Actors Koji Ishizaka and Ruriko Asaoka separated in an amicable divorce Wednesday after a nearly 30-year marriage due to Ishizaka's desire to care for his aging mother, the couple said.
Veteran thespian Ishizaka, 59, said at a press conference in Tokyo, "I have recently been interested in my life with my aging mother, but I did not want my wife involved. She is the type of woman to complete her career as an actress."
Said the 60-year-old Asaoka: "I was shocked but agreed (to the divorce) considering his new life."
Ishizaka began his career as a stage player while at Tokyo's Keio University. In 1965, he debuted in an NHK TV drama. He is expected to appear in the popular Japanese samurai TV series "Mito-Komon" beginning in April.
Asaoka made her film debut in 1955 and was in many TV dramas. She has mainly worked on stage recently.
The two married in 1971 after appearing in the same TV drama.