Former Japanese Soccer Star Hisato Sato Involved in Extramarital Affair with Younger Therapist with Kissing and Hand-Holding Revealed

“Is there something around my mouth?”

Drawn in by the woman’s tender expression, a man leans in to peer at her face. Whether there was anything there or not, they exchanged smiles. Holding hands, they continue walking down the deserted alley, and then they press their lips together.

On a mid-April weekend in Tokyo’s Shimbashi area (Minato Ward), bustling with salarymen, former Japanese soccer representative Sato Hisato (42) was immersed in a world of just the two of them. Dressed entirely in black, perhaps for disguise, he wore sunglasses on this day.

“Sato was a renowned striker who shone as a member of the Japanese national team. He holds the record for the most goals scored in J-League history, with a total of 220 goals, making him a legend. Since retiring in ’20, he has been active as a commentator and has energetically engaged in various activities, including organizing soccer schools in different locations. He is also known as a devoted husband and father, having married his wife, whom he met just after turning pro, at the age of 21. They have a home in Hiroshima city and have been blessed with three sons. Inspired by their great father, all three sons have followed the path of soccer.” (Japan Football Association official)

However, the person beside Sato that day was not his wife of over 20 years. Who exactly was his companion?

The other party is Ms. A, an ordinary woman in her 30s who works as a therapist. She is a beautiful woman with a charming smile, resembling the actress Haru. In fact, Mr. Sato and Ms. A have been having an affair for a year,” said an acquaintance of Mr. Sato.

Sato, who has many jobs in Tokyo such as commentary and TV appearances, is currently living away from home alone. On this day, he visited Ms. A’s apartment with his beloved car. With a familiar hand, he parked in the parking lot, and the two ventured into the night city together.

They enjoyed a meal for about an hour at an Italian restaurant in Shimbashi from 7:30 PM. On the way back, they were in a loving mood as described at the beginning. Although disguised with sunglasses, Sato boldly did not let go of Ms. A’s hand even on the main street. After their first kiss in an alley, they kissed again while looking for a second place to visit. When Ms. A shyly looked down, Sato lifted her chin for another kiss. After achieving a “hat trick” of kisses on the street, they ended up not going to a second place and entered Ms. A’s apartment instead. Sato did not return home that night, even after the last train had passed.

“Sato met Ms. A after his retirement in 2020. At that time, they had a therapist-client relationship, but it seems they have been having an affair since last year. In April, Sato moved to a new apartment near his solo work assignment, which is only about a 15-minute walk from Ms. A’s place. I believe he decided to move purely for work reasons, but if it was to spend more time with Ms. A, it would be incredibly unfair to his family,” said the same acquaintance.

In an interview on Hiroshima Prefecture’s child abuse prevention website, Sato expressed his gratitude towards his wife, saying, “My family created an environment that allowed me to focus as a player.” Is the affair with Ms. A true? We confronted Sato directly when he returned from work.

— Are you in a relationship with Ms. A?

“Yes, that’s right.”

Surprisingly, Sato readily admitted to the affair. He then stopped to talk properly and answered the reporter’s questions.

“I have told my wife about Ms. A’s existence. My eldest and second sons know as well. This may sound selfish, but I’ve also conveyed that my feelings are directed towards Ms. A. Of course, I have also told Ms.A about my wife.”

— Are you discussing a divorce?

“Yes. To explain in detail, last year I couldn’t come home to our house in Hiroshima much because of work. During that time, instead of words of encouragement, my wife would ask if I was fooling around. Those things piled up, and, well, I just lost my feelings.”

— So, are you seriously dating Ms. A with the intention of getting a divorce?

“Yes, that’s right. Well, I don’t know about marriage with A, but we will continue our relationship.”

—You are moving to a place near A’s, right?

“That’s because it’s convenient for work.”

After explaining for about 10 minutes, Sato got on the train and left in the direction of his home.

“Even though they are in the middle of discussions, his wife has not forgiven the affair. I’ve heard that she is so distressed that she has been hospitalized. Moreover, she does not want a divorce for the sake of the children,” said Sato’s acquaintance.

I didn’t want to see the legend scoring a goal of betrayal as the night striker.

From the May 10 and 17, 2024 issue of FRIDAY