Ayumi Ishida’s Untold Struggles with Shoken’s Divorce Papers and Memories of Tora-san

She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism

Ishida Ayumi, known for hit songs like “Blue Light Yokohama” and “Anata Nara Dousuru”, and an award-winning actress who received the Blue Ribbon Award and Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress in “Kataku no Hito”, has passed away at the age of 76.

With her unique singing voice and exceptional acting talent, she remained a shining presence in the entertainment industry for decades. However, on March 11, she passed away due to hypothyroidism.

According to a doctor familiar with the condition:

“Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid hormone levels drop. It can lead to anemia, low body temperature, and even heart failure, but with proper treatment, one can lead a normal life just like a healthy person. It does not necessarily shorten lifespan.”

The doctor also speculated,

“Perhaps the disease progressed without her realizing it.”

I first met Ishida-san on the set of the movie Otoko wa Tsuraiyo, during filming at Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture.

The Otoko wa Tsuraiyo series holds a special place in my heart.

When I was working as a publicity agent for Shochiku, I was in charge of promoting the film. Later, as a journalist for Shukan Josei, I visited many filming locations for feature articles.

Then, when I became an entertainment reporter, the first Otoko wa Tsuraiyo film I covered featured Ishida-san as the madonna (leading lady). That was Otoko wa Tsuraiyo: Torajirou Ajisai no Koi. She had an unmistakable radiance in her smile, and her gentle words left a lasting impression on me.

Before that, most of my interviews with her had focused on her tumultuous marriage to Shōken—Hagiwara Kenichi.

“If there were ten things I loved, almost all of them would be acting.”

They met through a drama they co-starred in, which led to a romantic relationship and eventually a passionate marriage. However, they divorced after about four years, likely due to Shōken’s unstable lifestyle.

Their married life was constantly overshadowed by Shōken’s scandals—he succumbed to alcohol, was arrested for illegal possession of marijuana, and even caused a personal injury accident due to drunk driving.

Ishida even witnessed the police raid herself. Their life together ended when Shōken was arrested for professional negligence resulting in injury.

At the divorce press conference, which she held alone, Ishida did not blame her ex-husband. Instead, she said:

“I neglected my household, making me an unfit wife. He was the ideal husband. No matter how many people called him a fool, he was my husband, and I would never abandon him.”

There is an anecdote about their divorce: even though they had filled out the divorce papers together, Ishida kept them with her and did not submit them to the ward office for a long time. She once said:

“I was truly loved.”

Perhaps that was how she genuinely felt.

Then came the Otoko wa Tsurai yo filming in Enoshima. “Tora-san” Atsumi Kiyoshi, who was in poor health, had a bed brought onto the set so he could participate in the shoot. Seeing this, Ishida was astonished.

“He truly was a great star. The intensity and passion that Atsumi-san poured into his work were overwhelming.”

This behind-the-scenes story of Atsumi bringing a bed to the filming location never became public. Perhaps their shared dedication to their work was something they both deeply understood.

“If there were ten things I loved, almost all of them would be acting. Acting isn’t me, after all. I can be anything I want—an adulteress, a criminal—whatever I like. That’s what makes it so rewarding.”

Ishida shared these words with me.

Her farewell gathering will not be held, as per her wishes.

Ah, yet another great actress has left this world with deepest respect.