Wedding bells are in the air for Japanese comedian Yuki Iwai (岩井勇気) and his newly announced fiancé, actress Okumori Satsuki (奥森皐月). While most have been happily congratulating the couple on their engagement, others are outraged. Why? There is suspicion that he’s been waiting over five years for her to turn 18.
There’s always been two opposing viewpoints on marrying with a huge age gap and this celebrity couple’s takes the cake with Iwai being 37 while Satsuki is only 19. However, the real issue most have is how the couple came together and how their love came to be.
On 13th November, Yuki Iwai of the popular comedy duo Haraichi (原市), surprised many when he announced his marriage to Okumori Satsuki. He also promised to do his best as a husband and asked fans for their support of their relationship.
According to his statement, the duo had only gotten together early this year. However, Iwai claims he had started falling in love with her thanks to her strong temperament and way of life. His respect for her soon grew into romance.
Satsuki on the other hand, expressed that she has always admired the older comedian. But he became “someone precious” when they started dating, someone whom she wanted to protect. She also added that she was impressed by Iwai’s self-discipline and work ethic, and felt he was someone she could live out the rest of her life with.
While sweet, it was later discovered that the duo had actually met through the children’s variety show “Oha Suta (おはスタ)” as early as 2017. Satsuki was only 13 at the time. Additionally, others have pointed out that Okumori would have only turned 19 in May this year, indicating that either they started dating when she was eighteen or shortened their alleged dating period to half a year.
Netizens have since expressed concerns, especially regarding the possibility of grooming. Others have also opined that “a 19-year-old marrying someone 18 years older” is “risky“. Additionally, one reportedly wondered: “Isn’t this a Lolita complex?”
Still, the couple has been receiving support and blessing from fans regarding their announcement, with many taking care to congratulate the duo. Additionally, in light of the stir caused by his announcement, Yuki Iwai has announced that he will be discussing the issue on TBS Radio’s “Haraichi’s Turn” on 16th November.
Well, their marriage has certainly become the talk of the town and the internet. What do you guys think of their 18-year age gap relationship?
Sources: Oriental Daily, KoreaBoo, Oricon News
