entertainment

Ayumi Hamasaki to divorce husband of 1 year

150 Comments

Pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki, 33, has announced through her official fan club that she is to divorce Austrian actor Manuel Schwarz, 31. The couple who were wed in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day of 2011, are to file for a divorce after a year of marriage.

Hamasaki told fans that she had initiated the split, explaining that she felt unable to keep the promise she made to Schwarz, who lives in Los Angeles, that the pair would live together in America. "Since the Tohoku disaster, I have had the feeling that I don't want to be apart from Japan," she wrote. "As a result I have been spending more and more days away from him."

"We spoke about this and we thought we could maintain our relationship by traveling to see each other, but at some point, physical distance becomes emotional distance," she explained. "When I thought about our future, I realized I couldn't see myself returning to the state of mind I was in when I agreed to live in America."

It is reported that Hamasaki will file for divorce through a lawyer in the United States.

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If I had a dollar for every JT poster that called this from the beginning, I'd be rich!!

14 ( +14 / -0 )

Meh... when you start a marrage not living together ... there's your problem.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

When did 'Till death us do part' turn into 'Only as long as it's convenient/Only as long as I feel like it'?

12 ( +16 / -7 )

I think that there is much more to this than what she is telling, maybe she means what she says but it seems like a convenient excuse to me. She can afford for both of them to live anywhere they choose.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

....and to add, basically, she threw the guy to the curb for excuses that were carefully written by her 'public relations specialists. "Since the Tohoku disaster, I don't want to be away from Japan." Psh! Yeah, okay...whatever.

29 ( +27 / -0 )

Kizuna in action!

But don't be too hard on her: if she'd been a prime minister, people would be praising the longevity of her tenure.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Oh I am soooo shocked. Sarcasm off. What does 3/11 have anything to do with her relationship and marriage? A rather convenient excuse that won't make the public turn on her.

15 ( +16 / -1 )

On a more positive note, at least they decided on this before they added a child to the equation.

22 ( +21 / -0 )

I think many of you are being too hard on Hamasaki. I can understand how the March 11 disaster would make her want to stay in Japan. That is a very natural feeling. I wonder if the husband had any interest in moving to Japan with her.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

"It is reported that Hamasaki will file for divorce through a lawyer in the United States."

I wonder why. No children are involved (I think), and both parties seem to be in agreement on the divorce, so petitioning for a kyougi rikon here in Japan would seem to be a more expedient way to get a divorce. No settlement involved, no trial, and no lawyers; just paperwork.

Even though California does consider all divorces "no-fault" and, therefore, does not require the consent of both parties, the process does seem to be more involved. She's gonna probably have to claim "irreconcilable differences" and then wait awhile before the divorce is actually finalized. Plus, she's gonna have to pay attorney fees even if her husband decides not to contest it. And, if for some reason he does decide to contest it then at some point she will have to be there for the proceedings, right?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

People who have these relationships thousands of miles apart are interesting.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Is a "till death us do part" actually part of Japanese marriage vows? I thought this was a typical Christian expression. Maybe there is a loss in translation... "until death or until we part".

5 ( +6 / -1 )

cleo: "When did 'Till death us do part' turn into 'Only as long as it's convenient/Only as long as I feel like it'?"

When the green card kicked in.

Seriously, though, I knew this one, as well as others, wouldn't last... but at least in this case it's for slightly different reasons, and I agree with Hamasaki that being apart physically can lead to separation mentally as well. They were just a little premature in deciding to wed in the first place.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

How shocking!!!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Wonder if homeboy will get half her stuff....assuming shes the richer of the 2.

5 ( +4 / -0 )

“Since the Tohoku disaster, I have had the feeling that I don’t want to be apart from Japan,”

Tohoku casualty count goes up by one.

but at some point, physical distance becomes emotional distance,” she explained. “

wonder if she knows the Japanese Proverb: "Horete kayoeba senri mo ichri" (Love will find a way).

