After Dog Walks and Busy Schedules: Kento Itō and His New Actress Girlfriend

In 2024, he appeared in the NHK Taiga drama Hikaru-kun e, and in 2025, he starred in a prime-time network drama — Kentaro Ito (28). The girlfriend supporting him was a versatile artist. This is a look back based on an article published on June 3, 2025.

He takes a puff of a cigarette while watching her

A bright red hat and a glittering wallet chain. Even his rebellious outfit somehow looks photogenic. Beside this handsome man was a beautiful woman, equally dressed in a unique fashion.

On a certain evening in mid-April 2025, actor Kentaro Ito visited a steak restaurant in Setagaya, Tokyo, dressed in eye-catching clothes that could be seen from afar.

“Despite the 2020 hit-and-run scandal, Ito has continued steady activities. In April 2024, he returned to prime-time TV dramas after four years with Machinami Terasu Yatsura (NTV). In the January 2025 season, he starred in Mikoi: Kakure Bocchi-tachi (Kansai TV), and in the April 2025 season, he appeared in Kanojo ga Sore mo Ai to Yobunara (Yomiuri TV), marking a steady resurgence,” said a representative from a production company.

While Ito is dedicated to his acting career, there seems to have been a big change in his private life as well. On this day at the steak restaurant, a petite brown-haired beauty stayed close to him. Upon entering the restaurant, they chatted with staff, then enjoyed their beef together in a friendly manner.

At one point, Ito stepped outside alone to smoke, happily watching her devour her meal inside. After leaving the restaurant, the two went to Ito’s home. She did not leave even after the date changed. Two weeks later, they were spotted enjoying a walk with Ito’s dog. That day, too, they returned home together, and she did not leave the love nest even past midnight.

Who is this beauty spending private time with Ito?

“She is Rinne Yoshida (25), who works across multiple fields such as acting and music. She made her major debut in 2014, releasing five albums as a singer and rapper. As an actress, she appeared in the March 2025 drama Spice. (BS-TBS), becoming a new icon of Generation Z with strong support from young people.

The two met around autumn 2024 through mutual friends. They bonded immediately over their love for dogs, and soon began dating. Ito’s dog has also grown very fond of Yoshida, and they often take walks together,” said an acquaintance of Ito.

Honest Thoughts on Ex-Girlfriend’s Marriage

2024 was a major turning point for Ito. Maika Yamamoto (28), who had been dating him since 2019, announced her marriage to Hiro (31), the vocalist of the rock band MY FIRST STORY, in October 2024. An acquaintance revealed, “They broke up around spring 2024, and she married very quickly afterward. It was quite a shock, and he carried it with him for a while.”

Furthermore, in November 2024, Ito announced a change of agency. He moved to his current agency, run by Shun Oguri (43), whom he had admired. It was a big decision, but it seems that having a supportive girlfriend played a role behind the scenes.

“She is three years younger, but Yoshida has over 10 years of experience in the industry. More importantly, with her big-sister personality, Ito felt he could easily talk to her about various things. Being there during a turning point in his career helped deepen their relationship quickly,” the same source said.

To confirm the relationship, Ito was approached while walking his dog, and he stopped to respond to the interview.

—Are you dating Rinne Yoshida?

“We’re getting along well. But there’s the other person involved, so I can’t really say.”

—You’ve been spotted together several times.

“I hadn’t noticed at all. Could you go through my agency?”

—You also changed agencies. How do you feel about things now?

“Yes. I want to work hard from scratch!”

Saying this, Ito bowed slightly and returned to his walk.

Sandwiched Between Two Women in the January Drama

2026 looks set to be an extremely busy year for Ito, who has fully revived his acting career.

He has been announced as a main cast member in 102nd Proposal (Fuji TV, broadcast date TBD), for which filming has already begun. In the January 2026 drama Ryakudatsu Dakkon (TV Tokyo), he will play Tsukasa, the lackluster psychiatrist husband of the heroine Chiharu, portrayed by Rio Uchida (34).

“This drama is based on the manga Ryakudatsu Dakkon – Dekita Onna ga Erabareru by Mei Yamada (Bunkasha). The story begins when Emiru, played by Yurika Nakamura (28), the mistress who becomes pregnant with Tsukasa’s child, suddenly appears in front of the dejected Chiharu, who has not been blessed with children. It’s a nonstop suspense story full of jealousy, desire for approval, and the characters’ complex struggles with winning and losing,” explained a TV magazine writer.

Regarding his role, Ito wrote on the official website:

“There were many parts I couldn’t fully empathize with at first, but as I act, I want to understand why the character behaves that way and why they make certain choices. I hope to portray the subtle worries and complexes that each character carries.”

He is taking on this challenging role with determination. Additionally, starting February 2026, he will appear in the WOWOW drama Kitagawa Kenzou Suikoden, starring Yuji Oda (58). Ito plays Bushou, a man known as the “Tiger Slayer,” a subordinate who admires Song Jiang (played by Oda), a rare leader who moves people through trust, set in early 12th-century Northern Song China.

FRIDAY spoke with Ito’s neighbors:

“Up until around summer, they often walked Ito-san’s dog together. But lately, we haven’t seen his girlfriend.”

Rinne Yoshida updated her Instagram by December 14, 2025, reporting that she had turned 25 on December 11. It is unknown whether she spent the day with Ito, but she appeared happy.

By the time Ito’s work calms down, there may be some developments. Having made a comeback from scandal and overcome his breakup with his ex-girlfriend, Ito seems close to fully restoring his life with a new partner.