Former Japan Volleyball Star Ai Otomo Announces Divorce
Listen to the story
Ai Otomo, a former player for Japan's national volleyball team, has announced her divorce.
She shared the news publicly at the beginning of 2026, saying she had just entered the new year when she made the announcement.
In her statement, Otomo said, "I have worried and thought about this a lot, and I came to this decision."
Otomo remarried in 2013, marrying Hiroyuki Akimoto, a judo athlete. This marriage is now ending.
Otomo's daughter, Miku Akimoto, is also a member of Japan's national volleyball team, continuing her mother's legacy in the sport.
Otomo herself was well known as a star player for Japan during her volleyball career, representing the country in international competition.
No further details about the reasons for the divorce or future plans have been shared publicly at this time.
Vocabulary6 words
- divorce
- the legal ending of a marriage
- decision
- a firm choice made after careful thought
- remarried
- got married again after an earlier marriage ended
- judo
- a Japanese sport involving throws and holds
- competition
- an event where people or teams try to win
- national team
- a group of top athletes representing a country
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Quiz
Answer key
1. A volleyball player for Japan's national team 2. At the start of 2026 3. Volleyball
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Ai Otomo, a former player for Japan's national volleyball team, has announced her _____.
She shared the news publicly at the beginning of 2026, saying she had just entered the new year when she made the _____.
In her statement, Otomo said, "I have worried and thought about this a lot, and I came to this decision."
Otomo _____ in 2013, marrying Hiroyuki Akimoto, a _____ athlete. This marriage is now ending.
Otomo's daughter, Miku Akimoto, is also a member of Japan's _____ volleyball team, continuing her mother's legacy in the sport.
Otomo herself was well known as a star player for Japan during her volleyball career, representing the country in international _____.
Discussion questions
- Why might public figures choose to announce personal news like a divorce publicly?
- How do you think it feels for a child to follow the same sport as a famous parent?
- Do you think athletes' personal lives should be reported by the media? Why or why not?
- What qualities do you think help families stay connected even after a divorce?
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