1 ( +2 / -1 )

With the money she has I know the average Japanese person would have been long gone. If she had a kid it would be a no brainer. Blaming 3.11 is pathetic. She has the money and the means to travel on a private jet let alone never work a day in her life again. What more do you need? Just tell the truth and say the marriage didn't work out because it was just a fling and as the got to know each other a little better noticed a few big barriers. Better luck next time.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I too am massively surprised by this turn of events.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

oops... 'i' went missing, please correct to read as ichiri. sorry mod.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I liked her a lot more when she wasn't made of plastic. Also what millions has she donated to anyone? Look at Namie Amuro who gave Oku-en the first week after the disaster and took no credit. Ayu's intent that she is her for the people is probably a publicity ploy, but if not I would happy to be corrected.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

So - were the rumours about a sham marriage correct all along then?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

About one year too long for this marriage.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Damn, I'm really disappointed.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sad. Not that they're getting divorced, I have no opinion on that. However it's pretty sad that on the 17th anniversary of the Hanshin Earthquake, JT chooses to lead with this.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

If they can't make work, what chance do the rest of us have? But seriously, Ayumi's single now? Excellent...!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I'm really shocked by this. Could never have forseen it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wow. Really? Blaming the split on the 3/11 disasters? She should be ashamed of herself for exploiting the tragedies as a PR / marketing ploy.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

Who is this person? Is she important?

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

Any excuse, the tragedy cant be blamed on lack of skills to make your sham marriage work.

Anyway maybe she will find another trophy gaijin who wants to live in radiationland with her, after all there are a few of us.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Heda_MadnessJan. 17, 2012 - 02:30PM JST Sad. Not that they're getting divorced, I have no opinion on that. However it's pretty sad that on the 17th anniversary of the Hanshin Earthquake, JT chooses to lead with this.

This was the lead story on many of the morning "news" shows today. Most of them focus on geinokai stuff and other fluff so it's not really a surprise that they would devote quite a bit of time to it. It was kinda sad that the "news" program I was watching decided to follow it up with a story about the Hanshin/ Tohoku quakes. Personally, I would've ran the quake story or any of the other big news stories from the previous day before something like this.

But, lots of people are interested in this kind of thing. My wife let out a pretty loud "ehhhhhhh" when she heard it. The program had one of their geinokai experts analyzing it and going into detail about how they met, etc. It appears that they first met during a music video shoot for her song "Virgin Road" where they both were pretending to be bride and groom. There was also a time line listing the important dates in their relationship and some speculation that one of the reasons for the breakup might have been that Ms. Hamasaki's husband did a nude photo shoot/album without discussing it with her first. 9_9

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Her marriage was performed in Nevada,, so that is where they must file for divorce.

Listen clearly Americans especially. Do not get married in the states. Just stick with the ward office here. Will save you money in the long run, especially, if a volcano happens to blow in Hawaii, and you have a yearning to return to America.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

LOL....that is all I can say about this.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The really disappointing bit is using 3/11 as justification.

ANYONE could have told her "don't you think you are rushing this?", or "have you really thought this through?" in the weeks (or probably hours) before getting married. As others pointed out, thank heaven there are no (other) kids involved.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

physical distance becomes emotional distance

There is an old saying about love and distance. It's like wind and fire. The wind puts out the weak fires and flares up the strong ones.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Well, you know what they say. You can take the girl out of Japan, but you can't.. wait a minute...I guess not.

Never mind.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Of course, any dude who believed a famous pop star in Japan would voluntarily give it all up to live in the States (where she'd be a virtual nobody), was only fooling himself.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Getting married is easy, it's STAYING married that's hard. Best way to prevent divorce, other than not marrying, is sleeping together naked everynight.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

@ AmericanForeigner If you like nails, jeans, plastic surgery, and pretentious people, she is the most important.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I am completely and utterly saddened and shocked by this completely unexpected turn of events. Although there are so many tragic events in the world, this surely ranks up there as one of the biggest. Who could have ever imagined such a match made in heaven would be torn asunder in this horrible fashion? It really is hard to stop the tears from poring down my face every time I think about the hard decision Ms. Hamasaki had to make to leave Mr. Schwartz. I know the wound must be so deep on both sides of this symbol of true love. I am sure I am joined by all the readers in hoping she can find peace of mind so that she can continue to make uplifting and inspiring music for generations to come.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Old values of sacrificing love and marriage for patriotism is shocking in this day and age.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Herve Nmn L'EisaJAN. 17, 2012 - 03:37PM JST Getting married is easy, it's STAYING married that's hard. Best way to prevent divorce, other than not marrying, is sleeping together naked everynight.

together with whom?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Holy KIZUNA Batman! LOL! Man its a good thing I wasnt drinking anything when that headline came up LOL!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Well, I do hope this Austrian dude gets a pretty penny, oops YEN out of all of this, and gets to laugh his Austrian arse all the way to da bank!

