For 23 years, the marriage of Japanese heartthrob Kimura Takuya and popular singer Kudo Shizuka has been a subject of relentless scrutiny
The pressure from the public has shadowed the couple since Takuya’s rise to becoming one of Japan’s most popular male stars. Shizuka, once adored by many, found herself labeled as the “number one enemy” of Japanese women after tying the knot with the nation’s heartthrob.
In a parallel narrative, figure skater Hanyu Yuzuru faced a different fate. He recently ended his marriage abruptly due to severe invasions of privacy. Hanyu’s situation highlights the struggle of celebrities to reconcile personal life with public adoration.
Hanyu’s story echoes that of Kimura and Kudo. Facing the harsh waves of public opinion, akin to Hanyu Yuzuru, the couple managed to sustain a strong bond throughout the years.
Kimura Takuya, born in 1972, initially gained fame as a member of SMAP, captivating audiences with his handsome appearance and attractive presence. His transition to acting marked a new chapter, with notable roles in dramas such as “Asunaro Hakusho” and “Long Vacation.”
At the peak of his career, the announcement of Kimura Takuya’s marriage to Shizuka Kudo, a popular singer and actress, shook many fans’ dreams.
In November 2000, just before the start of a concert, Kimura Takuya announced: “It may be quite sudden, but I still want to let everyone know that I’m getting married. But no matter what, I will continue to work diligently in the future.”
The public’s intense interest in their relationship was evident, with TV stations broadcasting their wedding announcement alongside 15-minute commercials.
Post-marriage, Kudo Shizuka shifted her focus to supporting her husband and raising their children. Her public image transformed from a celebrated artist to the “villain” in the eyes of many Japanese women for “stealing” Kimura Takuya from them.
The couple’s marriage faced numerous challenges, including persistent rumors of separation. Their daughters, Kimura Kokomi and Kimura Mitsuki even had to disable comments on their social media to prevent negative comments.
Despite persistent divorce rumors, Kimura Takuya and Kudo Shizuka have solidified their love over a span of 23 years.
In March 2023, rumors surfaced of Kimura Takuya and Kudo Shizuka’s split after a long-standing marriage. Japanese media labeled it the “marriage that Japan turned its back on.”
Kimura Takuya refuted the claims, defending his relationship by stating, “People can say whatever they want. I don’t think this is a topic that interests everyone. I won’t respond because there’s nothing to say.”
On November 13, Kimura Takuya’s 51st birthday, his two daughters took to social media to share a photo of their parents along with heartfelt birthday wishes. Their message read, “Happy birthday Dad. You are the best husband, the funniest, and the most loving person in the world.” This action was interpreted as an effort to dispel unfounded rumors circulating online.
Bearing both the striking features of their father and mother, the couple’s two daughters, Kimura Kokomi (Cocomi) and Kimura Mitsuki (Koki), have also gained much attention. Kokomi, born in 2001, made her debut at the age of 19, gracing the pages of Vogue Japan as a model.
Koki, born in 2003, entered the entertainment industry at a younger age than her sister, making a mark in the fashion industry by becoming the first Japanese ambassador for Bvlgari.
Source: K14
