Kyoka Suzuki’s “Determination” while recuperating at home” was exclusively photographed by Hiroki Hasegawa!

In early July, a woman wearing a hat emerged from an office in Tokyo in the early afternoon. It was actress Kyoka Suzuki (55), who is currently recuperating from an illness. She was wearing a blue one-piece dress with a light jacket over it and a soft smile around her mouth. Kyoka got into a cab waiting in front of the entrance and left in the direction of her home.

It was on May 11 that Kyoka announced her withdrawal from the July drama series “This Wonderful World” (Fuji TV), in which she plays the lead role.”

The reason was “poor health. She herself commented, “I am sorry for your concern, but I will concentrate on treatment for a while so that I can return to work as soon as possible.”

The drama is a comedy in which an ordinary housewife who usually works part-time suddenly finds herself leading a double life as a double for a great actress who has disappeared. The heroine who plays the dual roles was originally written for Kyoka,” said a Fuji TV insider.

When Kyoka complained of a change in her health on the night of the crank-in date, the production site was in chaos. The production staff was in turmoil, with calls for the production to be cancelled, and even calls to cancel the cancellation. Although the selection of an understudy proved difficult, Mayumi Wakamura (56) was soon chosen, and the film was able to be cranked again in June. However, the start of the first episode was delayed and the number of broadcasts had to be changed from the original schedule.

Mixed information on the sudden dropout

While the effects of Kyoka’s sudden dropout are gradually being recovered, what is of concern is the cause of her ″illness of health. Last year, her energetic activities were also noticeable, including the NHK historical drama “Kamakuradono no 13-nin” and the stage play “Show Must Go On,” written and directed by Koki Mitani.

Even before the crank-in of this drama, she commented, “I want to do my best despite the summer heat,” and many people had seen her in good health right up to the time of the announcement that she was stepping down. Even among those involved in the drama, the news of her health problems came as a bolt out of the blue.

Even after the news of her resignation came out, the name of her illness and her condition were not disclosed at all, and even Fuji Television executives kept it under wraps. Therefore, at first, there were mixed reports, such as ‘he was hospitalized urgently’ and ‘he had an emergency surgery.

Later, his office said, ‘At this stage, he has neither been hospitalized nor undergone surgery, and there is no indication that he has collapsed. She is spending her time quietly.

According to the announcement by her agency, she had a physical ailment some time ago and underwent an examination at a hospital, where her illness was discovered. Since the lesion was found at an early stage, she consulted with Fuji Television and decided to concentrate on treatment.

She also reported to her fans on the 29th of last month on her office’s Instagram page that she had cut her hair short for the first time, and that she was doing well during her absence.

On the other hand, however, there are also voices like this.

There is a persistent voice that says, “Kyoka-san, who has a strong sense of responsibility, is too good to be off the board. But she doesn’t seem to be going to the hospital. That is why people are becoming more concerned about her. It is said that she was originally worried about a gynecological disease, so many people are concerned about her.

So what is her actual condition?

The other day, there was a farewell party for director Sai Yoichi, who passed away last November, and Kyoka was one of the founders of the party. Kyoka was also one of the founders of the event. However, she did not attend, perhaps out of concern for her health. Even now, I hear that her health is not good at all.

She needed surgery and hospitalization, but it seems that she chose to stay at home to recuperate. Kyoka is known as a collector of art works and has a very high awareness of beauty, so it seems that she is not undergoing treatment that will change her appearance or put a burden on her body, but rather, she is recuperating in a way that will enhance her natural healing power.

Hasegawa’s devoted support

In fact, there is one more factor that suggests the seriousness of Kyoka’s condition. Since mid-May, when Kyoka took a leave of absence, Hiroki Hasegawa (46) has been seen visiting her apartment every day.

After Kyoka moved into her current apartment in ’21, their relationship continued, with Hasegawa, who lives close by, coming to visit her. However, after she took a leave of absence, Hasegawa visited Kyoka almost every day to walk her dog, and it seems that he is supporting her in a state of close association with her.

In fact, this magazine has witnessed Hasegawa leaving Kyoka’s apartment in casual clothing (photo below) and visiting her behind the wheel of her beloved car on numerous occasions.

Their relationship began in ’10 when they co-starred in “Second Virgin” (NHK).’ In 2002, reports of their marriage appeared, but they denied it. After that, there have been numerous “marriage-seconds-reading” reports, but all have come to nothing. Recently, when Kyoka moved into her current apartment in ’21, there was talk that they were finally living together. Since then, however, the public has finally recognized the fact that the two are not married and are maintaining a “de facto” style of marriage.

So what will become of their relationship in the future?

I think Kyoka’s first priority is to recover from her illness. I hope she manages to get well. …… For this reason, Hasegawa-san will need to be closer to her and support her. They are currently in a de facto marriage, but Ms. Hasegawa is also saving her work and increasing the time they spend together as much as possible” (executive at a commercial TV station).

What she needs now, of course, is the support of those closest to her. Hasegawa’s presence is sure to be a source of strength for her. She is a one-of-a-kind actress who has played everything from comical to serious roles. We can’t wait to see her back on TV and on the stage.

From the July 28, 2023 issue of FRIDAY