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Hamasaki Ayumi is one of the most famous singers in all of Japan, yes I did meet her, she is flat, flat as a wall.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Divorce based on patriotism, that's a first. Ayumi for PM !!!

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Onna no kokoro to aki no sora. Women's hearts are as changeable as the autumn sky.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

JapanGalJan. 17, 2012 - 03:09PM JST Her marriage was performed in Nevada,, so that is where they must file for divorce. Listen clearly Americans especially. Do not get married in the states. Just stick with the ward office here. Will save you money in the long run, especially, if a volcano happens to blow in Hawaii, and you have a yearning to return to America.

Don't think that's correct. Nevada's marriage/divorce laws are quite liberal which is one reason why so many people go to Las Vegas to get married. Probably many of them do not remain in the Nevada and live there after they are married. So, it's hard to imagine that they would have to go back to Nevada if some day they decide to get a divorce.

If, however, what you say is true and she does have to file in Nevada then she's gonna have to establish residency and prove that she has lived there for at least 6 weeks prior to filing. That sort of seems contrary to her statement "I have had the feeling that I don't want to be apart from Japan", doesn't it?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

When did 'Till death us do part' turn into 'Only as long as it's convenient/Only as long as I feel like it'?

Cleo, I am sure she divorced for more reason than that. And if not, its her right. The world will survive!

And the sooner marriage vows and expectations come down to Earth and take into account human reality, the better. Most of us simply are not made to stay with one person for life. There is aiming for high standards on one hand, and aiming for impossible standards on the other. I find the latter to be depressing and not at all helpful.

Of course Ayumi is not being honest about her reasons for divorce, and I salute her for giving the world the finger in this polite way. People act like they are entitled to know about the private lives of others and think their agents, scumbag papparazzi and their ilk who asked Ayumi these questions, are just people doing an honest day's work. Not remotely. Ayumi owes no explanations to the tabloids and other press. But she has to say something or get hounded.

Some people just can't figure out what is and what is not their business. Good on Ayumi for handing them all this steaming pile of bullcrap and for following the Bill Clinton example!

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Hamasaki Ayumi is one of the most famous singers in all of Japan, yes I did meet her,

Elbuda Mexicano, maybe you could just tell us who haven't met or taught Engrish to. It would save you some typing. And if she does not have those things that babies suck on, its okay. We have bottles these days!

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Okkkk, here go again....par for course here. It's too tough for Japanese girls to leave Japan for any extended period of time. Even commitment to a marriage abroad, J girls start counting the days when they can be back in Nihon where it is comfy & cozy & secure for them. Can't say I blame them here!

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Her stated reasons were bogus. Professionally, her ex was such a nobody compared to what she had, she figured on ending it before he became a loser hanger-on.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The really disappointing bit is using 3/11 as justification.

...and recently j-media has been publishing so many articles about "kizuna!"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I must say I am impressed by Rio Hamasaki's devotion to her nation in its time of gravest need. while many people leave or run away from problems, she has decided it is more important to stay here in Japan and help through the KIZUNA (a special bond between Japanese people).. She is a hero and a patriot.

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

while many people leave or run away from problems

Ah, but her marriage also seems to be a problem, which she is running away from.

She is nothing more than unlucky. She most likely made an irrational decision a year ago, and is now paying the price of fame having her private life exopsed way too much. I feel sorry for her, as many others do the same thing but noone really cares because they aren't famous.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I am surprised so many people seem to know who this is. In America we have real celebrities that stand out and are well known but in Japan most faces look the same so it's not possible for them to stand out. I could pass this lady in the street and not recognize her so I hardly think she is a celebrity per se.

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

"Since the Tohoku disaster, I have had the feeling that I don't want to be apart from Japan,"

that's so insincere it stinks a mile away. poor people from the disaster, everybody uses them, it makes me wanna puke. how can you dare use such a cheap excuse? is that twit everyday with the homeless people, singing and giving them her earnings?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Most of us simply are not made to stay with one person for life.

