Japanese actress Sawajiri Erika (1 Litre of Tears) had been dating Japanese IT entrepreneur Takashiro Tsuyoshi (the man behind the media launch of the Roppongi Hills complex and Sony’s Aibo robot) since end of 2006. There is a 22 age difference between them.

On January 4, 2008, they had been spotted at the Narita Airport checking in for a flight with destination London. She with a black coat and glasses, carrying a teddy and a camera has been in a visibly good mood. Her sour face since the stage greeting changed into a bright smile. She had been shaking hands with some of her fans. Reporters tried asking her questions about her future plans, but all she did was smile and continue on her way.

They returned to Japan on March 29, 2008 after nearly three months in London.

Sawajiri stated that she will be in Japan during her birthday, April 8, though she plans to return to London some time after that.



On the 7 January 2009, Sawajiri Erika and Takashiro Tsuyoshi registered their marriage and on the 19th they held the ceremony at the Meiji Shrine. It was a simple marriage with only 7 relatives who attended the ceremony. Sawajiri with her big white hair ornament and white-based uchikake (long garment worn over the kimono), showed her sparkling smile to more than 1000 fans.

Divorced
Actress Sawajiri Erika (24) has made her first formal statement regarding the recent rumors of her impending divorce. On her official website yesterday she wrote, "I wish to formally state that I, Sawajiri Erika, have determined to divorce my husband, Takashiro Tsuyoshi (45), and we are in talks under the auspices of my family." The member of her family is believed to be her elder brother, a former actor who now runs a restaurant in Tokyo. The Sankei Sports newspaper reports that a source close to the actress told them that she talked about divorce with her former management agency at least three times before she was dumped by them last September. Last month it was reported that she had set up a personal management company in Spain, but it now seems that was more to do with Takashiro's plans to base himself outside Japan. Sawajiri says that she has been taking vocal lessons and that after the divorce she will resume her acting and singing careers full-time under the Avex entertainment company.

+credits to wikipedia+