Recently, due to Japanese Prime Minister Taro Kono’s remarks on “Taiwan Affairs” during parliamentary questioning, it has sparked a backlash from the Chinese Communist Party, affecting many entertainers who frequently interact with Japan. Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, who has been frequently spotted by netizens in Tokyo streets, cafes, and ski resorts, has been speculated to have “settled in Japan.” In response to this speculation, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai addressed it for the first time during a recent film event.
Tony Leung Chiu-Wai was in Singapore promoting his debut European film “Silent Friend.” During an interactive session, when asked by the Chinese media “Xiaoxiang Morning News” about the topic of “settling in Japan,” he explained that he has not relocated there but only occasionally stays for a brief period. He candidly admitted that his frequent visits to Japan are mainly because he enjoys solitude and the language barrier allows him to avoid conversation, relieving his social anxiety and providing more personal space.
In fact, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai has been encountered by fans in Japan on multiple occasions in the past. He also revealed that for over 20 years, he has been going skiing in Japan almost every year but intentionally did not learn Japanese, only mastering basic survival phrases. He jokingly said, “If you don’t know the language, you can get away with just saying one or two sentences.”
The low-key Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, who opened a TikTok account in 2023, shared some documentary-style short videos. In one of the videos, he disclosed that he would go to Japan for solitary stays and skiing whenever he has free time, with Carina Lau occasionally accompanying him, a lifestyle he has maintained for nearly 30 years.
Just when everyone thought his Japanese proficiency must be quite good, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai bluntly stated, “I have never learned a word of Japanese because I don’t want to talk to people,” revealing his social anxiety and preference for solitude.
At 63, when attending various public events, netizens can sense his nervousness and awkwardness even through the screen. During a recent red carpet appearance with Carina Lau at a film awards ceremony, he initially waved and greeted, but halfway through, it suddenly turned into a synchronized movement, his social anxiety reactions amused netizens.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai has starred in three films that won the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion, clinched the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor six times, the Taiwan Golden Horse Award for Best Actor three times, making him the male actor with the most accolades in both categories. He also received the Best Actor award at the Asian Film Awards and Cannes Film Festival.
Many netizens find it puzzling that Tony Leung Chiu-Wai can seemingly tackle any role on screen but appears timid and shy off-screen in unfamiliar environments. Therefore, after Tony Leung Chiu-Wai shared carefully crafted short films on TikTok, netizens joked, “Must be pressure from the missus!” suggesting that his outgoing wife, Carina Lau, encouraged him to open an account.
It is widely believed that stars with “social anxiety” like Tony Leung Chiu-Wai are rare to come by. His love for skiing from a young age sees him spending time in Japan every year. Speculations arise that during his seclusion in Japan, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai must have felt incredibly relaxed.
After Tony Leung Chiu-Wai’s response to the rumors surfaced, many fans left comments expressing understanding: “He said he’s willing to go to a place where there’s no attention or disturbance, and I believe him.” “It’s not about settling down but just wanting to relax.” “I completely understand his mindset.”