"Train Man" Yamada in secret sprog scandal

2/15/06, 10:46 AM - News

Actor Yamada Takayuki (22), best known as the film incarnation of "Train Man" (Densha Otoko) and the star of the TV drama versions of "Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World" (Sekai no Chushin de, Ai o Sakebu) and "Water Boys," has been scandalously outed by the tabloid press for fathering an illegitimate child last year.

Unusually for a young Japanese actor faced with unplanned parenthood, Yamada decided not to marry his now ex-girlfriend for appearances' sake (known in colloquial Japanese as a "dekichatta-kon"), and instead agreed to foot the bill for her living and child-raising expenses until their progeny reaches the age of 20. Yamada's decision to keep the kid a secret, another tradition of sorts in the Japanese entertainment world, was presumably made out of a desire to maintain his popularity with his young female fanbase.

The beetle-browed hearthrob has become a hot property on both the big and small screen in recent years, and is currently starring in the high-rating television drama series "Byakuyakou" alongside his 'Sekachu' co-star Ayase Haruka. This revelation could have severe repercussions on his burgeoning career. (source: Sponichi)

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