Best known for her acting in French-action comedy “Wasabi”, Japanese actress Ryoko Hirosue (広末涼子) has made countless appearances in dramas and movies. At the Blue Ribbon Awards, she even took home the Best Supporting Actress Award. Recently, the actress made headlines again, but not for a good reason.
On 3th June 2023, Ryoko was caught on a date with 1 Michelin Star Chef Shusaku Toba (鳥羽周作) at a luxury hotel in Tokyo. For days, the 42-year-old actress had been denying the allegations. However, she had a change of heart recently and admitted to cheating on her husband.
The Japanese actress married Jun Izutsu, a candle artist, in 2010. The two have been married for 13 years now and have three children, with one of them from a previous marriage. Yesterday (14th June 2023), Ryoko posted a handwritten apology letter onto her Instagram.
The post reads, “At this time, I, Hirosue Ryoko, would like to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused to many people due to my thoughtless behavior. As it was reported in some weekly publications, my relationship with Mr. Toba is exactly as the article states. More than anything, I am sorry to Mr. Toba’s family for causing them sadness and pain. As for my family, I met directly face-to-face with my three children and told them ‘I’m sorry.’ They understood and acknowledged my immature behaviour. Moreover, I wish to apologise to my precious fans for letting them down due to this incident. Everyone, I am very sorry. I will spend the rest of my life thinking about the fact that I tarnished my acting career, which was my dream, and the sin of hurting Mr. Toba’s family.”
In regards to this, Ryoko’s agency also issued a statement announcing the actress’ indefinite hiatus. They commented that the mother of three will be facing disciplinary measures for her actions. “In light of the seriousness of the situation, the company has decided to suspend Ryoko Hirosue indefinitely. As for ongoing projects, we will correspond sincerely in a manner that will not cause inconvenience to the persons concerned.”
Following Ryoko’s apology letter, Star Chef Shusaku Toba also posted an apology on his Twitter, admitting to having an affair. He is married with two children and owns a Michelin-starred restaurant named ‘sio’ in Tokyo.
The chef captioned his post, “I would like to give an honest answer to the news report.” He apologised to Ryoko’s family for causing pain because of his sudden lack of judgment, and emphasised that he will reflect on his actions.
Like his affair partner, Shusaka initially denied the affair allegations when an unknown phone number called him to seek answers to this. “I was asked about the contents of the article, and gave an answer contrary to the facts. Everything was caused by my weakness and immaturity despite being a public figure. This was a result of my weakness, and I deeply regret it.”
With countless headlines surrounding the scandal, Japanese media was able to get a hold of the romantic love letters shared between the two parties. This handwritten letters were proof that the both of them were having an affair.
Unable to stand being separated for such a long time after falling in love with each other, Ryoko wrote a postcard to Shusaka when she was on a 10-days work trip overseas last month. She wrote, “To my most important, beloved and dearest person in the world, Shusaka, we will be far from each other as of today for the time being. This is because of me, and my scheduled work. If I said I’m lonely, it may seem I’m a bit weird and stubborn, right? I’m aware too, really. However, lonely people are bound to be lonely, no matter what the reason and situation is.”
On the other hand, one of the love letters written by Shusaka to the Japanese actress reads, “I really like Ryoko, I have nothing else other than you. Although I don’t exactly know what to do, but I want to be your source of happiness, I want to be together with you. Don’t forget that I will always be on Ryoko’s side.”
Meanwhile, an insider revealed that even after the cheating scandal, Ryoko had no intention of breaking up with Shusaka. She was willing to divorce her husband and retire from the entertainment industry just so she can start a new life with her affair partner.
For now, only time will tell whether if the insider’s claims were the truth or not.
Sources: Oriental Daily (1)(2)(3), Asiaone, Tokyohive, Instagram, Twitter
This article is contributed by Amelia Er.
