<figure id="attachment_477128" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-477128" style="width: 2391px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="#" data-ident_hash="acee4c78"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/fridaydigital/image/private/t_article_image/wpmedia/2026/08/f14700c7214913ecbfea74dbb10cd4ef.jpg" alt=""></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-477128" class="wp-caption-text">The two stayed at a ryokan famous for its private open-air baths. A few days later, Ikee posted a photo of herself in her bathrobe on social media. It seems she thoroughly enjoyed their hot spring date.</figcaption></figure>
<p><span class="strongInContent"> 〈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!　</span><span class="strongInContent"> 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*〉</span></p>
<h3> The Heroine of the Swimming World Is Dating a Senior Medalist [March 6 Issue]</h3>
<p> 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.</p>
<div data-friday-ad-slot="AD_inArticle"></div>
<p><span class="strongInContent"> “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.</span></p>
<p><span class="strongInContent"> 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.</span></p>
<p> 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.</p>
<p><span class="strongInContent"> “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.</span></p>
<p> In pursuit of her long-cherished dream of a gold medal, the “Child of the Water” continues to swim alongside her beloved partner.</p>
<p> From the August 21 &amp; 28, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*</p>
<div data-friday-ad-slot="AD_inArticle"></div>


 Hide Nishihara

 A special feature looking back at the romance reported by FRIDAY in the first half of 2026. In early February, Rikako Ikee and Kosuke Hagino enjoyed a hot spring date at a luxury ryokan in Hakone. It is believed their 10-year friendship has developed into a romantic relationship.

[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

[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

Access Ranking