I'd say 'most' is an exaggeration.

It's quite simple though, if you're one of those not made to stay with one person for life, just don't get married in the first place. Saves a lot of tears, heartache and solicitor's fees.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

in Japan most faces look the same

There speaks someone who's never lived here for any length of time.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

So she realised that in the US she was a nobody and couldnt handle it so she is running back to Japan where she is apparently a somebody. Why bother even getting married it was obviously never going to work.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Also what millions has she donated to anyone?

In March 2011 she donated 35 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross. She also designed a charity T-shirt, proceeds from sales to go to Tohoku relief efforts. http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=16535&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I guess she just volunteered to help out at the Fukushima plant, didn't she? Thumbs up for such patriotic effort.

Irony mode off... If she really wants to do something useful, she ought to use her fame and money in fighting for the citizens of Fukushima against TEPCO . As long as I do not hear anything like that I cannot see how she contributes anything worthwhile to Japan or Tohoku with coming back.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Readers, please note that Ms Hamasaki has helped victims of the March 11 disaster, not the least being a donation of 30 million yen.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think what this really means is she will do a CD to help Tohoku with one of the songs donating 20% of its royalties ala smap!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

ModeratorJAN. 17, 2012 - 05:50PM JST Readers, please note that Ms Hamasaki has helped victims of the March 11 disaster, not the least being a donation of 30 million yen.

sorry, but in my book of ethics it says: when you help, you don't brag about it. nevertheless, her help is appreciated.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Mod, the amount she donated is 35 million. An immediate 5 million, and another 30 million a few days later, presumably the time it took to get that much money through the banking system.

my book of ethics it says: when you help, you don't brag about it.

Where is she bragging about it?

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Maybe her music career didn't take off in the US?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"Ninety-nine percent of the world's lovers are not with their first choice. That's what makes the jukebox play".

Willie Nelson

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Any details on the settlement from both sides?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I wonder if she will write a song about him in the next CD? :P

0 ( +0 / -0 )

People act like they are entitled to know about the private lives of others and think their agents, scumbag papparazzi and their ilk who asked Ayumi these questions, are just people doing an honest day's work. Not remotely. Ayumi owes no explanations to the tabloids and other press. But she has to say something or get hounded.

An issue that kind kind of statement was that is she wanted her privacy in the first place, she didn't need to talk about her engagement nor her wedding. There are plenty of singers, actors... in the "business" who don't talk about their personal lives. Hamasaki on the other hand does. If she didn't want people to make a big deal out of it, she didn't need to release a statement or make comments. I am willing to bet she's got something coming up and any publicity for her is good publicity. Making her sound as if she is a victim of the press is incorrect. SHE called them, not the other way around.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

The ever-PC mod points out In Hamasaki's defence that she donated money to Tohoku and I believe at some point she also recorded a "message of hope" (whatever that is) to the people of Tohoku. Both could have been done in her living room in LA in 5 minutes flat while holding hubby's hand.

Johannes Weber et al are correct in accusing the airhead of taking advantage of a sick situation for her own PR reasons.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Bad PR for celebrities is good PR people will be more curious and interested in what she is doing, especially gossip as controversy sells and sells her cds further :P

0 ( +0 / -0 )

GurukunJAN. 17, 2012 - 01:24PM JST If I had a dollar for every JT poster that called this from the beginning, I'd be rich!!

I was one of those that guessed this was gonna happen though i though maybe it be 8 months, 4 months off!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hollywood romances do not work between most Caucasian couples. Japanese culture, ways of thinking and looking at the world are 180 degree polar opposites from an Austrian who probably had little appreciation of Japanese ways, to begin with. Both people might have taken a superficial view of a union of two entertainment figures, for superficial fashion, beauty, or even PR reasons. Tohoku may have caused Ayaumi to wake up and know herself deep inside. She may have realized what is truly important in life. That is not Hollywood, ame nor money. Those things are empty and lonely.

Also, as many Japanese friends here ask me, "why are there so many date club girls in Los Angeles?"' Ayumi may have caught Mr. Schwarz tempted by more than one DCG while she was away doing good for Japan in her way.

