1999, they tied the knot and eventually welcomed a son and a daughter.
While fans remain intrigued by the dynamics of their celebrity marriage, the couple prefers to keep their personal lives out of the public eye. Still, they’re occasionally spotted enjoying low-key outings together—proof that their affection for each other remains strong.
Hikari Ishida And Kei Kunpei – Two Decades of Marriage
Hikari Ishida, one of Japan’s top actresses, has been married to NHK producer Kei Kurube since 2001. While her older sister, Yuriko Ishida, remains single, Hikari found lasting love with Kurube, a prominent figure behind the scenes.
Though his name may not be widely known to the public, Kurube has played a key role in producing major NHK dramas like Amachan, Idaten: Tokyo Olympic Banashi, Manten, and Koumyou ga Tsuji. The couple has two daughters and continues to keep their family life mostly private.
Miyuki Oshima and Osamu Suzuki – 19 Years Strong
Many were likely surprised when Miyuki Oshima of Morisanchu, known for her bold, physical comedy on TV, became the first member of the trio to tie the knot. The story behind it is just as unexpected—Osamu Suzuki reportedly proposed to her the very first time they met, while both were drunk at a party, and she accepted in true comedic fashion.
It was a “zero-day courtship” that led straight to marriage. Though they faced the heartbreak of a miscarriage early on, the couple was later blessed with a son, Shofuku (nicknamed Ef-kun), and continue to enjoy a happy and loving family life.
Makiko Esumi and Makoto Hirano – 18 Years of Marriage
Makiko Esumi rose to fame starring in the popular TV drama Shomuni, but her journey began as a corporate volleyball player. Her height led her into modeling, which eventually opened the door to a successful acting career. In 1996, she married Roland Kirishima, though the marriage ended in divorce just nine months later. In 2000, she remarried—this time to director Makoto Hirano, whom she met while filming Shomuni.
The couple went on to have a son and a daughter. Although Esumi made a brief return to the entertainment world in 2009, she officially retired from the industry in 2017.
Takashi Fujii and Otoha – 16 Years of Marriage
Takashi Fujii and Otoha have been married for 16 years, sharing a relationship that has stood the test of time.
They’ve managed to balance their busy careers while keeping their family life private, showing that commitment can thrive even in the spotlight.
Takaaki Ishibashi and Honami Suzuki – Together for 23 Years
When it comes to notable remarried couples, Takaaki Ishibashi and Honami Suzuki stand out. After tying the knot again in 1998, Honami stepped away from the entertainment world to focus on raising their three daughters.
However, she returned to acting in 2008 and has since taken on busy roles, including in the 2021 WOWOW drama Influence and the film Adult Affairs: Looking at My Smartphone. Although divorce rumors occasionally surface, the couple’s true relationship status remains private.
Takuya Kimura and Shizuka Kudo – Together 21 years
The most talked-about event of the year 2000 involved this couple. At that time, Kimutaku was at the height of his fame, and his shotgun marriage to former Onyanko Club idol Shizuka Kudo sparked widespread criticism and backlash.
Their daughters, Cocomi and Koki, have both followed their parents into the entertainment world. Undoubtedly, it was Shizuka Kudo who stood by Kimutaku and their family throughout the turmoil of the SMAP breakup scandal.
Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura – Together 41 years
Momoe Yamaguchi is a legendary idol, known for being the youngest-ever final performer at the Red and White Song Battle—a record that still stands today. She surprised many by openly declaring her love for actor Tomokazu Miura, and the two married, continuing their careers in show business.
Her iconic exit—quietly leaving the microphone on stage during her final 1980 concert—is still remembered fondly. Their sons, Yuutaro Miura and Takahiro Miura, have both followed in their parents’ footsteps and joined the entertainment industry.
Mayuko Takada and Taro Hakase – Together 22 years
Mayuko Takada, an intellectual actress, and violinist Taro Hakase are often regarded as one of the most artistic pairs in the entertainment world. Their romance began unexpectedly when Takada attended a concert by Hakase, who was then relatively unknown, and instantly fell for him.
In a remarkable moment, Hakase proposed marriage in front of none other than Celine Dion. The couple has two children—a son and a daughter—and now reside in the UK. Their eldest daughter, Himawari, has inherited her father’s exceptional talent and is a gifted violinist herself.
