Former Sakurazaka46 member Watanabe Rika has announced that she is officially married. The Japanese entertainer shared the news with fans on March 3 through a heartfelt Instagram post accompanied by a handwritten letter.
In the caption, Watanabe revealed that her husband is a non-celebrity, explaining that she felt slightly nervous about how the public might react to the announcement. Despite that uncertainty, she decided to share the news openly with the fans who have supported her for years.
Watanabe Rika, affectionately known as “Berika” among fans, first rose to fame after joining the idol group Sakurazaka46, which was previously known as Keyakizaka46. She entered the group in August 2015 and later became part of its official first-generation lineup in February 2019. After leaving the group in 2021, she continued her career in the entertainment industry, particularly working as a model.
In her message, Watanabe expressed gratitude to longtime fans who have supported her since her idol days. She also thanked a newer group of followers who have recently begun following her social media content focused on mountain climbing and nature. Since 2025, she has been documenting her hiking and climbing adventures, sharing her growing love for the mountains.
In the handwritten letter included in the post, Watanabe reflected on her journey since entering the entertainment industry. “I have been fortunate to meet many people and experience many things since entering the industry at 20,” she wrote. “Through those experiences, I realized that the moments where I feel truly at ease are the quiet, natural ones.”
She also shared that her partner understands and appreciates that side of her personality. “I’m happy to have met someone who values that part of me,” she added. Looking ahead, Watanabe Rika said she plans to continue her activities in the entertainment industry at her own pace, while also pursuing her personal passions, including spending time in nature and exploring the beauty of the mountains.
Sources: Koreaboo
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