It happens there like everywhere else in the world (sadly).
The difference is - if a man does it, it's usually not much of a big deal. If a woman does it, it's the end of the world.

Well, it was mentioned before when the news first broke about Ai's husband that Japan is still very much a man's society. Men are often excused for these behaviors in part because of the long hours and personal investment in work culture (salarymen) among other reasons. It's not so much considered "cheating", as I understand it, as it is a convenience because Ai isn't as readily available as her husband's assistant or whatever.

I'm sure they've hashed it out at this point. However, if I were Ai, I don't know if I'd make a different decision this time. The next time? Yeah. I'd be out. But she's probably thinking about the importance of a two-parent home for their child. And maybe to her, to this is a small sacrifice to benefit their kid as long as her husband doesn't do it again.

We know she's not broke. So, this is less about financial obstacles, and probably more about opportunity for their kid to fit in, to have dad and mom, and all of this can be swept under the rug at a time it would be extremely disruptive and confusing to the child.

Edit: Just realized I work more hours every week than the average salaryman. :( Oh well, I probably take home better pay too. So, there's that.

True. They have lots of shotgun weddings and the trend of professional housewives as well.

YUI recently divorced her husband too. It's weird but I've started noticing it too.

I would actually argue, that those female singers have it "easier" leaving their husbands than the average woman, since they are more independend from a financial point of view. I guess more women would do it, if they wouldn't had to give up their jobs for their husbands and therefore now are pretty dependend.

^I totally agree with you.

Exactly. I saw so many times in dramas how women are applauded at their work places when they publicly announce that they are getting married so it is time for them to quit and become professional housewives :P Bizarre.

Maybe they are just applauding the fact that they just announced they are to be married?? Like what are they supposed to do, boo? Lmao.

“Noooooo!!”
“You suck!”
“Traitor!!”

Nope, they were applauding them for quitting and becoming housewives, I remember correctly :P I read a news article recently that Japan is a very low ranked country in regard to women’s participation in the economy and politics... and I'm not even surprised.

I mean, a "professional housewife" lol

I'm all for women choosing that if they want to. I just find it laughable that anyone, including women too, would discount women in certain subjects. Like, let's be real here. Women are a MASSIVE part of what made JPop an international thing.

The only thing that I find laughable is that women are giving up their jobs on such a large scale in Japan and they are even encouraged to do so. Especially celebrities, that was expected in the 90s, no wonder that Namie was attacked by the media for working after her marriage and later even divorcing.

Well, this is off topic, Ai did not quit for example :D I just hope he did not really cheat on her, she deserves to be happy.

I'm glad someone shares my love for this song! One of her best non-single tracks IMO.

YES!!! It’s so fun!

Piano self-cover mini-album aio piano coming next month, on February 7th!

http://m.imageimg.net/upload/artist_...47dd933980.jpg

1. 星 -せい- (Sei) [instrumental]
2. ユメクイ (Yumekui)
3. HEY!BEAR
4. 金魚花火 (Kingyo Hanabi)
5. 日々、生きていれば (Hibi, Ikiteireba)
6. 恋愛写真 (Ren'ai Shashin)
7. ネコに風船 (Neko ni Fuusen)

Source

^ Did not expect this to happen, but going to be interesting how Ai Otsuka sings older songs in 2017-18 while playing the piano...

^Excellent, I look forward to buying it on iTunes. I like the cover!

Avex are making their money out of me in February - Kumi, BoA, Do As Infinity and now Ai.

I absolutely love Yumekui and I can't wait for the piano version.

Yay! Sth new! :)

Can’t wait for Kingyo Hanabi and Renai Shashin! My two all-time favorite songs by her.

FINALLY avex knows what we want

YES @ Kingyo Hanabi being included! What a flawless song.