Ryoko Hirosue’s Private Soba Date with Chef Shusaku Toba
Ryoko Hirosue resumes her entertainment career, but behind it all is her boyfriend, who is still her emotional support. ...... One year after the double adultery scandal, their relationship has not broken up, but has deepened even further.
In Saitama prefecture, a couple is chatting happily at a hidden soba restaurant. Despite being a topic of national interest, they don’t seem to be in disguise. On this day, about a year after the highly publicized affair scandal, actress Ryoko Hirosue (43) and chef Shusaku Toba (46) were enjoying a private date together.
“While enjoying a platter of tempura at a soba restaurant, the couple appeared affectionate towards each other. Generally, Mr. Toba did most of the talking, but when the topic turned to Ms. Hirosue’s children when they were younger, she became more talkative as well. Since they didn’t have their children with them, I think they enjoyed being alone,” (diner)
In mid-May afternoon, the couple spent about an hour on a date at the soba restaurant and left together in the same car.
“Last June, Hirosue’s involvement in a relationship with Mr. Toba was reported by Shukan Bunshun, and in July, she announced her divorce from her husband, Izutsu Jun (50). After the scandal, her entertainment activities were on hold, but she established her own personal agency in February this year and made her first public appearance in April after the divorce. She seems to be aiming for a full-fledged comeback as an actress,” (sports entertainment reporter)
As she resumes her entertainment career, it seems that rather than breaking up, Hirosue’s relationship with Mr. Toba has actually deepened. This is according to an acquaintance of Mr. Toba.
“When continuing her relationship with Toba, the biggest hurdle for Hirosue was her three children. During the period of reported relationship issues, the relationship between Hirosue’s children and Toba was not very good. However, recently the children have started to warm up to Toba,” the acquaintance revealed. “For Hirosue, resolving this issue was her biggest concern. This development has allowed the two to meet without worries. Recently, Toba has returned as the CEO of sio and opened a new restaurant spot, ‘Harakado,’ which he produces. His work and relationship with Hirosue are progressing smoothly.”
It seems certain that their relationship continues after their divorces. Regarding the soba restaurant date witnessed by FRIDAY magazine, they approached Hirosue directly in Tokyo.
We saw you at a soba restaurant in Saitama recently.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t respond to direct interviews like this. If you contact me through my website, I’ll be able to provide a response.”
Is your relationship with Mr. Toba going smoothly?
“I have no comment on that. I do not accept direct interviews like this.”
With that, she left in her car. I sent a follow-up email to Hirosue’s personal agency for confirmation, and they replied, “We leave her private matters to herself.”
Similarly, when I sent a similar email to Mr. Toba’s representatives, his lawyer responded, “Mr. Toba is a private individual. Even if he has a public presence as a chef and restaurant owner, matters such as where he dines or whom he dates are purely private and do not serve public interest or constitute public facts.”
Despite facing public attention, the future of this mature romance amidst societal challenges is yet uncertain.
From the June 7-14, 2024 issue of “FRIDAY
PHOTO： Takayuki Ogawauchi (Hirosue)
