Kentaro Ito’s New Girlfriend Revealed — An Actress and Artist Three Years Younger
While his ex-girlfriend Maika Yamamoto is getting married in a blitz ......, he is returning to terrestrial drama after a four-year absence and making a fresh start under Shun Oguri.
He takes a drag from his cigarette while watching her
A bright red cap and a flashy, glinting wallet chain. Even in a bold, rebellious outfit, he still cuts a striking figure. And by his side — a beautiful woman dressed in equally distinctive fashion.
On an evening in mid-April, actor Kentaro Ito (27) was spotted visiting a steakhouse in Setagaya, Tokyo, wearing an eye-catching ensemble that stood out even from a distance.
“In 2020, Ito was involved in a hit-and-run incident, but he quietly worked to rebuild his career. Last April, he made his first return to a terrestrial network drama in four years with Machi Nami Terasu Yatsura (NTV). This January, he starred in Mikoi Kakurebotchi-tachi (KTV), and this season he’s appearing in Kanojo ga Sore mo Ai to Yobu nara (YTV). It feels like his comeback is gaining real momentum.” (TV production company insider)
While Ito has been focusing intently on acting, it seems changes have been happening in his personal life too. That evening, right beside him at the steakhouse was a petite, brown-haired beauty, closely at his side. Once inside the restaurant, they chatted comfortably with the staff before happily digging into plates of beef together.
At one point, Ito stepped outside alone for a cigarette, quietly watching through the window as she eagerly tucked into her meal, a contented expression on his face as he exhaled smoke. After finishing their meal, the two headed back to Ito’s home together — and even after midnight, the woman didn’t leave. Later in April, the couple was spotted enjoying a walk with Ito’s beloved dog. Even then, after returning together, she stayed over at his place well into the night.
So who is this beautiful woman spending her private time with Ito?
“She’s Rinne Yoshida (24), an actress and multi-talented artist active in various fields. She made her major debut in 2014 and has since released five albums as a singer and rapper. As an actress, she currently appears in the drama Spice. (BS-TBS). She’s quickly becoming a new icon for Gen Z audiences. The two met last fall through mutual friends and instantly bonded over their shared love of dogs. Before long, it blossomed into a relationship. Rinne’s also grown very attached to Ito’s dog, and they’re often seen taking it for walks together.” (an acquaintance of Ito)
His true feelings about his ex-girlfriend’s marriage
The year 2024 marked a major turning point for Ito. In October of last year, Maika Yamamoto (27), whom he had been dating since 2019, announced her marriage to Hiro (31), the vocalist of the rock band MY FIRST STORY. An acquaintance revealed:
“It was a whirlwind marriage after she and Ito broke up around spring. Honestly, he was pretty shocked and it weighed on him for a while.”
The following month, Ito also announced his move to a new talent agency — the one led by Shun Oguri (42), whom he had long admired. It was a big decision, but behind it, there seems to have been the quiet support of a certain woman.
“She’s three years younger than him, but Rinne Yoshida has over 10 years of experience in showbiz, and more than that, she’s got a big-sisterly personality. Ito found it easy to open up to her. The fact that she stayed by his side through such a pivotal career moment really deepened their relationship quickly,” the same acquaintance added.
When our reporter approached Ito directly to confirm the relationship, he stopped during a walk with his beloved dog and responded to the questions.
— Are you dating Rinne Yoshida?
“We get along well. But it’s not something I can really comment on, considering her privacy too.”
— We’ve witnessed you together several times.
“I honestly didn’t notice at all. Could you go through my agency for this?”
— You also changed agencies. How are you feeling about that now?
“Yes. I intend to start fresh and give it my all.”
With that, Ito bowed politely and resumed his walk. Later, our magazine sent inquiry letters to both Ito and Yoshida’s agencies regarding their relationship, but no responses were received by the deadline.
Having made a comeback from scandal and moved past a high-profile breakup, Ito seems poised for a full resurgence — this time, with a new partner quietly supporting him by his side.
From the June 6 and 13, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”
PHOTO： Ichiro Takatsuka
