Jichō Kachō Star Junichi Kawamoto Finds New Love as He Makes His Comeback

A strong partner

One afternoon in early June—on a popular shopping street in Tokyo bustling with families and young people. A man wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of a navy set-up and a Los Angeles Dodgers cap immediately caught the attention of nearby residents.

“His clothes were one thing, but what surprised me most was seeing Junichi Kawamoto (51) of ‘Jicho Kacho’ walking around confidently without sunglasses or a mask. What’s more, there was a beautiful woman walking beside him. She had a slightly wild vibe that reminded me of the entertainer Sarina Suzuki (48). She was wearing an Adidas long-sleeve T-shirt, a New York Yankees cap, and black-rimmed glasses.”

Kawamoto was once a hugely successful entertainer, appearing in more than 10 regular and semi-regular programs at the height of his career, including “Ikinari! Ougon Densetsu” (TV Asahi) and “Lincoln” (TBS). However, in 2010 and 2015, he developed acute pancreatitis, which he himself attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle. He was forced to undergo strict dietary restrictions, stop drinking alcohol, and receive medical treatment. Then, in February last year, he announced a hiatus from entertainment activities due to health problems. In June of the same year, he revealed that the reason for his break was panic disorder and depression.

After a four-month suspension of activities, he returned at the end of June last year. However, this year in April, reports emerged that he had divorced his wife of more than 20 years, meaning he continued to face challenges both professionally and personally.

But now, it seems a strong partner has appeared on the road to recovery for Kawamoto, who, after separating from his family, has been focusing on new ventures such as rice farming, producing additive-free amazake, and making Japanese sweets. On this day, he and the woman spent private time together at a modest Chinese restaurant near the shopping street. The woman enjoying a daytime date with Kawamoto in public—who exactly is she?

“She is an ordinary woman, A, who lives in Tokyo. I heard that the two met after Kawamoto’s divorce, and they began dating only after waiting until things in his personal life had settled down. They spend calm days together, such as staying at her home on their days off. A seems determined to support Kawamoto both mentally and physically as he works to rebuild his life as a single man.”
—A person acquainted with Kawamoto

Around lunchtime on another day in mid-June, the two visited the same shopping street again. Kawamoto, dressed in an orange set-up, showed no concern about attracting attention and walked hand-in-hand with A to a nearby coffee shop. After spending about an hour inside, they once again disappeared into the crowd while still holding hands.

Are A and Kawamoto romantically involved? Are they considering remarriage? In response to FRIDAY’s inquiry, the public relations department of Yoshimoto Kogyo, the agency he belongs to, stated, “There are no plans for remarriage,” while acknowledging, “It is true that they are in a relationship.”

May happiness come to the new chapter of life for this entertainer who has endured many hardships.

From the July 10, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”