Ringo's Real Name?
 

We all know that Shiina Ringo's name is not really Shiina Ringo - that's just a stage name. Her actual name is Shiina Yumiko.

Or is it?

I came across this article today:

Japan’s Top Court Upholds Law Requiring Spouses to Share Surname

which, in brief, states that the law in Japan requires that married couples to share a single surname (usually, the husband's).

Although Ringo is not currently legally married to her partner Kodama Yuichi, she was married to Yayoshi Junji from 2000-2002. I never really gave it much thought, since married couples having different surnames is not uncommon here in the US. But in light of that article, now I have to wonder - was her legal name Yayoshi Yumiko? Is it still, or do they let people change their name back after a divorce? Or did he perhaps take her name instead? (I can totally picture this happening.)

Yes. He joined the Shiina family.

That's awesome. You go, Ringo!

What a dumb law.

Her real name is Shiina Urikiri

Silly, lots of female celebrities don't change their surnames after getting married.