Teruyuki Kiriyama and Maiko Kano Spark Buzz With Bold Exchanges Fans Call Couple Provocation

The hinting behavior from the time of their relationship’s revelation sparked controversy, and the criticism continued even after the marriage of WEST’s Terufumi Kiriyama (35) and former Japanese women’s volleyball team member Maiko Kano (36). Recently, Kiriyama’s comments about love have been seen as problematic by fans, leading to renewed criticism.

The two developed a close relationship after appearing together in the 2019 “World Cup Volleyball 2019” (Fuji TV), and later, in April 2023, the magazine Women’s Seven (Shogakukan) reported that they were seriously dating, which led to suspicions of hinting behavior.

“Fans of Kiriyama examined a photo of his home posted on his paid membership site blog and compared it to photos Kano posted on social media. They noticed similarities in the wall, sofa, and curtains, which caused a stir online. Also, Kano posted a photo of a ‘WEST.’ concert ticket on Instagram with the caption ‘It was amazing,’ around the time she was suspected of dating Kiriyama. ‘WEST.’ fans felt like they were being overpowered and were put off by Kano’s actions,” said a celebrity writer.

The couple made their marriage announcement on January 3rd this year. Many fans, feeling disillusioned, declared their departure from following Kiriyama on social media. Even over three months after their marriage, some fans still criticize Kiriyama. During a concert MC, he made an unfortunate comment that reignited criticism.

“On April 7th, during ‘WEST. LIVE TOUR 2025 A.H.O. -Audio Hang Out’ in Fukuoka, a conversation about love reality shows came up. Kiriyama reportedly commented, ‘Why are humans so interested in other people’s love lives?’ and ‘And most of the time, they complain about it.’ This comment was spread on social media, and criticism against Kiriyama was reignited.

According to fans who attended the concert, some interpreted it as a self-deprecating comment aimed at themselves and other fans of love reality shows. Kiriyama had previously expressed his love for the show ‘Bachelor Japan’ on radio programs,” the writer continued.

However, those who were already uncomfortable with the hinting behavior from the beginning of their relationship likely found Kiriyama’s comments on such a sensitive topic unpleasant. On social media, fans expressed their discontent:

“After Kiriyama’s comment, the venue became uneasy, and I felt irritated for a while.” “Kiriyama’s comment about love reality shows made the whole venue buzz, and it was funny. Both I and others around me were thinking, ‘You shouldn’t be saying that.'” “Some say that Kiriyama’s comment was misunderstood, but the fans clearly felt uncomfortable with it. There’s no doubt it was an inappropriate comment.”

Criticism was clearly prominent in the fan reactions.

Even after marriage, stop the hinting behavior – growing resentment

And then, on the 7th, there was a wave of doubt among WEST. fans regarding an Instagram Story posted by Kiriyama’s wife, Maiko Kano.

On the same day, Kano posted a picture of herself playing golf with the comedy duo Diane’s Atsuhiro Tsuda and others. She seemed to have updated her story, but it included a photo of professional golfer Tiger Woods with his index finger on his lips.

“The song ‘shhhhhhh!!’ by ‘WEST.’ was used as the opening theme for the drama ‘Kiss de Fusaide, Barrenai de.’ (Yomiuri TV), where ‘WEST.’ member Ryuusei Fujii starred alongside actress Ayaka Konno. The song is known for a moment when Fujii makes a ‘shh’ gesture. On the 7th, the final episode of the drama aired,” the report continues.

It might have been an accidental coincidence that the pose resembled something related to ‘WEST.’, but fans still reacted strongly:

“I just saw Maiko Kano’s story and was shocked to see her do the ‘shh’ pose.”

“What is she thinking of posting this story?!”
“After marriage, stop posting these hinting things in stories.”
“Both Terufumi Kiriyama and Maiko Kano are taking their fans for granted. They’re provoking us as a couple.”

Once again, this sparked resentment. Both Kiriyama and Kano may need to be more careful with their words and actions to avoid further antagonizing their fans.