19 Mar 2002
Ken is seperated with his wife ...
Sanspo.com (Japanese, with pic), Zakzak (Japanese, with pic)
Here is the brief translation:
(due to my limited English and Japanese, I think I could get only 60% correct...)
Ken Watanabe, ��cannot find out the reason��
Getting separated from his wife because of the debt
Involving in the financial dispute of huge amount, the actor Ken Watanabe (42 years old) announced to get separated with his wife, Yumiko (42 years old). With Yumiko cannot mention the reason of debt, Ken found unable to trust her anymore. 14 years ago, this couple got over the large illness, have to go to this step of divorce finally.
14 years ago, Ken was supported by his wife to get over the leukemia, it is hard to make the decision. Being interviewed by a Woman Magazine (will be published on 19th), the decision of living apart has been made.
In Dec last year, his wife��s heave debt problem was discovered. In July the same year, the owned flat was kept by the tax party due to non-payment of tax.
During the explanatory interview at that time, Ken said the reason of the huge debt was his illness. He dropped tears and protected his wife.
However, the truth was different. According to the magazine, starting from March last year, his wife started to borrow money from Ken��s agency. Not only once, but three to four times. He was informed by the agency until this year summer. After that, amount of debts becomes clear. When it enters into December, someone started to ask them to pay back the money.
Being discussed with Yumiko, the reason of debt. Yumiko claimed that she did according to what he believe. In which the story is impossible, even though he has been repeated told. ��When it becomes sometime, you cannot completely believe what it is��. Ken explained what the present situation is.
February, entering into seperation, their daughter, An Watanabe (15 years old) has moved in an apartment. While his son (17 years old) remains at Setagaya Ku home with his mum.
The agency still denied the divorce. Time is required to recover the reliance between this couple.
The same magazine said, one of the main cause of debt, is the mis-investment of his wife, and also, giving large amount of money to the religious party.
Their son, Shin Shinitiro, has taken part in the TV drama, Mibugishiden (shown on TV on 2 Jan), with Ken. His acting skills is drawing attention. Their daughter, An Watanabe, was so much expected as she will enter into this career soon.
