TOKYO – Japanese actress Kawaguchi Haruna, 31, and Japan national team defender Ko Itakura, 29, announced their marriage and impending parenthood on Tuesday, just two weeks after their relationship was first reported by local media.
The couple revealed the news in a joint statement posted on their respective social media accounts, expressing joy and gratitude while asking for privacy as they prepare to welcome their first child. No details on the pregnancy’s duration or due date were provided.
“We are praying for the baby’s safe arrival,” the statement read, according to Japanese entertainment outlets. Kawaguchi’s agency confirmed she will continue working under medical supervision as long as her health allows.
The announcement caps a whirlwind romance that has captivated fans across Japan’s entertainment and sports worlds. According to reports in late January, the pair began dating last year and have maintained a long-distance relationship spanning more than 9,000 kilometers—with Itakura based in Amsterdam, where he plays for Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie, and Kawaguchi working primarily in Tokyo.
Long-Distance Love Story
The couple’s courtship unfolded largely out of the public eye. Sources told Japanese media that Itakura and Kawaguchi relied heavily on messaging apps to bridge the time zone difference, and Kawaguchi would fly to the Netherlands whenever her filming schedule allowed for brief visits.
The distance appears to have strengthened their resolve. In Tuesday’s statement, the pair emphasized their gratitude for the support they have received and their commitment to building a family together.
Who Are They?
Kawaguchi Haruna rose to fame as a child model and actress, starring in numerous Japanese television dramas and films. She gained widespread recognition for her lead role in the hit 2022 series “Silent,” a romantic drama that became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and across Asia, earning her critical acclaim and several acting awards.
Ko Itakura, a 29-year-old center-back, has become a key figure for the Samurai Blue—Japan’s national soccer team. After beginning his professional career with Kawasaki Frontale, he moved to Europe, playing for Manchester City’s development system before stints in the Netherlands and Germany. He joined Ajax in 2023 and has been a regular starter for both club and country.
Broader Implications
The marriage merges two of Japan’s most visible public figures, blending the country’s vibrant entertainment industry with its surging soccer scene. Japan’s national team has enjoyed growing global attention since its impressive run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Itakura played a crucial role. Meanwhile, Kawaguchi’s star continues to rise, with several film and television projects in the pipeline.
For fans, the announcement marks a rare intersection of celebrity worlds. The couple’s openness about their relationship—despite its short public timeline—reflects a broader trend in Japan toward greater transparency among young celebrities, who increasingly share personal milestones directly on social media rather than through traditional press channels.
Both individuals are expected to balance their demanding careers with their new family life. Itakura remains under contract with Ajax through 2027, while Kawaguchi has indicated she plans to resume acting after her maternity leave, health permitting.
As one of Japan’s most-watched couples begins this next chapter, their story serves as a reminder that even across continents and time zones, love—and a new life—can find a way.
