Ikematsu–Kawai Relationship Develops After Living Together for 2.5 Years

A little after 9:30 a.m. in late November, Sôsuke Ikematsu (35), dressed head-to-toe in black, appeared from a luxury designer apartment building in Tokyo. He made his film debut in the 2003 Hollywood movie The Last Samurai and went on to win the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 38th Japan Academy Awards for his performance as Rie Miyazawa’s (52) affair partner in the 2014 film Pale Moon. He has since become one of the most talented actors of his generation. In next year’s NHK Taiga drama Toyotomi Brothers!, he has been chosen to play Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

He appeared to be heading to a filming location that day as well.

On another morning around 11 a.m., a woman with freshly cut, perfectly straight bangs stepped out of the same building—actress Yûmi Kawai (24). In March of this year, she won the Best Actress Award at the 48th Japan Academy Awards at just 24 years old. She is in high demand for commercials and is arguably the most sought-after young actress today. Currently, she is appearing in the stage production Don’t Look for Me, which began in October, touring from Tokyo to Osaka, Toyama, Aichi, and beyond. That day as well, she loaded a heavy suitcase into a taxi and headed for the next day’s performance venue.

The two met when they co-starred in the 2022 film Just Remembering. When their relationship was revealed in April 2023, reports claimed that Ikematsu had told friends he planned to tie the knot within the year. Two and a half years have passed since then. The industry’s busiest couple, rumored to be on the verge of marriage, have been steadily nurturing their love under the same roof.

When “FRIDAY” contacted Ikematsu as he was heading to work, he responded while walking. What were the honest, sincere words that Ikematsu shared—?

The December 12 issue of “FRIDAY” (on sale November 27) and the paid FRIDAY GOLD edition include a full detailed report of Ikematsu’s comments when approached.

For more details and multiple photos, click below ↓

From the December 12, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”