[A Look Back at 2026’s High-Profile Romance] Rikako Ikee and Kosuke Hagino Go on a Hot Spring Date in Hakone… Their 10-Year Friendship Evolves into a Romance

〈As a special midsummer feature, we’re revealing all the “caught in the act” moments involving major celebrities that FRIDAY has reported on during the first half of ’26!　 Let’s take a look back at the romance report on Kosuke Hagino and Rikako Ikee, as covered in the March 6, 2026, issue of *FRIDAY*〉

The Heroine of the Swimming World Is Dating a Senior Medalist [March 6 Issue]

It was early February when the two nationally beloved swimmers arrived in Hakone, which had been hit by heavy snowfall. Kosuke Hagino (31) was behind the wheel of Rikako Ikee’s (26) gleaming golden car. The “gold medal car” carrying the pair arrived at one of Hakone’s most prestigious luxury ryokans.

“Having lost the coach who had guided her for so long, Ikee returned from Australia last June. As she set out to make a fresh start, she turned to Hagino, whom she had known for 10 years through national team activities and other connections.

It seems their relationship developed into a romantic one as she consulted with Hagino, who had been single since his divorce in ’24. They reportedly spent time in Hakone that was, quite literally, ‘just the two of them.’ Perhaps because she was so happy, Ikee posted photos of the trip on Instagram,” said an acquaintance of Hagino’s.

Ikee is currently continuing her training in preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics two years from now, which she views as the culmination of her career.

“She is training hard under a renowned coach who previously mentored Ryo Tateishi (37). Since he has experience coaching the Japanese national team and has worked alongside Hagino, Hagino’s advice may have played a role in Ikee’s decision to choose him as her coach,” said a writer for a swimming magazine.

In pursuit of her long-cherished dream of a gold medal, the “Child of the Water” continues to swim alongside her beloved partner.

From the August 21 & 28, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*