Quote:
Originally Posted by Maemi
Does anyone know if Seiko went through some scandals in her career? Just curious...
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Sure, Seiko still has had more tabloid coverage than any other celebrity in Japan (
source: NHK documentary). Countless of those are about scandals. Some have said that she has had an equal amount of scandals as success. Most of the time it is about her "unstable" private life where she had love affairs while being a married woman. Nothing major though. Usually, idols are caught smoking or something, which they can't afford because of their perfect and pure image. Nothing like that for Seiko. A few examples:
- According to rumours Seiko and Hiromi Go were supposed to marry in early 1985. However, she dumped him because, in return, he "demanded" her to quit the show business. There was a press conference held to announce the breakup. Instead she went to marry actor Masaki Kanda only a half year later. Got pregnant during the peak of her career. For idols, it's common to settle down and have children when their career is at its end, not when it's on going. She was back on stage less than three months after giving birth (for 1986 Japan Record Awards and Kouhaku Uta Gassen).
- In 1987, she decided to return to the music industry despite having a young child. This shocked conservative Japan, but made her an icon for ambitious young women. At that time, she had received a new nickname: mamadoru (short for mama + idol).
- 1989, a dark year for rival Akina Nakamori. Seiko and Masahiko Kondo (Akina's boyfriend at the time) were spotted together in New York by the media. They were said to have a relationship behind Akina's back. Three months later and Akina attempted suicide in her lovers apartment. Hardcore Akina Nakamori fans still blame and dislike Seiko today because of this.
- She quit her management company (Sun Music) only to create her own (Fantic). Which was said to be a scandalous and disrespectful move against the music industry.
- In 1998, she was sued for sexual harassment. An unsuccessful 350,000 USD suit was filed against her by one of her American dancers. I can sort of understand why he did it. If you have watched a certain concert tour and a Music Station performance you will know what I am talking about.
- She married her 11-year-old daughter's dentist in 1998. It was her second marriage. The previous year she had a divorce. Her first marriage was far from ideal, as far as the media is trusted. According to them Seiko have had affairs with more than 30 men during the 12 years she was married to Kanda. It should be noted that the media has always been horrible against her. Privacy has been impossible. So, most of these "affairs" are undoubtedly blown out of proportion. Many respect Seiko because she has always overcame and got stronger despite scandal after scandal.
Here are some tabloid headline examples from June/July, 1996 (
):
1996.07.11 @ Josei Jishin - "The Secret of Seiko's breast-up is exercise of foot boxing!"
1996.07.09 @ Josei Jishin - "Seiko make up her face as Mariah Carey's!"
1996.07.04 @ Josei Seven - "What does Seiko's Husband think about Seiko?"
1996.07.04 @ Josei Seven - "The secret of Seiko's advertisement"
1996.07.02 @ FLASH - "Seiko-looking Actress walked nude at Shibuya downtown"
1996.07.02 @ Shukan Josei - "Is Seiko's husband embarrassed her photos on magazine?"
1996.06.28 @ FRIDAY - "Queen of Scandals: Seiko Japan Tour '96"
1996.06.25 @ FOCUS - "Seiko Matsuda. Lovers and Nude"
1996.06.25 @ Shukan Josei - "Is Seiko nude really so nice?"
1996.06.22 @ Shukan Gendai - "Scoop! This is Seiko Nude"
1996.06.21 @ Shukan Post - "Japanese People are surprised at nude of Seiko"