Ikue Sakakibara and Toru Watanabe – Together 34 years
They’ve been a devoted couple in the entertainment world for over three decades. Watanabe Toru was originally a huge admirer of Sakakibara Ikue, a popular idol from the ’70s. The two met while working together on a drama in 1984 and married happily in 1987.
They have two sons together. Since becoming a mother, Sakakibara has been very active as a “mom talent” on various information and variety shows, while Watanabe Toru now appears more frequently on stage than on television. The key to their lasting marriage seems to be strong communication. Do you think you could manage that?
Masatoshi Hamada and Natsumi Ogawa – Together 32 years
Downtown’s Hamada Masatoshi and talent Ogawa Natsumi met while starring together in a Kansai local drama in 1987 and tied the knot two years later. Ogawa is a year older than Hamada. Despite Hamada’s repeated cheating scandals making headlines, it’s evident that Ogawa keeps a firm grip on their relationship.
Showing impressive openness, she once commented, “When he stops being popular, that’s it. I think having a popular boyfriend is cool,” highlighting her unique perspective on their ups and downs.
Matsumoto Iyo and Hiromi – Together 28 years
Iyo Matsumoto, an idol from the ’80s, married comedian Hiromi—the leader of the comedy group “B21 Special”—in 1993. Hiromi often shares funny stories about Matsumoto’s quirky behavior on TV, and the affectionate way he calls her “Mama” shows their marriage is filled with laughter despite occasional mishaps.
He also tells their sons, “If anything happens, I’ll protect your mother before you.” Hiromi’s strong belief in protecting women makes him a truly devoted husband.
Kanako Higuchi and Shigesato Itoi – Together 28 years
Not everyone may realize that actress Kanako Higuchi was once married. Essayist and journalist Shigesato Itoi married a non-celebrity woman in 1981 and had a child that same year. However, in 1982, he began an affair with Kanako Higuchi.
Eventually, he divorced and remarried around 1993—making that marriage somewhat one of convenience. At the time, Higuchi openly stated, “The person I loved just happened to have a family,” a remark that sparked significant criticism.
Hiroyuki Watanabe and Hideko Hara – Together 26 years
Hiroyuki Watanabe rose to fame in 1982 with a commercial for "Lipovitan D," known for his good looks even at a young age. Hideko Hara is in her second marriage and has a daughter from her first husband, but Watanabe treats her daughter as his own.
Together, they have two children. Now both in their sixties, the couple still appears affectionate and close, showing no signs of separation.
Masaharu Fukuyama and Kazue Fukiishi – Married For 6 years
When Masaharu Fukuyama announced his marriage in 2015, it came as a shock to many of his fans. His partner turned out to be actress Kazue Fukiishi. Despite a 13-year age gap, they make a strikingly beautiful couple.
They share a child, and while Kazue Fukiishi has stepped back from the public eye recently, Masaharu Fukuyama continues to thrive as both an actor and musician. In 2020, he starred in the film Last Letter.
Joe Odagiri and Yu Kashii – Together 13 years
This couple, both unique figures in acting, surprised many when they married in 2008, especially since Yu Kashii was just 20 years old at the time. They welcomed three sons in 2011, 2014, and 2016, but tragically lost their second son at age one to a condition called strangulation ileus in 2015.
Afterward, they had a younger son and have been focusing on raising their children, though they occasionally still appear on television.
Ryoko Hirosue and Candle Jun – 11 years together
It made headlines when it was revealed that actress Ryoko Hirosue’s new husband is a tattooed and pierced candle artist. Raised in a Christian family, his interest in candles stems from that background.
He also works on receptions for luxury fashion brands, designs spaces for live shows, and is actively engaged in peace initiatives and charity efforts. It’s easy to see why she was drawn to him!
Akira Nakao and Shino Ikenami – Married 48 years
They’re possibly the longest-lasting couple in the entertainment world today. After meeting during a period drama in 1978, they married just three months later. Akira Nakao was previously married to actress Narumi Kayashima, with whom he has one child, but he has no children with Shino Ikenami.
The couple emphasizes that “communication” is key to a successful marriage. So, everyone—are you truly listening to your partner?
