[2026 Romance Roundup] The Story Behind Junichi Kawamoto’s New Partnership With Kiho Isobe
First Half of 2026: A Comprehensive Look Back at Romance Stories PART 2—Exposing All the “Super Steamy Date Spots”!
〈As a special midsummer feature, “FRIDAY” is revealing all at once the romantic encounters of major celebrities that it reported during the first half of 2026!
〈We look back at the romantic relationship between Junichi Kawamoto (51) of the comedy duo “Jicho-Kacho” and multi-talented entertainer Kiho Isobe (34), which was reported in the July 10, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY.”〉
Holding hands affectionately on a date at a shopping street
In early June, “FRIDAY” reported on a couple enjoying a date at a shopping street in Tokyo’s downtown area, both dressed in distinctive outfits. Wearing a navy matching set with an artistic pattern was Junichi Kawamoto (51) of the comedy duo “Jicho-Kacho.” Right beside him was his partner, dressed in an oversized Adidas long-sleeve T-shirt and walking closely alongside him. She was multi-talented entertainer Kiho Isobe (34).
The two, enjoying their stroll around town, chose a Chinese restaurant serving authentic cuisine for lunch. Perhaps they enjoyed a bowl of tanmen together, as they spent about 30 minutes savoring some genuine Chinese food. Afterward, they resumed their walk through the shopping street before entering a nearby apartment building.
“The two first appeared together in 2020 on ‘Jikkuri Kiitarou ~Star Recent Updates (Secret) Report~’ (TV Tokyo). They reunited at a drinking party hosted by a mutual acquaintance late last year and hit it off. Apparently, their relationship developed into a romantic one this spring” (source from the entertainment industry).
Last June, Kawamoto revealed that he had been suffering from panic disorder and depression. In April this year, it was reported that he had divorced his wife of many years. As he enters a turning point in his life, Isobe’s presence must surely be a major source of support for him.
“After the report came out, rather than trying to hide it, Isobe was actually delighted, saying, ‘I got FRIDAY-ed!’ The two had originally been openly dating without hiding their relationship from those around them. Their relationship still seems to be going smoothly” (same source).
The 16-year-age-gap dynamic duo are enjoying their romance openly and without hesitation.
From the September 4, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”
PHOTO： Takahiro Kagawa