37-Year-Old Comedian Announces Marriage to 19-Year-Old Actress... "Grooming Crime" Sparks Outrage in Japan

First Meeting Through Children's Program
Actress Was 13 Years Old at First Meeting

A Japanese comedian in his 30s announced his marriage to a teenage actress, and as it became known that the two first met six years ago, criticism of 'grooming crimes' has arisen locally.

According to local media such as Japan's TBS News and Weekly Bunshun on the 13th, popular comedian and member of 'Haraichi,' Iwai Yuki (37), and actress Okumori Kozuki (19) announced their marriage.

Recently married Yuki Iwai (left) and Kozuki Okumori.
[Photo by Yuki Iwai X (formerly Twitter), Satsuki Okumori Instagram]

Regarding their marriage, Iwai stated that he started dating Okumori earlier this year and said, "I was attracted to her personality and way of life, and during the course of dating, I realized she is someone I can respect. Although I am still inexperienced, I ask for your support."

Okumori said, "Having dated and spent time with someone I admired from TV, he has become a precious person I want to protect. His self-discipline regarding work and his uncompromising drive are admirable both as a professional and as a man."

She added, "When I faced difficult situations, seeing Mr. Iwai sternly point out my mistakes and kindly teach me made me confident that we could navigate life together."

According to Weekly Bunshun, the two first met six years ago when Okumori was in the first year of middle school. At that time, they appeared together on TV Tokyo's children's program 'Oha Suta,' forming a connection.

Born in 1986 and 2004 respectively, they overcame an 18-year age gap, and they also revealed that they have informed both families about their marriage.

However, public opinion on their marriage announcement is divided. Some netizens commented, "They first met when they were 31 and 13 years old. No matter how you look at it, this is a grooming method," "Even if they are adults now, the younger one still feels like a child, and can you really see someone you met at 13 as a romantic partner?" and "Honestly, it's hard to congratulate them. Marriages with an 18-year age gap are not uncommon in the entertainment industry, but a marriage between a 37-year-old and a 19-year-old is not something to be celebrated."

In response to the criticism, famous creator Okamoto Mari (33) defended the couple, saying, "People who don't know the details should not criticize others' marriages," and added, "Since they are seriously dating and getting married, I hope people will congratulate them."

Meanwhile, as rumors about their marriage spread, Iwai announced on his radio show that he would speak in detail about the marriage.