Toru Nakamura and Isako Washio – 26 years together
Toru Nakamura and Isako Washio first met while starring in the 1992 drama Nobunaga King of Zipangu and started dating after reuniting on Oretachi Rookie Cop. They married in 1995 and have two daughters. Recently, it has been reported that Isako Washio is facing an undisclosed illness.
Throughout this challenging time, Toru Nakamura continues to support his family while pursuing his acting career. Their eldest daughter, Mio, has grown into an elegant woman and works as a model, inheriting her mother’s graceful presence.
Mariya Takeuchi and Tatsuro Yamashita – 39 years together
Without a doubt, they’re a powerhouse couple in the music industry. Both originally signed with the same record label, Mariya Takeuchi was a fan of Tatsuro Yamashita’s music and often attended his concerts. Clearly, the connection between these two musical talents was strong
They share one daughter, who later pursued Japanese painting at art college and is now working as an illustrator. It’s likely she will excel in her own creative career as well.
Yumi Matsutoya and Masataka Matsutoya – 45 Years of Harmony
Singer-songwriter Yumi Arai, now known as Yumi Matsutoya, began dating Masataka Matsutoya after they appeared together on a music program—sparking rumors that he was captivated by her talent. They married when he was 25 and she was 22, and made the decision not to have children.
This was Yumi’s choice, once saying, “If we had children, they would become my greatest masterpiece.” Today, the couple continues to leave a lasting mark on the Japanese music industry, working side by side as a creative force.
Yoko Nagashima and Mark Smith – 12 Happy Years
Enka singer Yoko Nagashima and IT entrepreneur Mark Smith began their relationship after appearing together on the show Sekai Baribari Value. A devoted fan of enka, Mark reportedly sent Yoko a love letter after the broadcast.
The two tied the knot when Yoko was 41, and she gave birth to a daughter the following year—considered a later-in-life pregnancy. On a talk show, she shared that she started fertility treatments shortly after marriage, but to her surprise, she was able to conceive through timing therapy alone.
Tomoko Yamaguchi and Toshiaki Karasawa – 25 years Together
They’re one of the most admired couples in the entertainment world. When they announced their marriage in 1995, both were at the peak of their careers, making headlines across the country. After dating for seven years, they opted for a modest wedding—no rings, no honeymoon.
As Toshiaki Karasawa put it, “As long as the feelings are there, isn’t that enough?”—a sentiment that somehow feels completely convincing. While they haven’t had children, the two remain deeply affectionate and are often seen together. And when a reporter once asked him on a variety show, “What’s your most treasured possession?” his immediate reply was, “Tomoko Yamaguchi”—no surprise at all.
Natsuko Godai and Ryotaro Sugi – 21 years Together
Ryotaro Sugi was previously married to a non-celebrity and had three children before divorcing in 1998. The following year, he remarried enka singer Natsuko Godai. Their relationship began when she brought a gift to his dressing room, and they reportedly spoke on the phone almost daily for a month—much like a pair of smitten teenagers.
Just a month later, they decided to marry. While they don’t have children of their own, the couple has adopted over 100 children and are actively involved in humanitarian work. In Vietnam, they’re helping lay the groundwork for Japanese language schools and other support initiatives.
Monkey and Erika Yamakawa – Married 14 years
This unique pair—a comedian and an idol talent—has often been referred to as a “beauty and the beast” couple. They tied the knot in 2007 and have since welcomed a son and a daughter. Osaru originally studied calligraphy under his mother, a calligraphy master, but after marrying, he took his passion further by becoming an apprentice to a professional calligrapher.
Though he’s rarely seen on TV these days, he’s built a thriving career in calligraphy, creating baby names, company logos, and signage. It’s clear his career shift has been a remarkable success.
Ran Ito and Yutaka Mizutani – 39 years Of Joy
Yutaka Mizutani, best known for his role in the Aibō series, married former Candies member Ran Ito in 1989. It’s said that Mizutani was a longtime fan of the idol group Candies before their romance began. This was his second marriage—his first was to American actress Mickey McKenzie.
Together with Ran Ito, he had a daughter named Shuri, who has followed in her parents' footsteps and is now an actress herself. At 30 years old, it may not be long before Mizutani and Ito step into the role of grandparents.
