Sosuke Ikematsu and Yumi Kawai’s Cohabitation Shows Their Growing Love After 2.5 Years Together

Under the same roof

It seems the two have grown even closer——.

Just after 9:30 a.m. in late November, actor Sosuke Ikematsu (35) appeared from a luxury designer apartment in Tokyo, dressed head-to-toe in black. He made his film debut in the 2003 Hollywood movie The Last Samurai, and in 2014, he flawlessly portrayed Rie Miyazawa’s (52) lover in the film Paper Moon, earning the New Actor Award at the 38th Japan Academy Prize. He has been cast as Toyotomi Hideyoshi in next year’s NHK Taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!”, establishing himself as one of the top actors of his generation. On this day, he was apparently heading to a location shoot.

Then, around 11 a.m. on another day, a young woman appeared from the same apartment, her straight-cut bangs freshly trimmed and charming. She was actress Yumi Kawai (24). In March of this year, she won the Best Actress Award at the 48th Japan Academy Prize at just 24 years old. She is in high demand for commercials and can easily be called one of the most sought-after young actors today. Currently, she is performing in the stage play “Don’t Look for Me”, which began in October and is touring Tokyo, Osaka, Toyama, Aichi, and more. On this day, she carried a heavy suitcase and got into a taxi to head to the next day’s performance venue.

The two met while co-starring in the 2022 film “Just Remembered a Little”. When their relationship was revealed in April 2023, reports suggested Ikematsu told friends they planned to marry within the year. Two and a half years later, the busiest couple in the industry has been steadily nurturing their love under the same roof.

Ikematsu’s Sincere Thoughts Shared with FRIDAY

When FRIDAY approached Ikematsu for an interview on his way to work, he spoke with them while walking.

—We’ve seen both of you coming and going from the same apartment. Are you living together with Kawai?

“I can’t answer that. Please check with her agency.”

—So your relationship is going well?

“Yes, that’s correct.”

—Do you have plans to get married?

“That’s also a personal matter, so I can’t answer that on my own sorry.”

—Kawai has been very active recently, and there have been articles suggesting her agency wants people to wait regarding marriage.

“I think that was written on their own or rather, it’s just speculation.”

—Are you currently filming the Taiga drama?

“Yes. The broadcast is approaching, but filming will continue for another year. We want to work together and give it our best.”

While carefully choosing his words, Ikematsu did not deny living with Kawai. Meanwhile, FRIDAY sent questions to Kawai’s agency, but no response was received by the deadline.

This talented young actor couple is steadily advancing both professionally and personally.

From the December 12, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”