Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, at the age of 82.
Japanese media reports reveal that the actor contracted COVID-19 at the end of last month and initially received treatment without hospitalization. However, his pneumonia worsened, leading to his admission to the hospital on August 8.
Born Sadaho Maeda in Fukuoka in 1939, he relocated to Chiba Prefecture at the age of four. In 1959, he joined Toe Studios under the pseudonym Shinichi Chiba after being discovered in a talent search.
Tamami Chiba is recognized as the second wife of the action star Shinichi ‘Sonny’ Chiba. After Shinichi’s divorce from his first wife, he pursued and married Tamami.
Tamami Chiba is believed to be in her late 70s, with her age likely close to Shinichi’s, who was 82 before his demise. In her 20s, Tamami was reportedly exceptionally beautiful. Interestingly, the word “tatami” translates to a beautiful girl in English.
Tamami appears to be a private individual and has not shied away from the media. Hopefully, she will share her thoughts with the public soon.
Tamami Chiba has two children from her marriage to Shinichi Chiba, along with a stepdaughter from Shinichi’s previous marriage. All three are involved in the entertainment industry. The elder son, Mackenyu Arata, is relatively active in the public eye, while the younger one, Gordon Chiba, seems to maintain a low profile. The eldest sister, Juri Manase, is also actively engaged in the entertainment industry.
Regarding Tamami’s financial details, including her net worth and salary, no information is available. It is speculated that Shinichi Chiba may have provided financial support after their divorce.
The couple had a successful marriage for about 20 years, but things concluded in 2015. Shinichi had been divorced twice, including his first divorce from actress Yōko Nogiwa in 1972, before marrying Tamami four years later in 1996.
As of now, the couple has not publicly disclosed the reasons for their separation. It is hoped that Tamami will share her perspective if she chooses to be interviewed.