Shotaro Mamiya Spotted Shopping With His Wife—The Happy Couple Behind His Rise to Stardom

Last year, he starred in the drama Ignite: “Lawless Lawyer” and other productions; the play “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” in which he serves as lead actor, is also generating major buzz

In a shopping district near one of Tokyo’s most prestigious upscale residential neighborhoods, where celebrities such as business executives, artists, and popular idols live, a strikingly imposing man stood at the exit of a supermarket. Wearing a black jacket and a leather newsboy cap, the man staring intently at his smartphone with an almost explosive intensity in his eyes was actor Shotaro Mamiya, 33.

It was 9 p.m. Perhaps he was anxiously checking the progress of a Hanshin Tigers game, which he is a huge fan of? But then a beautiful woman appeared in front of him. It was his wife, A-san, whom he married in 2024. After what appeared to have been an extravagant shopping trip at the aforementioned supermarket, Mamiya was carrying a large plastic shopping bag. Walking half a step ahead of A-san, who was also carrying bags, he seemed to be gently escorting his wife.

“When Mamiya was in his 20s, he gave his all not only to work but also to having fun. There were even days when his manager couldn’t get hold of him at night. But apparently, around three or four years ago, when he began dating A-san, he abruptly stopped going out at night. Ryo Narita (32), who used to be one of his friends for going out, even complained, saying, ‘Mamiya hasn’t been much fun lately.’ Perhaps her presence helped Mamiya grow up.” (Entertainment agency insider)

A-san’s presence has also had a positive effect on his career. In April 2022, Mamiya made his first starring appearance in a prime-time television drama with “Nanba MG5” (Fuji TV). Over the following four years, the number of films and television dramas in which he has taken the lead role surged to eight. In his most recent solo starring role, “Ignite: Lawless Lawyer” (TBS), which aired from April last year, he gave a passionate performance as a man who becomes a lawyer in order to avenge his father’s unfulfilled dreams.

His success has not been limited to film and television. He is currently starring in the stage production “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which is in the middle of a nationwide tour visiting five cities. Takahiko Kageyama, a professor in the Department of Media Creation at Doshisha Women’s University, explains:

“Until about five years ago, I had the impression that Mamiya was particularly good at playing straightforward characters. For example, Tetta Kisaki in the 2021 film ‘Tokyo Revengers’ was a role that suited him perfectly. On the other hand, I felt he struggled with roles involving complicated emotions and characters with inner conflicts. Recently, however, I think he has broadened his range as an actor. In ‘Good Things, Bad Things’ (Nippon TV), which aired from October last year, he gave an excellent performance in a difficult role involving the trauma of having experienced bullying in the past.”

The changes in his professional life can also be seen away from the cameras. Apparently, he has increasingly taken the initiative to lead those around him as the lead actor—the central leading figure on set. A production company insider reveals:

“Shunsuke Karayama (48), the director of ‘Good Things, Bad Things,’ praised him highly, saying that he creates a relaxed atmosphere by actively talking to people around him. I think having a family has enabled him to be more considerate of those around him than ever before.”

Last year, Mamiya welcomed his long-awaited first child. Now a father, he also makes sure to spend time caring for his family.

“Apparently, he cooks his specialty, mapo tofu, for his wife, who is busy with childcare. I hear that spending time with his family is what relaxes him more than anything these days.” (The aforementioned agency insider)

The happy shopping trip witnessed by “FRIDAY” must have been a valuable chance for Mamiya to recharge as well. With his family as his source of strength, Mamiya’s rise looks set to continue.

From the July 31, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”