The marriage of Japan’s “national treasure,” Yuzuru Hanyu, has come to an abrupt end due to serious personal violations. The career of this renowned figure has been continuously scrutinized, leading him to make the difficult decision to terminate his relationship with his partner in order to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his life. As a prominent figure not just in Japan but also internationally, Yuzuru Hanyu is adored more than many celebrities in the showbiz industry. Many fans are reluctant to accept the reality of his personal life and marriage.
In a similar case, the high-profile couple Shizuka Kudo and Takuya Kimura, who were once the reigning stars of the Japanese entertainment industry, have also faced challenges. Many people expressed joy over the marriage of these two beloved figures in Japan. Like Yuzuru Hanyu, they too had to endure significant scrutiny over the years. Thankfully, Shizuka Kudo and Takuya Kimura managed to maintain their marriage for over 23 years.
Japan’s Leading Star Becomes the “Ideal Man” in the Eyes of Many Girls
Takuya Kimura, born in 1972, is a multi-talented star, renowned for his singing and acting prowess. In 1991, he debuted as a member of the music group SMAP, quickly capturing the hearts of the public with his charming looks and charismatic personality.
His career soared as he transitioned into acting, achieving numerous significant accolades. In the series Asunaro Hakusho, Takuya’s character epitomized the ideal image of a young man, complete with a carefree spirit and boyish charm. His role in Long Vacation as Hidetoshi Sena made him a household name across Asia. Takuya has created a unique niche for himself with works like Good Luck! (2003) and Hero (2001), solidifying his status as a “heartthrob.”
For fans of Studio Ghibli films, Takuya’s voice for the character Howl in Howl’s Moving Castle is unforgettable. Many audiences associate Kimura Takuya directly with the character Howl.
With his widespread appeal, Takuya Kimura has become an idol for many girls, both in Japan and throughout Asia. Chinese actress Vicky Zhao has publicly praised the talent of this Japanese star. Actress Lin Chi-ling has also expressed her admiration for Takuya Kimura during her youth.
Amidst the peak of his career, Takuya Kimura announced his marriage to Shizuka Kudo, who is two years younger than him, and a famous singer in her own right. The news left many fans feeling “heartsick.”
In November 2000, just before the start of a concert, Kimura Takuya announced: “There is something very important I want everyone to know. Therefore, I am here to tell you all: I am about to get married. However, regardless of where I go, I will continue to work diligently in the future.”
At the time, the news of the star couple’s wedding was broadcasted widely across media outlets, accompanied by a 15-minute commercial. The beautiful and talented Kudo Shizuka quickly became known as “the perfect match for the most eligible bachelor in Japan,” due to her captivating beauty.
However, as Shizuka Kudo began to withdraw from the spotlight, she faced intense scrutiny and criticism from the media. Despite this, Kudo Shizuka remained a top star in Japan, largely because of her marriage to Takuya Kimura.
The Couple’s Departure From the Spotlight
After their marriage, Shizuka Kudo chose to step back from the public eye, focusing on her family life with their two daughters. Before leaving showbiz, Shizuka was a well-known singer and actress on NTV and Fuji TV. She even inspired the character Ran Mori in the popular manga series Detective Conan.
Accepting her role alongside her beloved husband, Kudo Shizuka has maintained a serene marriage with Kimura Takuya for over 20 years. However, throughout their time together, the couple has faced numerous challenges, including public scrutiny and speculation about their relationship.
Their two daughters, Kimura Kokomi and Kimura Mitsuki, have often been the subject of public attention due to their famous parents. The two daughters have been vocal on social media regarding the negative comments directed at their family.
In a rare appearance together in 2020, Kimura Takuya shared a photo with his daughters to celebrate his 50th birthday, showcasing a warm family moment.
Despite numerous rumors about their marriage, the couple has demonstrated their enduring love over the years. In March 2023, Japanese media reported that “the marriage of the star couple has turned around,” noting the couple’s growing distance from each other. The reasons cited were attributed to the pressures of fame and public expectation.
Prior to the shocking reports, Kimura Takuya had addressed the situation, stating: “Everyone has their own feelings about this. I don’t think this is something that can be easily dismissed. I will not retaliate because there is nothing to hide.”
Kimura Kokomi (in black) and Kimura Mitsuki (in orange) sharing a moment on social media.
On November 13, celebrating his 51st birthday, Kimura Takuya’s daughters shared a heartfelt photo on social media accompanied by a birthday message: “Happy birthday! Thank you for always being our dad, our hero, and our best friend. We love you the most in the world!” This was viewed as a heartfelt tribute from the daughters to their father.
The two daughters of the star couple have already made their mark in the entertainment industry. Kimura Kokomi, born in 2001, is the eldest daughter of Kimura Takuya and Kudo Shizuka. At just 19 years old, Kokomi made her first appearance in a Japanese Vogue magazine as a model.
Kimura Mitsuki, born in 2003, entered showbiz at an even younger age, at 15. Koki became the first Japanese ambassador for the luxury water brand Bvlgari and quickly gained recognition in the fashion world. Koki’s modeling contracts are said to be worth around 30 million yen (approximately $6.2 million).
