Issei Takahashi and Marie Iitoyo’s Marriage Didn’t Cause a Stir Amid the Public’s Growing Indifference to Celebrity Weddings

Issei Takahashi (43) and Marie Iitoyo (26) announced their marriage through their respective agencies.

With a 17-year age difference and being a popular couple with many fans, one would have thought that the public would be greatly excited. However, it is unexpectedly quiet.

In the past, when a popular actor got married, it would cause loss among female fans who would be upset, and older men would be envious of couples with a large age gap. But the reaction to this marriage, or rather to Takahashi, is surprisingly subdued.

“If it were a popular idol or a young popular actor, it would be different, but lately, even when male actors get married, people are not that surprised. The only ones who might be upset are the ardent fans, but it seems that everyone is more understanding now, and there are fewer fans who think of their favorite star as ‘mine alone.’ Especially since Issei-san is of a certain age.” (TV magazine writer)

According to a weekly magazine reporter,

“Even people who like entertainment news or are interested in celebrities pay attention to the marriages of super popular actresses like Haruka Ayase, Masami Nagasawa, and Yuriko Yoshitaka. It’s even better if their partner is also a celebrity rather than an ordinary person.

Conversely, even if they are popular, the marriages of middle-aged male actors don’t garner as much interest lately. Additionally, the lack of scoop value in marriage reports is another reason for the lack of excitement.”

In particular, the fact that this news about the two isn’t breaking is also one of the reasons.

Two years ago, the August 5, 2022 issue of “FRIDAY” captured images of the two entering and leaving the same apartment building.

At that time, however, both of them remained silent when approached by the magazine, and Iitoyo’s agency completely denied their relationship. Nevertheless, many people felt a sense of déjà vu when they heard the news of their marriage.

“In the past, celebrity marriages were considered the highlights of entertainment news, and the media eagerly pursued celebrities who seemed likely to marry. The mere revelation of a relationship would fill tabloid shows for days. Take the marriage of Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura, for example; even after they got married, the news kept going on and on.

Looking back now, not only during courtship but even after marriage, celebrities continued to be scrutinized. Even today, Momoe-chan is still pursued by the media, and it somehow feels pitiful. Moreover, unlike now, many fans were saddened not only by the courtship but also by the marriage of their ‘idol.’ We often heard about incidents like fans sending razors. That’s why we had to be thorough in hiding relationships. Also, after announcing their marriage, if the media dug up their past or continued to pursue them, it would be troublesome for the individuals involved.” (Veteran Entertainment Agency Executive)

Once the media realizes that the level of attention is low, they won’t pursue the story further. Perhaps the lack of excitement surrounding their marriage announcement isn’t as disappointing for the individuals involved as they might have thought. They might even feel relieved.