Japanese Baseball Player Involved in Affair with Entertainment Worker Forgiven by Former Girl Group Wife

"We Decided to Move Forward Together as a Couple"

Genda Sosuke (32, Seibu Lions), the best shortstop in Japanese professional baseball (NPB) and a national team player, apologized for having an affair with a woman from a nightlife establishment despite being married to a wife who used to be a member of a girl group.

On the 12th, Genda Sosuke posted on his social media (SNS), "I sincerely apologize for causing much discomfort and concern to baseball fans and related parties due to my reckless behavior." He continued, "I reflect on having made my wife suffer and feel sad, and I sincerely apologize."

Genda Sosuke (left) and Eto Misa couple. Photo by Genda Sosuke SNS capture

Genda's infidelity scandal broke out on December 25 last year through a report by the Japanese media 'Shukan Bunshun.' The media reported that Genda had been dating a woman in her 20s who works at a high-end club in Ginza for nearly a year, and that secret meetings appeared to have taken place even during the international tournament ‘Premier12’ held in Taiwan in November last year.

The reason this infidelity controversy drew more attention is because his wife is Eto Misa (32), a former member of the popular Japanese idol group Nogizaka46. The couple married in 2019 and have two children, and they have often shown a family-oriented image on TV programs, appearing as a loving couple.

Genda stated, "Although some parts of the reports are not true, I have talked directly with my wife, and we have decided to move forward together as a couple." He added, "I will take this opportunity to reflect on myself and strive to repay through baseball. From now on, I will focus more on baseball."

On the same day, Genda's wife Misa also posted on SNS, "We apologize for causing concern due to our private matters," and said, "After repeated conversations as a couple, we have decided to move forward together." She continued, "I will also support my husband so that he can devote himself to baseball, and for the many people who have supported him, we will work together as a couple to give back. We would appreciate your continued warm support."

Regarding the victim wife's statement, some local netizens reacted negatively, saying things like "Why is the victim apologizing?" "Only the offending husband should apologize," and "This shows Japan's outdated behavior."

Genda Sosuke is a franchise star who was drafted third overall by the Seibu Lions in the 2016 rookie draft and has never changed teams, playing only for Seibu. He has been regarded as the league's best shortstop due to his excellent defensive skills and baserunning ability, and has also played for the Japanese national team in many international competitions such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), and the 2024 Premier12. Notably, in the 2023 WBC, despite suffering a finger fracture injury, he started from the quarterfinals to the final and greatly contributed to Japan's championship, and he also helped Japan achieve runner-up in the 2024 Premier12.