Kaori Kishitani (formerly Kaori Okui) and Goro Kishitani – 25 Years United
Kaori Kishitani, formerly Kaori Okui of the band Princess Princess, has remained active in the music scene since marrying actor Goro Kishitani in 1996. The two first met on a radio show hosted by Goro, where they reportedly clashed during their initial encounter—an early argument that, ironically, may have revealed their strong chemistry.
They went on to have a son and a daughter. In 2021, Goro Kishitani took on the role of Ii Naosuke in the NHK taiga drama Seiten wo Tsuke, while Kaori Kishitani released a mini album that same year, continuing to shine in her own right.
Miwa Yoshida, Ken Sueda, and Ikuto Kamata – Four years together, then nine years
Miwa Yoshida, lead singer of the renowned Japanese band Dreams Come True, married Ken Sueda, a video producer, in 2003. Tragically, Ken passed away from germ cell tumors in 2007. In his memory, Miwa dedicated the song "AND I LOVE YOU."
Around 2009, she began a relationship with Juon Kamata, a support member of Dreams Come True. Despite grappling with the loss of her first husband and a 19-year age gap, the couple grew close and married in 2012, choosing to move forward together.
Shoko Aida and Hiromitsu Aizawa – Married For 13 Years
Shoko Aida, known as part of the ’80s–’90s idol duo Wink, married Dr. Hiromitsu Aizawa in 2008. The couple met at a designer’s house party, where Dr. Aizawa made the first move.
Coming from a distinguished background, Dr. Aizawa’s father is a former member of the House of Representatives and served as Minister of the Economic Planning Agency, while his mother is actress Yoko Tsukasa. Although their marriage faced initial resistance, Dr. Aizawa was determined to make it happen.
Hidemi Ishikawa and Hirohide Yakumaru – 31 years together
In 1990, Hirohide Yakumaru of Shibugakitai, a popular idol group at the time, and Hidemi Ishikawa surprised everyone with a shotgun wedding. When they officially registered their marriage, Ishikawa was already eight months pregnant, which shocked the public.
After their wedding announcement, she essentially retired from the entertainment industry to focus on raising their five children—two daughters and three sons. Although the family is now spread out globally, with Ishikawa and her daughter living in Hawaii, Yakumaru Hirohide continues to work in Japan.
Hayami Yu and Fukuda Tomio – 25 Amazing Years Together
Yu Hayami, a popular idol from the ’80s, remains a prominent celebrity mom today. At 29, she married a successful banker who, like her, graduated from Sophia University.
The two actually dated during their university years but parted ways after graduation, only to reconnect and begin dating again later on. They eventually tied the knot and now have two daughters, both of whom attended international schools and speak English fluently.
Yoko Oginome and Ryuzo Tsujino Have Been Married For 20 Years
Yoko Oginome was one of the iconic idols of the 1980s, with her song “Dancing Hero” experiencing a revival hit in 2017. Surprisingly, she and her husband were actually classmates in high school. Though they dated back then, they put their romance on hold to focus on their dreams of becoming top idols.
Years later, they reconnected as adults, rekindled their relationship, and eventually got married in a story full of drama and heart. Today, they are proud parents to three daughters.
Yoko Minamino and Mitsushi Kaneda – 11 Years Together
Yoko Minamino, affectionately called "Nanno" during her idol days in the ’80s, married businessman Mitsufumi Kaneda when she was 43. Kaneda, four years her junior, was introduced to her through a mutual friend.
While details about their relationship remain private, it’s known that Kaneda had previously been married and divorced in 2010. Interestingly, Minamino remarried in 2011, sparking much public speculation. Reportedly, Kaneda wasn’t even aware of Minamino’s celebrity status when they first met!
Keisuke Kuwata and Yuko Hara – 39 Years Of Marriage
Among the most admired couples in the music world are Southern All Stars’ Keisuke Kuwata and Yuko Hara. Their story began back in university, where they were senior and junior members of the same light music club.
They started dating a year after their major debut and tied the knot after about four years together. Since then, they’ve remained an ideal couple, supporting one another both on and off stage. Their iconic song “Itoshi no Ellie” stands as a testament to their deep connection and collaboration.
