Ryoko Hirosue’s TV Comeback: Is Her Future Bright or Is She in a Standby State?
“I like to have my green onions cut.”
Actress Ryoko Hirosue (44) appeared on the March 28 broadcast of Fuji TV’s variety show “The Common Ten!”
Hirosue was reported by Shukan Bunshun in June 2023 for a double affair with popular chef Shusaku Toba (46). This led to her announcing her divorce from candle artist Jun Candle (51) in July of the same year, becoming a single mother of three children. In February 2024, she left the agency she had been with for 26 years and became the president of her own agency, “R.H. Inc.” Due to these events, her appearance on television was her first in nearly two years.
“A major talent agency declined offers due to the scandals, so Fuji TV had difficulty finding participants. Given the public interest in her return after the affair report, Hirosue was a highly sought-after guest,” said a television industry insider.
On the show, they followed Hirosue as she shopped at a supermarket. When she reached the register, she laughed shyly while covering her face with both hands, saying, “You know, they can cut the long green onions for you. I actually prefer that. It’s so funny that the long green onions were sticking out of the bag when I was photographed by the weekly magazine.”
When asked by the staff if she had been photographed, she responded, “Oh, that’s why I’m the type to ask them to cut it.”
“Had she stayed with her previous agency, she might not have been able to return so soon. Even if she had, talking about the affair would likely have been off-limits. Now that she’s independent, she seems ready to use her new position to make self-deprecating jokes in variety shows,” added the same insider.
On March 29 and 30, Ryoko Hirosue performed at Taiwan’s largest music festival, the Megaport Festival 2025. In the bustling district of Ximending, often referred to as the “Shibuya of Taipei,” a giant digital billboard featuring Hirosue was displayed, sparking what was dubbed the “Hirosue Fever” in the area. Given this level of attention, it seems likely that Hirosue’s future activities may include expanding into international markets.
When asked about her acting career, her office commented
Ryoko Hirosue has been gradually making her return to work, including holding a music live concert in Tokyo for the first time in 25 years last December and appearing on local TV programs in her hometown of Kochi this year. However, what’s noticeable is the absence of news about her acting career, which both fans and Hirosue herself are likely most eager for. Her last acting project was the film Saigo made Iku, which was released in May 2023, just before the scandal broke.
While some reports in the fall of 2023 suggested that Hirosue was poised for a return to acting, there has been no significant update since. Hirosue, who studied under renowned director Kohei Tsuka in her younger years and demonstrated her dedication to acting by performing in Hiryuden during her pregnancy, has always expressed a deep commitment to her craft. In a 2020 interview, she revealed that acting was her lifelong passion, and she believed it was the only work that could truly convey her message and inspire others.
When asked about her acting schedule, Hirosue’s agency commented that they are progressing with her involvement in a reading performance scheduled for May, with general ticket sales beginning on March 14. They also mentioned receiving offers for films and dramas since her independence last year, and are currently reviewing scripts and project proposals. The agency promised to announce details when the timing is right.
Speculation about her potential return to major streaming platforms like Netflix is also circulating. It seems that the day fans will see Hirosue shine on screen again may not be far off.
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PHOTO： Yusuke Kondo (1st), Takayuki Ogouchi (2nd), Keisuke Nishi (3rd), Takahiro Kagawa (4th)
