Saéko and ONE OK ROCK’s Ryota Spotted Holding Hands on a Romantic Trip to South Korea! [Scoop!]
Inseparable, Always Close Together
The way she gazed intently up at him, despite their 17-centimeter height difference, spoke volumes about their relationship—more than words ever could.
It was a Saturday in early October, and after a long spell, the autumn sky was clear, with soft sunlight shining down. The international departures lobby at Haneda Airport in Ota, Tokyo, was crowded from the morning with large groups of Japanese travelers and foreign tourists.
At around 10 a.m., a particularly eye-catching couple made their way through the crowd toward the check-in counters. The woman was TV personality Saeko, 39, dressed in a white T-shirt and jeans, with a yellow sweater draped over her shoulder to evoke the autumn season. Her hair was loosely tied back, and she wore glasses for a casual look, yet she radiated an aura that set her apart from ordinary people.
“Since beginning her entertainment career in 2001, Saeko has worked as a TV personality and model while also demonstrating her business acumen as an entrepreneur running an apparel brand and a ranch. In recent years, she has also been involved in animal rescue efforts at NASU FARM VILLAGE, which she operates in Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture, caring for rescued horses, dogs, and cats.
“She has continued her energetic activities, even traveling to the affected areas herself to deliver financial aid and relief supplies following the Kumamoto earthquake in July,” says a sports newspaper reporter.
Usually full of energy and dedicated to her work and volunteer activities, Saeko seemed different that day. She was gazing passionately at the rugged-looking man standing in front of her, who was half a head taller than she was. The two gazed into each other’s eyes, laughed together as they peered at a phone screen, and Saeko even adjusted his bangs for him. Their intimacy was unmistakable.
The man was Ryota, 37, bassist for the globally popular rock band ONE OK ROCK. They appeared to be heading to South Korea to attend a joint Japan–South Korea music festival scheduled for the following day.
“ONE OK ROCK was formed in 2005 and celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. Ryota is one of the founding members, known for his powerful bass lines and exceptional sense of groove. He is also a photographer, not just a bassist, and was credited as both photographer and creative director on the band’s album DETOX, released last year.
“His talents extend well beyond music. For the popular online game Fortnite, released in July, he also produced a project that fuses music and gaming,” says a source from a music magazine.
Saeko and Ryota met up with several associates who had already arrived at the check-in counters. Even while completing the check-in procedures, the two remained close together. As they chatted, Ryota kept his left arm firmly wrapped around her waist.
On closer inspection, the undershirt Ryota was wearing featured yellow stripes that matched the color of Saeko’s sweater. After finishing the procedures a little later, the two walked hand in hand through the departure gate without the slightest concern for the people around them.
A Foal Played Cupid
Saeko married professional baseball player Yu Darvish, 40, in 2007, and the couple had two children. Even after their divorce in 2012, her romantic life continued to make headlines. In 2015, she publicly confirmed her relationship with entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa, 50. In 2021, Shukan Josei reported that she was romantically involved with a younger artist. She has led a life full of ups and downs.
Meanwhile, Ryota married Michelle, the younger sister of Canadian singer Avril Lavigne, 42, in 2017. However, he announced their divorce in September last year. A source who knows the two well explains:
“Saeko and Ryota both attended Horikoshi High School in Tokyo, so they already knew each other. I heard that they happened to run into each other earlier this year at a business owned by a mutual acquaintance, and that was when they gradually began growing closer.
“At the time, Saeko had just rescued a foal and its mother from a ranch in Hokkaido, where they had been subjected to abuse. Ryota, who also has a career as a photographer, particularly enjoys photographing horses. Apparently, he told her, ‘I’ll come to the ranch sometime to photograph the horses!’ He then actually visited, and they continued spending time together.”
Between her work, animal rescue efforts, and volunteer activities in disaster-stricken areas, Saeko leads an extremely busy life. The foal and the man by her side had become sources of emotional support for her.
The October 9 issue of “FRIDAY,” dated October 23/30, and its paid edition, “FRIDAY GOLD,” also provide further details about Saeko’s own comments on her anxieties about romance and what she said about her future when approached directly by the magazine.
For the full story and more photos, click here↓↓
From the October 23 & 30, 2026, combined issue of “FRIDAY”