[Full Article Published] Photos of Sara Minami and Younger Artist Daisuke Fujiwara on a “Hand-in-Hand Date at a New Landmark”
A talented young actress in high demand for TV dramas and movies is seen with her arm around his waist at a new hotspot in Takanawa…
They hit it off over a shared interest
Built just last year in Takanawa, Tokyo, under the theme of “Creating a Spiritually Rich Future 100 Years from Now,” this new landmark was bustling with young people and families despite it being a weekday. Amid the hustle and bustle, a couple was inside a massive cosmetics store carrying some 450 brands, including Dior and Yves Saint Laurent.
A beautiful woman was intently examining body creams and perfumes, while a handsome man casually had his arm around her waist, escorting her—the scene was so natural that no one around them even noticed they were on a date. Who would have guessed that this beautiful woman was none other than Sara Minami (24), a popular actress in high demand for TV dramas and movies!
Minami began her entertainment career in 2014 as an exclusive model for the fashion magazine *nicolà*. In 2017, she made her acting debut in the film *Born as a Child*.
“The very next year, in 2018, Minami suddenly landed her first leading role in the film *Shino-chan Can’t Say Her Own Name*. She brilliantly portrayed the challenging role of a high school girl with a stutter in that film, winning the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Newcomer and the Japan Film Critics Award for Best New Actress.She established her status as a talented young actress,” said a sports newspaper entertainment reporter.
Since then, she has appeared in one hit production after another, including the 2021 TBS Sunday Theater series *Dragon Zakura* and the NHK Taiga drama *Kamakuradono no 13-nin*.Riding a wave of unstoppable momentum, Minami has even come to be dubbed the “second Gakki,” a reference to her agency senior, Yui Aragaki (38).
After leaving the cosmetics store, they headed next to a general merchandise store that carries apparel made from recycled materials and organic skincare products.
“It was striking to see a man picking up clothes and saying to Minami, ‘I’d like you to wear something like this.’ They were holding hands affectionately—it was a heartwarming sight. After browsing the store for a while, the two disappeared onto another floor lined with clothing stores,” said a customer who was present.
Who exactly is this incredibly enviable man enjoying a broad-daylight, hand-in-hand date with the currently popular Minami?!
“It’s Daisuke Fujiwara (Taiju), 22, who works as an artist and actor.He made his television drama debut in 2020 with *Waste of a High School Girl* (TV Asahi). Since then, while continuing to appear in stage plays and movies, he made his major-label debut as a singer-songwriter under the name “TiU” in 2023. In May 2024, he changed his stage name to his real name and continues his artistic career to this day.
“It seems he met Minami through a mutual acquaintance. I’ve heard they hit it off because they share common interests, such as watching movies and going for walks, and that’s how they started dating,” said an acquaintance of Fujiwara.
Are the two dating? When asked by FRIDAY, Minami’s agency replied, “We cannot comment on matters regarding his private life.”
On the other hand, Fujiwara’s agency did not deny the relationship, stating, “We leave personal matters up to the individual.”
Minami’s life is going smoothly both professionally and personally. Inspired by her artistic boyfriend—who is two years her junior—she is likely to rise to even greater heights as an actress.
From the August 21 & 28, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*