If he tried to understand and care about her, he would have supported her need to be in Japan at this time. Good for her to show strength and bravery so that she can dedicate herself to her country and her people. She sounds like more than just a pretty, hot Asian girl.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

I agree with hoserfella. This person could have easily donated money and she did. that doesn't excuse her behavior now. perhaps if she had donated anonymously this story would carry more weight?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Haha, so he finally dumped her 'cause he couldn't tap that ass as much as he would've liked?!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

In America we have real celebrities that stand out and are well known but in Japan most faces look the same so it's not possible for them to stand out.

Says you. If you can't tell the Japanese apart, that's your problem. How are celebrities any more 'real' in America? And no, don't give me all that crap about 'talentos', there are plenty of z-list, famous for being famous cretins in America and the UK as well.

I agree with hoserfella. This person could have easily donated money and she did. that doesn't excuse her behavior now. perhaps if she had donated anonymously this story would carry more weight?

So what? Donations are still donations, anonymous or not.

I like Ayumi.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Ayumi may have caught Mr. Schwarz tempted by more than one DCG while she was away doing good for Japan in her way.

If he tried to understand and care about her, he would have supported her need to be in Japan at this time.

Now the discussion has turned again into bad foreigner vs good Japanese. There is no particular reason to assume that he didn't support her (while she was morally supporting Japan with a little bit of pocket money and a statement that she cares), since it is not written here. I would assume that he was probably scared of what happened in Tohoku (and Fukushima) and she said "Don't worry honey. We Japanese are immune to radiation, if the government says it." A bit exaggerated, but probably not too far from the truth. My guess would be that she didn't want to face his critical view on her country. After all, that affects her as well via "KIZUNA".

The other statement is also insidious. Even if there are so many amusement facilities in LA, there is no information in the article that Schwarz made use of them or was even caught in the act. It might have been as well that she rediscovered her "KIZUNA" with a male hostess or an old boyfriend after returning to Japan (with reference to the article about "KIZUNA" driving Japanese to become even more infidel as they'd be without it).

Since it is not stated explicitly in the article, don't judge! Since the article is one-sided (since there is obviously no statement about his side of the story), don't assume that the article's version is correct! It might be - but its her version and Japanese women are - partly due to "KIZUNA" - renowned for being sometimes dishonest to save face.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

As celebrity divorces go, this one seems rather decent.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Out of curiosity did they marry in a Temple or a Shrine? cause Schwartz would be Jewish?

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

My jewish friends have the surname Schwartz, hence why I'm curious

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I'd say 'most' is an exaggeration.

I'd say nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. And I would say that a great number of people who stay married only stay married because the other person is not worth half their stuff. I have seen a lot of marriages where everyone wonders why the hell they are still together. Judgemental people like yourself are the answer and its nothing to be proud of. Many people find great joy in moving on.

It's quite simple though, if you're one of those not made to stay with one person for life, just don't get married in the first place. Saves a lot of tears, heartache and solicitor's fees.

Simple? Who among us has a crystal ball to tell them if they are the type to stay married for life??

And I easily imagine both these two were not that type and neither are devastated. So what is it to you really? Do you enjoy trying to push people into states of denial of why their lives are unhappy?

Marriage is different things to different people. Mistakes in a first marriage can lead to a happier second marriage. Learn some tolerance.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Her marriage was performed in Nevada,, so that is where they must file for divorce.

JapanGal -- Please stick to commenting on a subject you know something about, which is clearly NOT the U.S. or U.S. divorce law. Divorce can be filed in the U.S. in any state/location where either party has a vested interest. In this case, since he is domiciled in California, it makes most sense to file it there. And, IMO, her agency had a big hand in both the divorce and the supposed reasoning behind it. They clearly made her aware of the fact that her living in the U.S. would kill her career in Japan, since out of site truly is out of mind with the J-public, and she would undoubtably miss the trucks rolling through Roppongi and Shibuya with her pictures plastered all over them, and her "music" blaring from the speakers. And she would simply be a B-list celeb, at best, in LA LA land, not a "diva" where every move she makes is news. Love of money and fame triumphed over love -- and old story -- no matter how you try to spin it.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

My jewish friends have the surname Schwartz, hence why I'm curious

The Jewish - Shinto marriage thing just never works...

