Former Osaka Governor and Mayor, Toru Hashimoto, has built a formidable public career as a lawyer, politician, and media personality. Yet, behind his often combative public persona lies a deeply rooted and remarkably enduring romantic history with his wife, Noriko Hashimoto. Their relationship, spanning decades from their high school days to raising seven children, has been a testament to resilience, support, and the complexities that come with a life lived in the public eye.
The couple's journey began in their formative years as classmates at Osaka Prefectural Kitano High School. Noriko, a member of the tennis club, was widely regarded as a "madonna" figure, captivating many, including a young Toru Hashimoto. While he harbored feelings for her during high school, he reportedly never confessed, waiting for the opportune moment. That chance arrived on their graduation day, when he finally expressed his affections, and to his surprise, Noriko accepted, marking the official start of their romance.
Their relationship deepened during their university years, despite facing geographical challenges. While Toru pursued his studies in Tokyo, Noriko was enrolled at Kobe College. Demonstrating an extraordinary level of commitment and support, Noriko made the significant decision to move to Tokyo to be with him, even while maintaining her enrollment at Kobe. This period saw them living together in a modest, shared apartment, with Noriko working part-time jobs to support them while Toru dedicated himself to studying for the challenging bar examination. This initial phase of their relationship was, by his own later admission, a common-law partnership before formalizing their union.
Toru and Noriko Hashimoto officially married in 1995, after approximately five years of dating and cohabitation. Their family quickly grew, and over the course of 11 years, they welcomed seven children into their lives. Noriko embraced the role of a dedicated homemaker, providing a stable and supportive environment for their large family, allowing Toru to focus on his burgeoning legal and political career. Her unwavering support was often cited as a cornerstone of his success, even as his public profile soared.
However, their seemingly idyllic family life faced a significant public challenge in 2012 when a weekly magazine reported on an infidelity scandal involving Toru Hashimoto. The reports detailed an affair with a former hostess that allegedly occurred between 2006 and 2007, a period during which Noriko was notably pregnant with their seventh child. The revelation sparked a media frenzy, and Toru Hashimoto publicly apologized, admitting to parts of the story, including details about "cosplay" requests, though denying a physical relationship.
The fallout from the scandal was immense, particularly within their private lives. Noriko Hashimoto was reportedly furious, with media accounts describing her "demon-like fury" and even an instance of her throwing a stove in anger. Toru Hashimoto openly spoke about the severe "penalties" he faced at home, including his wife's strict monitoring of his phone and schedule. He frequently reiterated his apologies, stating he would continue to apologize to his wife and children "until he entered his coffin," acknowledging his actions as a profound betrayal and a failure as a husband and father.
In the years following the scandal, Toru Hashimoto has often portrayed himself as being under his wife's strict control, a public persona that has become a running gag in Japanese media. He has shared anecdotes about needing his wife's permission for various activities and even claiming to tell her "I love you" daily to maintain peace. Despite the public scrutiny and past difficulties, the couple has remained together, presenting a united front. Noriko Hashimoto occasionally makes public appearances or is mentioned in his social media posts, often in the context of family gatherings or travel, underscoring their continued commitment to their family and each other.
Their relationship, while not without its public and private trials, stands as a complex narrative of enduring partnership. Noriko Hashimoto has consistently been portrayed as the strong, grounding force in Toru Hashimoto's life, a constant presence who has supported his ambitions while also holding him accountable. Their journey from high school sweethearts to a prominent political family, navigating both triumphs and controversies, reflects a unique and resilient bond that has withstood the pressures of public life and personal challenges.