Popular Japanese actress Airi Shimizu recently opened up about her complex childhood, revealing that at a young age she asked her mother to divorce. Shimizu's confession draws atttention to a harsh reality hidden behind her stellar acting career. While the timing and reasons for her plea are not detailed in the headline, it is evident that the events have greatly shaped her personal and professional life.

In Japan, public figures rarely discuss their private life, heightening the impact of Shimizu's revelation. While divorce has been on the rise, it is still largely stigmatized in Japanese society due to traditional views of family values and motherhood. Shimizu's courage in speaking out may stimulate dialogue on these often taboo topics.

In contrast, in the US or EU, celebrities frequently share personal struggles, utilising their platform to raise awareness on various issues. Moreover, divorce, while certainly impactful, does not carry the same level of stigma in Western societies as it does in Japan.