Natsumi Hirashima (平嶋夏海), a former member of AKB48, announced on July 23 that she has gotten married. The 26-year-old shared the news on her Instagram account alongside photos of herself in a wedding dress.
In a written statement posted with the photos, Hirashima said her new husband is “a private citizen” rather than someone in the entertainment industry. She reflected on her career, noting that she joined the entertainment world at age 13 and went on to become part of AKB48. She said that even after graduating from the group, work opportunities and her love of motorcycles brought her new encounters and connections that led her to where she is today.
Hirashima thanked her longtime fans and everyone who has supported her, calling the time she has spent with them an irreplaceable treasure. She added that despite reaching this new milestone in her life, she intends to keep approaching her entertainment work with the same sincerity as before and continue striving to improve, asking for continued support going forward.
The announcement drew a wave of congratulatory comments from fans. Many pointed out that the date of the announcement, July 23, can be read in Japanese as a numerical wordplay on her name “Natsumi,” which fans celebrated as a fitting coincidence for the occasion. Others praised how she looked in her wedding dress and wished her lasting happiness.
Who is Natsumi Hirashima?
Natsumi Hirashima is a Japanese tarento (television personality) and former idol who entered the entertainment industry at age 13 and later became a member of AKB48, one of Japan’s best-known idol groups. Since graduating from the group, she has continued working across television and media, and has become known among fans for her enthusiasm for motorcycles, which she has said opened up new personal and professional connections over the years.
