[2026 Romance Roundup] Junichi Kawamoto of Jichō Kachō & Multi-Talented Entertainer Kihō Isobe: A New “Partner” 16 Years His Junior
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, we’re revealing all the ‘romantic encounters’ involving major celebrities that FRIDAY has reported on during the first half of ’26!
From the July 10, 2026 issue of *FRIDAY* , let’s take a look back at the romance report featuring Junichi Kawamoto (51) of the comedy duo Jichō Kachō and multi-talented entertainer Kihō Isobe (34).〉
A cozy date holding hands in a shopping district
In early June, FRIDAY reported on a couple dressed in unique outfits on a date in a shopping district in Tokyo’s old downtown area. Wearing a navy two-piece set with an artistic pattern was Junichi Kawamoto (51) of the comedy duo “Jicho Kacho.”Right beside him, his “partner”—wearing an oversized Adidas long-sleeve T-shirt—stood close by. It was multi-talented entertainer Kiho Isobe (34).
The pair, thoroughly enjoying their stroll through the neighborhood, chose a Chinese restaurant serving authentic flavors for lunch. Perhaps they shared a bowl of tanmen together? The two spent about 30 minutes savoring the authentic Chinese cuisine. Afterward, they strolled through the shopping district once more before heading into a nearby apartment building.
“The two first appeared together in 2020 on ‘Jikkuri Kii Taro: Star Update (Secret) Report’ (TV Tokyo). They reunited at a drinking party hosted by a mutual acquaintance late last year and hit it off. It’s said their relationship developed into a romantic one this spring,” said a source at a talent agency.
Last June, Kawamoto publicly revealed that he was suffering from panic disorder and depression. In April of this year, it was reported that he had divorced his wife of many years. Amid this turning point in his life, Isobe’s presence must surely be a great source of support for him.
“After the reports came out, far from trying to hide it, Isobe was actually happy, saying, ‘I’m in *Friday*!’ To begin with, the two of them had been dating openly without hiding it from those around them. It seems their relationship is still going strong,” said the same source.
This “dynamic duo”—with a 16-year age gap—is proudly enjoying their romance.
From the September 4, 2026 issue of *FRIDAY*
PHOTO： Takahiro Kagawa