Rina Sasazaki Consults Nippon TV After Yuichi Nakamaru Cheating Scandal

“KAT-TUN” member Yuichi Nakamaru (40) has been implicated in an infidelity scandal, leaving former Nippon Television announcer Rina Sasazaki (32) to become an unexpected “betrayed wife” shortly after their marriage.

What must she be feeling right now?

“Nakamaru’s scandal involving an alleged affair with a university student occurred just before their honeymoon. Sasazaki, known for her high pride, even sued Nippon Television when they tried to withdraw their offer to hire her as an announcer due to her part-time job in Ginza. Given that she was plunged from the height of happiness to the depths of despair, it wouldn’t have been surprising if she had immediately considered divorce.” (said a producer from the production company)

Unexpectedly, Sasazaki has taken an unforeseen action.

“She reportedly consulted with an acquaintance at Nippon Television, asking, ‘Should I also issue a statement?’ It seems she decided that she should apologize as well.” (said the producer)

Additionally, there were other consultations as well:

“It seems she considered supporting the Nakamaru family in place of her husband, who may not be able to return to work anytime soon. She has also discussed the possibility of appearing on a program, perhaps hoping to join her former show ‘Odoru! Sanma Goten.'” (the producer added)

Rather than contemplating divorce, it appears she is determined to continue supporting Nakamaru.

“From the beginning, she faced ongoing troubles even before joining the company. She was caught up in a controversy over her offer being rescinded and the subsequent storm of criticism. It was her Nippon Television colleagues, as well as her benefactor Hideyuki Nakayama (57) and her husband Nakamaru, who supported her during that time. Perhaps her desire to repay that debt is stronger than her feelings about the infidelity.” (said a Nippon Television insider)

 

It has been mentioned before that Sasazaki sued Nippon Television over the rescinded offer, and during that time, her colleagues voiced support, saying ‘Nippon Television is at fault. 

 

“As a result, Sasazaki-san joined the network as an announcer in April 2015, but she was immediately subjected to backlash from viewers and industry professionals as one of the ‘disliked female announcers.’ It was the staff and fellow announcers who protected her during that time.” (said a Nippon Television colleague)

 

Sasazaki earned the trust of the network staff. When she announced her marriage to Nakamaru of KAT-TUN, her colleagues were reportedly supportive, viewing it as the start of a major turnaround for her. 

“Following the example of a senior who married a former Johnny’s idol, Sasazaki deleted her past Instagram posts before getting married. It was assumed that she would support her husband as a ‘private person’ from now on. This is similar to the pattern of Kazunari Ninomiya (41), who does YouTube with his wife, a former announcer. However, after her marriage, Sasazaki started a column on a celebrity women’s magazine’s website and resumed her Instagram activity. She quickly began her entertainment activities.” (said a television magazine desk)

Sasazaki’s first appearance after her marriage was on her former show, “Odoru! Sanma Goten!!”.

“Nippon Television hoped she would appear as ‘the wife of an idol,’ but that was understandably a no-go. Ultimately, she appeared on the special ‘Famous People Who Grew Up in Girls’ High Schools,’ where she commented on her marriage to Nakamaru, saying, ‘It’s already public knowledge, but since we’re both independent, I can talk about myself, but it’s fine to keep details about each other private.’ There were even voices from Johnny’s fans praising her as ‘perfect as an idol’s wife.'” (said the desk)

 

 

In his apology statement following the scandal, Nakamaru included the term “wife.” Nakayama, who apologized on behalf of Nakamaru as the host of “Shuichi,” revealed that he had spoken with the couple. This has highlighted Sasazaki’s role as Nakamaru’s wife once again.

 

“Nakamaru was known for his serious image, which is why the agency promoted him for family-oriented programs like ‘Shuichi,’ ‘Asa Da! Nama Desu Tabi Salad,’ and ‘Kaji Yaro!!!’. Yet, despite this. Going forward, Nakayama might protect ‘Shuichi,’ and posters featuring Nakamaru are still up within Nippon Television. However, since Nakamaru caused a scandal just as Masaki Kanda (73) was retiring from ‘Tabi Salad,’ it is said that a return to that program might be impossible.” (the producer added)

 

In the face of her husband’s crisis, Sasazaki chose to confront the difficulties rather than opting for divorce. Her suggestion to issue a statement herself was reportedly stopped, and there are no plans for her to appear on “Odoru! Sanma Goten!!” at the moment.

 

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Sasazaki will appear on the September 2nd episode of “Nep League SP” (Fuji TV). A preview aired on August 26th showing Sasazaki participating with a “prestigious university graduate announcer team.” A scene where she says, “It seems I have a lot going on right now,” was also shown.

 

Her future actions will be closely watched.