Top Japanese actress Hirosue Ryoko to marry lover after divorce

Japanese actress Hirosue Ryoko. Photo from Hirosue's fanpage's Instagram

According to a Jan. 1 report by Japanese newspaper Sponichi, Hirosue and Shusaku have informed family and close friends of their intention to wed in the summer.

The report further states that since the affair became exposed in June last year by Hirosue’s ex-husband, the two have maintained their relationship through video calls and text messages, without meeting in person.

The lovers have also completed their divorce processes with their respective ex-spouses.

Hirosue, 44, made her television debut in 1995. She is best known for her role in the Academy Award-winning Japanese film "Departures."

She married sculptor Izutsu Jun, 50, in 2010.

In the aftermath of her affair with Shusaku, Hirosue issued a handwritten apology to his wife and children, expressing remorse over the pain caused to both families and acknowledging her own immaturity.

The controversy also led to the cancelation of Hirosue’s contracts with advertisers and film projects, resulting in an estimated financial loss of 200 million yen (approximately US$1.4 million). Reports indicate that Hirosue also faced compensatory payments totaling 400 million yen to advertisers and film crews.

Shusaku, impacted by the controversy, resigned from his chef position.