Behind the “Tense Atmosphere” Surrounding Reports of a Romance Between Erika Sawajiri and A.B.C-Z’s Ryosuke Hashimoto: The Lingering “WEST. Scandal”

It all started when they co-starred in a stage play

reports have surfaced of a romance between actress Erika Sawajiri (40) and Ryosuke Hashimoto (33) of the popular group “A.B.C-Z.” This was reported by “NEWS Post Seven” and other outlets in an article published on September 9.

In early September, the two reportedly met at a high-end Italian restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo, and enjoyed a relaxed meal together. After paying the bill, a hired car pulled up in front of the restaurant, and the two got in. At that moment, Hashimoto was seen putting his arm around Sawajiri’s waist to escort her.

The pair then reportedly went to a bar popular with celebrities, where they drank heavily—including tequila—and stayed out until the early morning. When asked for comment, both agencies replied

“Since this is a private matter…”

.

According to the article, the two hit it off while co-starring in the play *Pygmalion*, in which Sawajiri played the lead, from January to March. It was Hashimoto who took the initiative, and according to a statement from an entertainment industry insider, he told those around him

“My girlfriend is Erika Sawajiri. Can you believe it?”

to those around him, according to an entertainment industry source.

A sports newspaper entertainment reporter

“Since it’s Ms. Sawajiri, it’s not particularly surprising that she has a new boyfriend… Rather, my first impression was, ‘She really is popular,’ given that her partner is a popular idol seven years her junior. I don’t think it will damage her image at all,”

said a reporter.

However, those close to the couple are on edge over these reports. Morning sports newspapers and TV stations have all refrained from following up on the story. Why are they so sensitive about this?

“Well, Mr. Hashimoto is signed to STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, after all. They probably don’t want to make a big deal out of it,”

said a source involved with a news program in an interview with this website.

A film co-starring Ryuhei Maruyama is set to be released

STARTO’s predecessor—needless to say—is Johnny’s, which wields significant influence in the media and entertainment industries. Even now as STARTO, the company represents popular groups such as Snow Man, SixTONES, and timelesz, and their dramas air on TV every season.

“From STARTO’s perspective, reports of a romantic relationship are certainly not welcome, and given that the other party is none other than Ms. Sawajiri, they seem to be on high alert. Idols exist because of their fans. They must be hoping that this news will serve as an opportunity for him to take a step back and think things through calmly,” said a source from an information program.

Furthermore, the agency recently announced simultaneously that Daiki Shigeoka (34) of WEST. had married and had a child, and that Takahiro Hamada (37) had also registered his marriage.Perhaps as a result of this, the group has been rocked by turmoil, with members Ryusei Fujii (33) and Nozomu Kotaki (30) leaving the group at the end of August.

“Even though it’s a different group, we’d really prefer to avoid a romantic scandal at this timing. It just goes to show how much the ‘WEST. controversy’ is still lingering. It’s no wonder fans are asking the agency, ‘How are you managing this?’” (Source: Information program insider)

Sawajiri is scheduled to co-star with Ryuhei Maruyama (42) of “SUPER EIGHT” (affiliated with STARTO), in the film *The Chain of Roses*, set for release in December. According to Post Seven, preparations are also underway for a drama series in which she will star, focusing on the themes of investment and romance.

“In 5 , she also made her return to terrestrial TV on a variety show. This is a crucial period to see if the ‘new’ Sawajiri can get back on track,” said a TV network source.

What will become of this high-profile couple?