After a relationship spanning five and a half years… TV Asahi Announcer Tsumugi Mitani Spotted on a “Steamy” Date at an Izakaya with Her Boyfriend, With Whom She’s Essentially Living Together

Sake to go with the World Cup, perhaps?

The CONCACAF World Cup came to a close with Spain’s victory. As the high-level matches featuring superstar players set all of Japan ablaze with excitement, TV Asahi announcer Tsumugi Mitani (32)—known as the biggest soccer fan among female TV announcers—was also enjoying some “sizzling” days.

One night in mid-June, Mitani was spotted in front of an izakaya in Tokyo renowned for its delicious sake. Standing close beside her was a tall, handsome man who resembled actor Shota Someya.

“He is a man known as ‘Mr. A,’ and he is Mitani’s boyfriend. The two have been dating for five and a half years. Mitani’s beloved teacup poodle is completely attached to him, and on days when her recordings run late into the night, Mr. A sometimes takes the dog for a walk. She has already introduced him to her parents, and the two appear to be living together.”

“I hear Mitani started drinking sake after turning 30 and has become completely hooked. Mr. A also seems to enjoy drinking, and the two of them appear to be going on izakaya crawls together,” said a TV Asahi employee.

In fact, Ms. A is the office worker of the same age group whom this magazine reported on in its June 25, 2021, issue for their “hand-holding & car-kissing date.”

They likely savored sake to their hearts’ content that day as well. The drinking party kicked off at 7:00 p.m., but the final whistle didn’t blow until after 11:00 p.m. Since this was right after the Japanese national team snatched a point from the Netherlands in their first group stage match, the conversation about the World Cup must have really taken off.

After a long date lasting well over four hours—including stoppage time—the couple left the bar… not the soccer field… and headed home.On the way home, Mr. A held Mitani’s hand firmly. Even after many years together, he never forgets the chivalrous gestures a gentleman should offer—this diligence in “thoroughly attending to the little things” is surely the secret to their harmonious relationship.

The day when we’ll hear such good news that we can’t help but shout “Mamma Mia!” may not be far off—perhaps.

The “FRIDAY August 7 & 14 Combined Issue,” on sale July 24, and the paid version “FRIDAY GOLD” feature numerous photos documenting the couple’s smooth-sailing relationship, including their “8-Hour Italian Date” that took place on a different day.

Click here to see the full details and more photos↓

From the August 7 & 14, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*