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Since the Tohoku disaster, I have had the feeling that I don’t want to be apart from Japan

I don't get it.. I thought this would be reason enough to get the hell out

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Ayumi Hamasaki could consider to marry MC Hammer, it has a good ring to it Hama time :P Japanese version of 'you cant touch thisu'

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Ayumi looks so happy in the accompanying photo!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Familienprobleme - I'm not saying people shouldn't get divorced. I'm saying that people who, in your words, simply are not made to stay with one person for life would do better if they didn't tie themselves up in what is by definition an arrangement that involves staying with one person for life. Considering the huge numbers of people who get married, I'd say that most do see staying with one person for life as the ideal.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Who isn't surprised about this turn of events?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yawns! Why is this news? So she does not want to live in America. You agreed to live in America and now it looks like an excuse to divorce. What happened to your wedding vows?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

You agreed to live in America and now it looks like an excuse to divorce. What happened to your wedding vows

Ayumi came on this board and she read many bitter comments of posters saying "I hate everything in Japan, I'm stuck here because I'm married... " and she thought she'd better divorce before she or her hubby become like that.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

I'm not sure if that's true. I have a Japanese wife and although I married her overseas and admired her international qualities, she is certainly not as outspoken as American girls can be. Possibly because I'm American she looks up to me so I'm not sure how they act in marriages to each other. Maybe this "star" couldn't handle the real world?

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Im so stunned by this ! ....not

2 ( +2 / -0 )

So her husband wanted to flyjin and she said no way? Understandable. Not the first int'l marriage that broke up after 3/11. I personally know 2 couples who divorced after (already weak marriages on the rocks but it was the last straw when the husband went back to their country WITHOUT the wife) I personally had the parents calling twice a day pleading, literally mouse on the "book" button and still said no, I'm staying with my husband and my family and friends here.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Possibly because I'm American she looks up to me so I'm not sure how they act in marriages to each other.

She looks up to you because you're American? Why?

Maybe this "star" couldn't handle the real world?

And maybe her non-celebrity husband couldn't handle it either?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Austrian and Japanese trying to make a go of it, careers and marriage, in big bad LA? Failure was definitely an option.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japanese culture, ways of thinking and looking at the world are 180 degree polar opposites from an Austrian who probably had little appreciation of Japanese ways, to begin with.

It amazes me that in the year 2012 some people cling to this crap. Yes, Japan oh so mysterious and interesting. Please. If that was the case, no international marriages would work and all Japanese only ones would.

Have you ever thought that little Ms. Diva just wasn't getting her demands met, had a few temper tantrums and left? Based on the jchicks, gmale relationships I have seen, not all that uncommon. If she agreed to live in the US SHE was the problem, not him. Unfair to make promises you can't keep.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Good riddance. No one wants a loser like him hanging around. She is better off without him.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

At least this frees her up for me now.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I agree with tmarie! Japanese women are simply not equipped to handle real relationships with real emotions and responsibilities. Although my own wife is Japanese, she was internationalized enough to overcome this disadvantage. Perhaps this "singers" record company was simply too racist to allow this to continue. I have heard of this happening.

Moderator: Please do not make insulting statements about Japanese women and then say your wife is different.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Celebrities use marriage for or when they have nothing to put them in the news. Anyway one year of marriage is olympic record.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

There are rumours that Manuel Schwarz, her husband of one year, is gay. If it is true, nobody can accuse her of divorcing him.

so petitioning for a kyougi rikon here in Japan would seem to be a more expedient way to get a divorce. No settlement involved, no trial, and no lawyers; just paperwork.

She did not register her marriage in Japan, according to Japanese law she is single in Japan. She married in the USA, that is why she has to divorce there.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Never saw this coming.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ayumi, call me!

Seriously, why doesn't he just come to Japan if they were really in love. He could for sure join the ranks of the top eikaiwa teachers.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If it is true, nobody can accuse her of divorcing him.

