"Reflecting on Reckless Behavior" Karata Erika Admits Affair with Higashide Masahiro

Japanese actors Karata Erika (left) and Higashide Masahiro (right) / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seunggon Han, Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] Japanese actress Karata Erika, who was embroiled in an affair rumor with Japanese actor Higashide Masahiro, has admitted to the affair rumor and apologized.

On the 22nd, Karata Erika's Japanese agency Furamu stated, "Karata Erika herself deeply reflects on her reckless behavior," adding, "She is deeply accepting and confronting her weakness, foolishness, and shortcomings."

They continued, "As an agency, we will strictly guide her to ensure that such an incident never happens again. We sincerely apologize."

Earlier on the 22nd, Japanese media Weekly Bunshun reported that Higashide Masahiro is separated from his wife, Anne. The reason for their separation was claimed to be Higashide Masahiro's affair, and the other party was alleged to be Karata Erika, who co-starred with him in the movie 'Asako.'

Following the report, Higashide Masahiro's agency acknowledged the separation. However, the agency stated, "The separation is not for divorce but a cooling-off period to return to their original lives," without mentioning the affair rumor.

Karata Erika debuted in Japan in July 2015 through the Fuji TV drama 'Loving You.' In 2017, she signed an exclusive contract with BH Entertainment, which represents Lee Byung-hun and Han Hyo-joo.

Karata Erika is a Japanese actress also known in Korea for her role in last year's tvN drama 'Arthdal Chronicles.'

Higashide Masahiro married Anne, the daughter of Japan's national actor Watanabe Ken and a model and actress, in 2015. They have twin daughters and a son.