Yui Asaka and Takahiro Nishikawa – 19 Years together
Former idol Yui Asaka has been making more frequent TV appearances recently, especially after starring in a Rizap commercial. Once celebrated as one of the "four great idols," she caught attention when it was revealed she was dating Takahiro Nishikawa, the drummer in her backing band.
The couple openly confirmed their relationship, which made headlines. After 14 years together, they married in 2002. Their first daughter was born in 2007, and in recent years, Yui has also been active as a celebrity mom.
Nanako Matsushima and Takashi Sorimachi – 20 years together
The couple tied the knot after starring together in the TV drama GTO, which achieved a peak viewership rating of 35%. As both were popular actors at the time, their marriage made headlines and was widely celebrated by fans who saw them as a perfect match.
They have two daughters, though they keep their children out of the public eye. Interestingly, did you know that Takashi Sorimachi originally started his career with Johnny’s Entertainment?
Mariko Kaga and Makoto Kiyohiro – Together for about 21 years
Actress Mariko Kaga has led a life filled with both personal challenges and resilience. She was once reported to be in a relationship with actor Koji Ishizaka and later became a single mother after becoming pregnant by a non-celebrity partner—tragically, the child was stillborn.
She later met former TBS producer Makoto Kiyohiro through work, and their bond deepened over a shared love of mahjong. It was Kaga herself who made the first move, and it took five years for their relationship to blossom. Now in a common-law marriage, she continues to live true to her heart, embracing life fully at every stage.
Yasushi Akimoto and Mamiko Takai Have Been Together For 34 years
Yasushi Akimoto, a renowned lyricist and producer behind many of Japan’s biggest idol groups, was also the mastermind of Onyanko Club, a defining presence in the 1980s. In a move that certainly raised eyebrows, he ended up marrying Masuko Takai—one of the group’s members.
The idea of a producer marrying someone he managed was bound to stir public reaction. After their marriage, Masuko Takai stepped away from the spotlight and has since dedicated herself to supporting Akimoto behind the scenes.
Koichi Iwaki and Anna Yuki – 47 years together
This couple is the kind that makes you think, “I want to grow old with someone like that.” Though they now share a happy and enduring marriage, their love story had a dramatic start. It began when 20-year-old Koichi Iwaki spotted 16-year-old Anna Yuki at a café and approached her.
Having recently arrived from Sweden, Anna spoke little Japanese at the time. Despite the language gap, the two began dating and stayed together. Four years later, when Anna was 20, she became pregnant and gave birth. It seems that love found a way—no translation needed.
Hayashiya Pete and Hayashiya Parko – 50 Years Together
We can’t overlook the beloved “pink Rakugo couple.” Both Hayashiya Pe and Hayashiya Parko were disciples of the first Hayashiya Sanpei, with Pe being the senior apprentice. Known for his incredible memory, Hayashiya Pe is famous in the entertainment world for recalling countless celebrity birthdays.
He’s also instantly recognizable for his signature pink attire—not just on stage, but in everyday life as well. The couple are enthusiastic sumo fans, and during a sumo broadcast where they were spotted in the crowd, they were—unsurprisingly—decked out in matching pink outfits.
Katsumi and Sayuri – 26 Years Of Fun
Some people in the Kanto region might not be familiar with them, but this married comedy duo, part of the Yoshimoto talent agency, are well-known faces on Kansai-area shows. Sayuri (pictured on the right) is famous for her signature look—miniskirt dresses and towering high heels—and despite her youthful appearance, she’s already in her 50s.
It definitely makes you wonder what her beauty secret is! Her husband, Katsumi, has been humorously dubbed a "useless husband" after a string of failed business ventures left him with a significant amount of debt. Still, Sayuri’s unwavering, upbeat support of him is truly admirable.
Takako Matsu and Yoshiyuki Sahashi – 15 Years Together
Takako Matsu, born into a prestigious Kabuki family, has become a celebrated actress and performer since the 1990s, known for her roles in TV dramas and on stage. In 2007, she married guitarist and music producer Yoshiyuki Sahashi.
While his name may not be instantly recognizable to everyone, Sahashi is a highly respected figure in the music world, having played and arranged for hits like Kazumasa Oda’s Love Story wa Totsuzen ni and Masaharu Fukuyama’s HELLO. The two met through his work on Matsu’s music. They now have a daughter, and Matsu continues to thrive in her career, recently gaining attention for her roles in Disney productions.