Sure we can. SHE initiated the divorce. If he is gay, I highly doubt she didn't know. Better to be a divorced 30 something in this country than a single one... Her handlers certainly know that - added points that they managed to rope in a foreigner to play the part.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

That dude is lucky. Strikes rich out of divorcing a rich J woman. I guess she's not typical J woman after all . No J women feed men. Lol.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Darren Brannan LOL! nailed it! This Kizona idea and using the Tohaku disaster for an excuse is typical isn't it? I'll try using that one for work too! Wish I was a pop star.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

There's hope for me yet! Hey Ayu-chan, whatcha doing Friday night?

Actually there's no hope, really. Oh well, at least my daughter likes her music.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Using the Tohoku disaster as an excuse for divorce. Now I've seen everything.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

well, this actor guy could have been 'famous' a bit longer if he were married to Hamazaki... kind of reminds me of guy ritchie.. no one really cared who he was until he got married to Madonna...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@YuriOtani

I almost have to agree with you on this. She is clearly using the disaster as an excuse to cover up the fact that she is going from being a major celebrity in Japan to basically a nobody in the States. Only a small group of Japanophiles and people who have some ties to Japan would know who she is in LA. And in a town where world class big time celebrities hang out, she is totally out of her element, and I am almost willing to bet that she realizes that and hates it. It the "do you know who I am" syndrome that a lot of celebrities on the down slope suffer from.

Secondly, she has been out of the lime light for a while now and probably is aching to get back to into show biz while she is still relatively young and before all of her plasticky good looks start to fade and fall apart. I feel sorry for her soon to be ex, who probably thought he was taking home a Mercedes, and all he really got was a lemon instead.

Lastly, in my previous comment I stated that this is shocking and I really wasn't being sarcastic. I genuinely am surprised that Ayu, being the notorious diva that she is, was able to sustain the marriage for this long, especially to non-Japanese. I was betting that this marriage would end in a couple weeks.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Well, whatever rocks her boat. Choosing life in nuclear contaminated country over happy marriage... strange, but oh well..

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@__@ whaa she was married to him eww?! hahaha anyways i'm glad she isn't spending her future in amerika. Love for japan~

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I'll marry her... : )

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Is she a resident green card holder?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

wow....lucky man to get a divorce so quickly!!.....I'm still trying to get a divorce from my japanese wife. They're so sweet until you put a ring on their finger.....give me a european woman anyday!!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I'm guessing her personnel translator wasn't very good at reading between the lines and converting the words to keep the situation under control. That and the fact you need a translator to communicate with your husband.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

We all knew she married him to try her career out in US, obviously she failed! She should stay in Japan!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Since the Tohoku disaster, I have had the feeling that I do not want to be apart from Japan.

I can understand that she prefers Japan over the US, as do I. But I don't see how the Tohoku disaster comes into play here. To me, using the Tohoku disaster in such an inappropriate context is appalling, yet she and so many others do so and get away with it.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Samatha Ueno -

So her husband wanted to flyjin and she said no way? Understandable. Not the first int'l marriage that broke up after 3/11.

If you'd bother to read the story, you'd have seen that the two were living in Los Angeles, California.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The divorce rate for non-celebrities is already extremely high in most countries. The divorce rate for celebrities and other high profile people must be extremely high for even the first few years.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

yawn

1 ( +1 / -0 )

When did 'Till death us do part' turn into 'Only as long as it's convenient/Only as long as I feel like it'?

Why is it that people seem to think that just because 2 grown adults make a conscious decision, remember there are no children involved here either, that they can not manage to stay married, have to come up with a "western" "religious" orientated excuse to slam the people in question.

So what, they made a mistake in the first place. Hell even murder's are given a second chance after parole!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If she is what the average Japanese woman looks like, I am on the next plane to Japan for the remainder of my life.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Mumbo Jumbo. Japanese girls are too naive. One look at that boy and you'll see he is a PLAYBOY. It's stamped in his forehead, eyes, pose and other places...if you get a chance to look at his pics. Just visit Metropolis Magazine and you will see the number of married gaijins (males) seeking discreet relationships. Yet they never learn...do they want to learn...? No.

On a more serious note:

GAIJINS SAY THE DARNEST THINGS!

