Erika Sawajiri Marriage Rumors 2026: A 1,000km Long-Distance Romance Towards Spring Wedding

Can Japan's former 'it-girl' finally find her happily ever after? Erika Sawajiri, the iconic star of 1 Litre of Tears, is reportedly planning to tie the knot. According to FRIDAY magazine, the 39-year-old actress is in a serious relationship with a non-celebrity man 14 years her junior, with rumors swirling of a wedding as early as Spring 2026.

Erika Sawajiri Marriage Rumors 2026: Overcoming a Turbulent Past

Sawajiri's career has been a rollercoaster of immense talent and public scandal. After rising to fame in 2005, she faced a severe backlash in 2007 due to an attitude controversy. Her biggest challenge arrived in November 2019, when she was arrested for drug possession, later confessing to a 10-year history of use. She received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 3 years, in February 2020. Having officially resumed her acting career in 2024, she seems to be prioritizing personal stability.

Bridging the 1,000km Gap for Love

The lucky man is reportedly a 25-year-old living on a remote island nearly 1,000 kilometres away from Tokyo. Despite the distance, the couple spent the New Year holidays together. This relationship marks a significant shift from her past marriage to Tsuyoshi Takahashi, who was 22 years her senior. Insiders suggest that Sawajiri has found a sense of normalcy and peace with her current partner that was missing in her previous high-profile involvements.