Masahiro Higashide's First Official Appearance After 'Affair Scandal': "I Have Broken Up with Erika"

Actors Erika Karata and Masahiro Higashide, who co-starred in the film 'Asako,' apologized to the public for their affair.
Photo by stills from the movie 'Asako'>

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] Masahiro Higashide (32), who attracted attention for having an affair with a fellow actress he starred with in the movie 'Asako,' appeared in public for the first time since the controversy and expressed his apology.

At the premiere of the documentary film 'Misami Yukio VS University of Tokyo Major Struggle: The Truth After 50 Years' held in Tokyo on the 17th, Masahiro Higashide opened by saying, "I am deeply sorry for causing trouble to those around me because of this incident."

He continued, "I believe the person I must apologize to the most is my wife (Watanabe Anne). I want to convey my sincere apology to her directly. Due to various circumstances, it has taken time to create this opportunity."

When asked about his intention to divorce, he said, "I could not speak about it because I thought my wife would be hurt if she saw my opinion expressed in front of the camera on TV." He added, "No decision has been made yet on whether to divorce or not. However, I believe I betrayed Anne and caused a lifelong wound that cannot be erased. I think I took away various happiness because of my fault."

When asked who he prefers between his wife and Erika Karata, he replied, "I am sorry, but I cannot answer because my response might hurt my wife." He also briefly added that he has broken up with Erika Karata.

Regarding his future course of action, he said, "I betrayed and hurt my family, friends, and everyone related to my work. I believe that I must completely heal the pain I caused in order to be forgiven for my mistakes. From now on, I will not betray anyone and will do my best to make amends to those I have troubled."

Masahiro Higashide married Anne, daughter of the Japanese national actor Ken Watanabe, in 2015, and they have three children. However, it was revealed that he had an affair with actress Erika Karata, whom he met through the movie 'Asako,' causing a great shock.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.