[Full Article] A Wild New Girlfriend Supporting His Comeback! “Deputy Chief and Section Chief” Junichi Kawamoto: “Hand-in-Hand Date in the Shopping District”—Photos of Their Romance

A Strong Partner

One afternoon in early June—a popular shopping district in Tokyo bustling with families and young people. Local residents were instantly captivated by a man sporting a distinctive outfit: a navy suit paired with a Los Angeles Dodgers cap.

“Aside from his outfit, what surprised me most was seeing Junichi Kawamoto (51) of ‘Jichō Kachō’ walking around so confidently without sunglasses or a mask. What’s more, there was a beautiful woman right beside him.She had a slightly wild vibe that reminded me of TV personality Sarina Suzuki (48). She was wearing a long-sleeved Adidas T-shirt, a New York Yankees cap, and black-rimmed glasses.”

At the height of his career, Kawamoto was a top-tier star with over 10 regular and semi-regular shows, including *Ikinari! Golden Legend* (TV Asahi) and *Lincoln* (TBS). However, in 2010 and 2015, he developed acute pancreatitis—which he attributed to his own unhealthy lifestyle.Forced to adhere to strict dietary restrictions, abstain from alcohol, and undergo regular medical treatment, he announced in February of last year that he would be taking a break due to poor health. In June of the same year, he revealed that the reasons for his hiatus were panic disorder and depression.

After a four-month hiatus, he made his comeback at the end of June last year. However, trials continued in both his personal and professional life, including reports in April of this year that he had divorced his wife of over 20 years.

Nevertheless, as he focused on new ventures—such as rice farming, making additive-free amazake, and crafting traditional Japanese sweets—while separated from his family, a strong partner seems to have appeared on his road to recovery. On this day, the woman and Kawamoto spent some private time together at a down-to-earth Chinese restaurant near the shopping district.Here she is, enjoying a date with Kawamoto in broad daylight. Who is she?

“She is Ms. A, an ordinary woman living in Tokyo. I’ve heard the two met after Kawamoto’s divorce and began dating once his personal life had settled down.On his days off, they spend quiet, peaceful days together at her home. It seems Ms. A is determined to support Mr. Kawamoto—who is trying to make a fresh start as a single man—both physically and emotionally,” said an acquaintance of Kawamoto’s.

One day around mid-June, around lunchtime, the two were spotted visiting this shopping district. Dressed in an orange outfit, Kawamoto showed no concern for onlookers as he and A-ko, holding hands affectionately, headed to a nearby coffee shop. After spending about an hour inside, they disappeared into the crowd, still holding hands.

Are A-ko and Kawamoto in a romantic relationship? Is remarriage on the horizon? In response to an inquiry from FRIDAY, the public relations department at Yoshimoto Kogyo—Kawamoto’s agency—stated, “There are no plans [for remarriage],” but acknowledged their relationship by adding, “It is true that they are dating.”

May happiness find this man, who has overcome so many hardships, in his new life!

From the July 10, 2026 issue of *FRIDAY*