Two members of the STARTO Entertainment boy band WEST. delivered a double dose of personal news on August 9, as Daiki Shigeoka (重岡大毅) and Takahiro Hamada (濵田崇裕) each announced their marriages on the same day. Shigeoka went a step further, revealing that he and his new wife have also welcomed their first child.
In a statement released through the group, Shigeoka wrote, “While this is a personal matter, I would like to report that I have gotten married, and that we have welcomed a new life into our family.” He reflected on the journey to his child’s safe arrival, saying that “the road a small life travels to be born safely, overcoming various twists of fate, is never something to be taken for granted — it is precious.” Shigeoka did not disclose further details about his wife or the timing of the birth.
Hamada’s announcement, posted separately, focused on his marriage alone. “I am writing to report, somewhat bashfully, that I, Takahiro Hamada, have gotten married,” he said, thanking fans and industry staff for their continued support. He added that he intends to keep facing his work sincerely, both as a member of WEST. and as an individual, in order to give back to those who have supported him.
Neither member shared additional details about their respective spouses, and no information on wedding dates or ceremonies was included in the announcements. News of the twin marriages quickly drew a wave of celebratory reactions online, with one fan account writing, “Congratulations! Seeing them both so happy makes me happy too.”
Who is WEST.?
WEST. is a seven-member Japanese boy band formed in 2014 under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, the talent agency that operates as the successor to the famed Johnny & Associates. The group’s name is styled as an acronym representing its members’ surnames. Beyond their group activities, WEST. members are known for building individual careers across music, television, and film. Shigeoka, one of the group’s central members, has an active acting career alongside his idol work, while Hamada has become a familiar face on variety and talk shows in addition to his music activities with the group. Both remain active members of WEST. following today’s announcements.
Author’s Comment
Two grooms, one press release — honestly, efficient. I love that Shigeoka basically dropped a wedding AND a birth announcement in the same breath, like he was saving up all his personal news for one grand reveal. Hamada, meanwhile, kept it modest and formal, which tracks — Japanese idols have basically perfected the art of the humble, over-apologetic life update. Fans here are thrilled rather than heartbroken, which tells you something about how STARTO’s fandom culture has matured; congratulating your favorite idol on marriage used to be a much rarer sight. I just hope the tabloids give these two a minute to enjoy it before digging for a wedding photo.