• Herve Nmn L'EisaJan. 17, 2012 - 03:37PM JST Getting married is easy, it's STAYING married that's hard. Best way to prevent divorce, other than not marrying, is sleeping together naked everynight

• . megosaaJan. 17, 2012 - 03:46PM JST Herve Nmn L'EisaJAN. 17, 2012 - 03:37PM JST Getting married is easy, it's STAYING married that's hard. Best way to prevent divorce, other than not marrying, is sleeping together naked everynight. together with whom?

Good| Bad

sayonarajapanJan. 19, 2012 - 05:16PM JST wow....lucky man to get a divorce so quickly!!.....I'm still trying to get a divorce from my japanese wife. They're so sweet until you put a ring on their finger.....give me a european woman anyday!!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

i knew from the beginning when she got married that this marriage will not stand long because i saw her interview on CNN and she spoke only Japanese. I noticed her english not good. If the husband speak Japanese i think the relationship last longer.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ayumi Hamasaki You are free now Look me up on Facebook and we can go on a date Libby xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx x x x xx x x x

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Quite articulate about the breakup. What she says might even be true.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

uso, zettai uso

ego ego ego kills the marriage

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Good. That way she can marry me!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Guess the LOVE has dried up .... if there was any to begin with .... Guess they do not have children .. (not sure), but that is the only good news here. Was it her first marriage?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

all said are just excuses! the reason is simply the excitement & thrilled of being married to each are all gone!!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

No one cares about!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Woman came to Hawaii and is rude and nasty. HE probably wanted to get away from HER ! LOL True story. No B.S. she really is a nasty young lady.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

heres my chance!!!!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

now days people have no control anymore wagamama bakare,no relegion but aways fashion

0 ( +0 / -0 )

We say God, Family, Country in the US. I think it is the same in Japan. Bushido, Kizuna, Kuni. I do not know if the guy is gay or she is a nasty person, but the bonds of love and commitment just were not there. There is a moral aspect to life, which is why in theory Japanese girls respect Catholic schooled boys (maybe because of the uniform). Having marriage as a sacrament really elevates the relationship and enforces commitment to a life together, ideally anyway. In most societies this is the case expressed through ritual.

But we are only human and in the LA Hollywood scene what do we have? Like on TV? I for one would high tail it back to Safe havens, which for her is Japan. Many Japanese girls are "people who never had an evil thought". A Beautiful friend, wife and mother she be... Loyal to the end. The modern acting out of "radical relativism" as portrayed by Hollywood can truly be a horror to people of honor and may look like a Hieronymus Bosch painting of Hell. Certainly a Tohoku focus is a greater life worth living. Just saying...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Just another J-star that couldn't make the leap to Hollywood. She's in plenty good company and I can understand why she wants back but to use the people of Tohoku as her reason to do this and initiate a divorce - smacks of opportunism or at the very least Kabuki PR... Me thinks a charity concert in Fukushima is in order.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

why would she trade being a "somebody in Japan" for being a "nobody in the US" hed would of better off staying in Japan with her, he could of made a name for himself under her wing & lived like a king from all the Yen she brings in.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Ai wa michi o mitsukerudarou"; I really cannot understand as to why so many who are in her business would easily forget that saying that even I wouldn't understand. I apologize if I may sound brash, or even smug about this yet I think that she made the foolish mistake of having to actually fall in love out of status, image and even title. The fact is that Ayumi should have took more time to know Manuel Schwarz and not to worry about her image so much.

Let me put it in this way: Love isn't about status, it isn't about image and it isn't about titles because they will ALL pass away. As it states in 1st Corinthians Chapter 13 and Verses 4 to 8 :"Love is patient and kind; love is not Jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on it's own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it doesn't rejoice at what is wrong, but rejoices at what is right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never ends"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Oh well. ¯(ツ)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Supplies!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There are lots of little things about love with people from other countries.

That thing about being together and not talking, just enjoying the feeling of being together, that took me a while... 'isho ni itai desu' I've never said that in English. Subtle cultural differences and expectations are hard to mediate for those who haven't spent a long time in other cultures...

I think it would be hard for someone who doesn't know about and appreciate Japanese culture to make a J girl happy...Ironically though, when Japanese people get to the UK they tend to avoid people who have knowledge of Japan. As if they want a fresh start...Anyone else noticed that?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So whaaaaattttt?Is this a news?????Nonsense.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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