Noritake Kinashi & Narumi Yasuda Takes A Day Off Together

Spotted Together on Their Day Off! A Beloved Duo Known for Their Tireless Work Ethic Join Together in Their Personal Time!

“Naru-san knows the right answer for me.”

In January this year, the autobiography “It’s Thanks to All of You: Noritake Kinashi’s Story,” published by Shogakukan, includes a chapter on “Family.” In this chapter, Noritake Kinashi (62) mentioned Narumi Yasuda (57) as the person he first consults when he needs to talk things over. 

 

They co-starred in the 1986 movie “Sorobanzuku,” where Kinashi fell head over heels for the 19-year-old Yasuda and persistently pursued her, eventually starting a relationship. 

 

They got married after starring in popular trendy dramas like “True Face” and “Living in This Love,” and the explosively popular shows like “It’s All Thanks to You,” where they created many catchphrases. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

 

In mid-May, a Friday magazine spotted the couple performing together, walking confidently without disguises in one of Tokyo’s top luxury residential areas during an evening.

 

Amid a serene atmosphere fitting for a mature couple, they walked in step together and entered a high-end Italian restaurant. About three hours later, surrounded by smiling friends, they bid farewell and got into their car to head home.

 

“I’ve seen them riding in their car before. Kinashi drives a small foreign car, with Narumi-san in the passenger seat. They look so happy together, playing around. I was touched, thinking ‘what a cute couple they are!'” (Neighbor)

 

In recent years, Kinashi has been active as an artist, releasing albums like “Kinashi Funk The Best” and holding solo exhibitions featuring paintings and sculptures. Meanwhile, Yasuda has appeared in films such as “Fukushima 50” and “The Wonderful World,” and serves as a narrator for documentaries, keeping both of them busy with their careers.

 

Of particular note is Kinashi’s recent foray into acting. He appeared in the January drama series “When Spring Comes” (Fuji TV), a touching family story about his daughter getting married three months before his terminally ill father. 

 

“Noritake Kinashi reportedly hesitated until the last moment about appearing in the drama, but Narumi Yasuda encouraged him with a firm “Go ahead.” It was his first leading role in a continuous drama in 24 years. Despite his character being a father of two sons and a daughter, facing his imminent death, Kinashi portrayed the role of a father wishing for his daughter’s happiness with remarkable poise. His performance resonated especially well with younger viewers, who praised him for his acting skills.

 

An unforgettable moment was when Kinashi, during a promotional meeting, smilingly mentioned, ‘My wife got startled when she saw me in a commercial during the airing.’ His genuine and close relationship with his wife, without pretense, left a heartwarming impression on those around him.”(The TV station executive)

 

Kinashi has ventured into new territories as an actor, guided by his wife who showed him the right path. In the entertainment industry, many couples referred to as “lovebirds” have fallen apart due to infidelity, but the Kinishi couple can truly be called a genuine “lovebird couple.”

 

With their three children now grown up, their private moments together, away from the spotlight, are likely to increase in the future, bringing them even closer.

From the June 7-14, 2024 issue of FRIDAY.