EXILE boy band's Akira marries Taiwan actress and model Lin Chi-ling

TOKYO -- Akira, 37, a member of the popular song and dance group EXILE, announced his marriage to Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling, 44, through his management company on June 6. The two first met eight years ago when they performed together on stage, and started dating last year.

Akira, real name Ryohei Kurosawa, joined EXILE in 2006. He is a multi-talented performer with credits as a dancer, actor and in other roles. Lin is a popular actress known for her roles in films such as the "Red Cliff" movies.

On his public website, Akira posted about the marriage. "My heart was captivated by her generously loving personality," he wrote, adding, "Now more than ever before, I will carry a sense of awareness and responsibility as I devote myself to my art."

(Japanese original by Kazuki Ohara, Cultural News Department)