Large age differences between adult couples often spark debate, but when the difference extends for decades, especially when one partner has a controversial past, public reaction can become starkly negative. This was the case for former AKB48 idol Nishino Miki, born in 1999, whose marriage to a man 31 years her senior continues to fuel heated discussions online.
Nishino Miki joined AKB48 in 2012 at just 13 years old and quickly gained popularity as part of the group’s 14th generation. She remained active until graduating in 2017, after which she moved on to work as a TV presenter at the Japanese agency Twin Planet. In 2022, the former idol surprised fans by announcing her marriage to comedian and entertainer Yamamoto Keiichi, born in 1968. Less than two years after getting married, the couple welcomed their first daughter.
Yamamoto Keiichi is a long-standing figure in Japanese entertainment, having worked as a comedian and television personality since the 1980s. However, his career has been marked by numerous scandals that continue to plague his public image. In 2003 he was reported to the police for exposing himself on stage. Although the incident did not lead to any legal consequences, he and another artist were reprimanded by their agency.
A much more serious controversy erupted in 2006, when Yamamoto was accused of sexually assaulting a minor. According to reports at the time, he met a 17-year-old girl at a party and was later accused by the girl and her parents of encouraging her to drink alcohol and forcing her to have sexual intercourse. Yamamoto said the encounter was consensual. Ultimately, after reaching a settlement with the girl, he avoided legal charges, but the consequences were severe: his agency terminated his contract and he issued a public apology on television.
The news of Nishino Miki’s marriage to Yamamoto shocked and angered many netizens, who openly questioned her decision. Online comments have described the relationship as deeply troubling, with critics arguing that a young woman with a bright future has “He wasted his life” marrying someone old enough to be her father and with such a controversial past. Some have expressed disbelief that someone her age would choose a partner decades older, while others have expressed outrage at Yamamoto’s story, calling the union disturbing and difficult to accept.
Despite the backlash, Nishino Miki spoke positively about her husband. In a handwritten message announcing her marriage to fans, she praised Yamamoto’s kindness, saying that he always smiles warmly around her and allows her to feel completely comfortable and true to herself. Yamamoto, in turn, expressed gratitude for what he described as a “great and lovely gift” in his life at the age of 54.
However, public opinion remained largely critical. Nishino Miki, who once enjoyed a large fan base across Asia thanks to her idol career and acting roles in dramas such as Joshikou Keisatsu AND Zombie Sailorstunned many supporters with his wedding announcement. For a significant portion of the public, the extreme age difference combined with Yamamoto’s past scandals has overshadowed the couple’s personal happiness, making their marriage one of the most controversial celebrity unions in recent times.
Sources: Theqoo
