Japanese actress Ryoko Hirosue, who suspended her work for nearly a year after a speeding accident and a period of emotional instability last year, finally made her comeback last month on the 18th—her 46th birthday—by holding a comeback concert in Tokyo. TBS TV subsequently aired the event and an exclusive interview, during which she openly admitted to having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and hyperthyroidism, sharing her emotional journey over the past year.
Ryoko Hirosue revealed that, at first, she intended to conceal her illness to avoid public suspicion that she was seeking sympathy by using her condition. However, she was moved by a comment from her second son, who is in junior high school: “If they are fans who truly love Mom, hiding it will only make everyone more worried. They won’t leave just because they know the truth.” Her son’s maturity and encouragement prompted her to face the public honestly and explain to her supporters the real reason for her hiatus.
Speaking about her future plans in show business, Ryoko Hirosue choked up as she frankly admitted that she once felt unworthy of this profession because of her own weakness. She said that the stage of playing the “ideal actress” or living up to her past image is now over. Moving forward, she no longer clings to her former spotlight, but simply wants to show everyone her truest self and gradually explore the work she is now able to do best.
Source: on.cc