Former SMAP Star Tsuyoshi Kusanagi Welcomes First Child at 51

Actor Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (51) announced the birth of his first child on the 7th through his talent agency's official website. In a personal statement, Kusanagi shared, "I would like to report that our first child has been born," and expressed his renewed commitment to his career, stating, "I will continue to work hard and devote myself to my craft as I always have."

While specific details such as the birth date and gender have not been disclosed, the news of the long-awaited addition to his family has captured significant attention from both the entertainment industry and his fans. Kusanagi married a non-celebrity woman in December 2020, making this joyful news a milestone coming roughly six years into their marriage.

The news of Kusanagi becoming a first-time father at 51 sparked a wave of warm congratulations on social media, with fans commenting, "Congratulations!", "He’s definitely going to be a wonderful dad," and "I can already imagine his doting face." Many also expressed surprise at his age, noting how youthful he looks and finding inspiration in his journey into parenthood in his 50s.

Alongside the announcement, his agency issued a strong request for privacy, stating, "As this is a private matter, we kindly ask that you refrain from visiting his home or filming in the neighborhood." In recent years, it has become increasingly common for high-profile celebrities in Japan to explicitly request privacy for their families, urging the public and media to maintain a respectful distance.

The news has drawn well-wishes from across the industry. TV personality Michopa (Miyu Ikeda), who frequently appears on programs with Kusanagi, congratulated him during a recording just before her own maternity leave. As Kusanagi continues his journey as a "national star," many are eager to see the new side of him that fatherhood will bring to his future endeavors.

The context

Tsuyoshi Kusanagi is a household name in Japan, best known as a former member of the legendary idol group SMAP, which dominated the Japanese entertainment scene for over 25 years until their disbandment in 2016. Often referred to as "national idols," SMAP members were ubiquitous in music, variety shows, and television dramas. Following the group's split, Kusanagi joined the creative project "Atarashii Chizu" (New Map) alongside fellow former SMAP members Goro Inagaki and Shingo Katori. Despite the shift in his career, he remains one of Japan's most respected actors, winning numerous awards, including the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Actor. In Japan, celebrities often marry "ippan josei" (non-celebrity women) and go to great lengths to protect their partners' and children's identities from the intense scrutiny of the tabloid media.

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