Ryoko Shinohara and Masachika Ichihara – 17 Years Together
Despite a 24-year age gap, Masachika Ichimura and Ryoko Shinohara tied the knot in 2005. When they first met, Ichimura was still married to Mami Yaezawa of the Shiki Theatre Company, leading to speculation that Shinohara may have played a role in the breakup.
Due to their age difference, Shinohara’s father initially opposed the relationship, but in the end, their strong connection won out. Though they married later in life, the couple has since welcomed two sons.
Miho Kanno and Masato Sakai – 9 years together
This beloved actor-actress couple has maintained their popularity even after tying the knot. They met while co-starring in the 2012 film Ōoku: The Inner Chambers – Eien [The Chronicle of Tsunayoshi], during which Masato Sakai was drawn to Miho Kanno’s cheerful and warm personality.
With serious intentions from the start, Sakai proposed to her with marriage in mind, and the two wed just three months later. They now have a son and a daughter and continue to juggle parenthood with their acting careers. In 2021, Miho Kanno took on a leading role in the film Tomorrow’s Table.
Yamada Yu And Oguri Shun Have Been Married For 9 years Together
Though it may feel like their wedding was just yesterday, it's already been a decade since their marriage. The couple dated for four years before tying the knot, even going through a breakup along the way. But it was Shun Oguri who couldn’t let go, reportedly saying he “didn’t want to lose her.”
They married in 2012 and went on to have three children in 2014, 2017, and 2020, growing into a family of five. To support Oguri’s aspirations of breaking into Hollywood, the entire family is now based in the United States.
Taiyo Sugiura And Nozomi Tsuji – 14 years together
This couple made waves when they tied the knot in 2007—especially since Nozomi Tsuji was just 19 at the time (while Taiyo Sugiura was 26). Many doubted their marriage would last. Yet today, they are proud parents of four children.
Watching them passionately raise their family has changed many people’s perspectives. Even now, their affection remains strong, with physical closeness a constant in their relationship. Could a fifth child be on the way?
Moe Fukuda and Atsuhiko Nakata – 9 years together
Atsuhiko Nakata of the comedy duo Oriental Radio, who left Yoshimoto Kogyo in December 2020, married talent Moe Fukuda in 2012. Moe Fukuda, who launched her career after winning a beauty contest at Yokohama National University, first appeared on a show hosted by Oriental Radio while she was job hunting.
The two started dating in 2011, and when a high court ruling mandated marriage, they didn’t wait long to tie the knot. It was reported that the family planned to relocate to Singapore in March 2021.
Seiichi Tanabe and Nene Otsuka – 19 years together
Nene Otsuka remarried swiftly in 2002, following the end of her three-year marriage to Shigeo Hamada, the third generation of Uotake, the previous year. Their divorce was reportedly due to differences in values. Afterward, Otsuka gained custody of their son and became a single mother.
During this time, Seiichi Tanabe, who had previously co-starred with her, pursued her earnestly. It seems she was won over by Tanabe’s gentle nature and the way he cared for her son as if he were his own.
Ayaka and Hiro Mizushima – 12 Years Of Joy
This stunning couple captured attention when they married at the peak of their fame. They have two daughters, and Ayaka balances her entertainment career alongside motherhood. After their marriage, Ayaka paused her acting to focus on treatment for Graves' disease, but in 2011, she launched her own label and made a comeback, releasing hits like "Nijiiro" and "Kotonoha."
Meanwhile, Hiro Mizushima reinvented himself after marriage, becoming a leading figure in the "iku-men" (hands-on dad) movement. He now focuses more on ventures outside acting, including YouTube and producing projects.
Yoshihiko Inohara and Asaka Seto – 14 years Of Marriage
Since tying the knot, this couple has managed to avoid any troubling scandals. They made history as the first Johnny’s duo to hold a joint wedding press conference. However, rumors suggest it took several years for Johnny’s agency to approve their marriage—showing that marriage isn’t always easy for Johnny’s idols.
After welcoming their first son and daughter, Asaka Seto devoted time to raising their kids but has since made a strong return to acting, starring in the drama A Stranger in a Woman.