A New Celebrity Power Couple Emerges—But What’s Behind RYOKI Miyama’s Unapologetic Messages?

Someone very close to them

Allegations of a double affair between RYOKI Miyama (27), a former member of BE:FIRST who is now active as an actor, and actress Maria Kano (33), the former top musumeyaku (lead female performer) of the Takarazuka Revue’s Flower Troupe, continue to cause a stir.

The July 23 issue of “Shukan Bunshun” reported that the two had repeatedly met in secret at luxury hotels in Tokyo and in the theater room of Miyama’s condominium. Both are married and have children, and the reports of their frequent secret meetings sent shockwaves through the public. However, a second report published in the magazine’s July 30 issue revealed an astonishingly unapologetic email exchange between them shortly after they were approached for comment, reigniting criticism.

“In the leaked emails, Kano wrote, ‘Somehow, this doesn’t feel real,’ and ‘It’s the calm before the storm,’ Miyama replied, ‘I know this calm before the storm all too well,’ Bunshun during the run of ‘Crash Landing on You,’ and ‘Isn’t this the birth of a romance-star couple for the Reiwa era??’ Far from showing any consideration for those involved with the musical ‘Crash Landing on You,’ in which they were co-starring, the two appeared to be almost congratulating themselves over the exposure of their affair. Their inside-joke-like attitude drew a flood of criticism online,” said a reporter for a women’s magazine.

Regarding reports that the two spent the night at another hotel even on the evening they were approached for comment, as well as the fact that their private emails were leaked so quickly, an entertainment industry insider said:

“The source may be someone extremely close to them. I get the sense that there is a strong desire to make the relationship between Miyama and Kano public.”

Inquiries about Kano are increasing

Meanwhile, the scandal has reportedly led to an unexpected development.

Since leaving the Takarazuka Revue, Kano has focused mainly on stage work, including musicals, and has also worked as a reporter for “ZIP!” (Nippon TV). However, outside the Takarazuka fan community, she was not particularly well known.

That has changed dramatically because of the scandal. With her resemblance to Haruka Ayase drawing renewed attention, demand for her has reportedly risen sharply.

A source at a casting company told this publication:

“In fact, we’ve been receiving more inquiries about Kano from film directors and producers. Until now, she wasn’t particularly well known within the industry, but this scandal has suddenly made her face and name widely recognizable. As a result, quite a few people in the industry seem interested in giving her a role.”

Still, actors involved in scandals would normally be seen as carrying significant risks for sponsors and other stakeholders.

“The bar is not as high for films or streaming dramas as it is for terrestrial television. On top of that, dramas about infidelity are popular right now. Kano, who is in her 30s, is practically a perfect fit for that kind of casting,” the same casting company source said.

Kano appears to be living out the saying, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Still, considering the feelings of the spouses left behind, the criticism directed at the seemingly carefree behavior of Miyama and Kano may be inevitable.

[YouTube] On FRIDAY Digital’s “Entertainment Reporter Channel,” active entertainment reporters take a deep dive into the allegations in a feature titled “RYOKI Miyama & Maria Kano: The Truth Behind Their Shockingly Unapologetic Emails.” They explore the behind-the-scenes details of the messy alleged affair, including signs that divorce may be looming and an explanation of an unnecessary sentence included in comments released by both sides’ agencies.