[Full Article] Exclusive! Saeko & ONE OK ROCK’s Ryota: “Hand-in-Hand ♡♡ Trip to South Korea” Caught on Camera!

Always sticking close together…♡

The way she gazed up at him—who is 17 cm taller—spoke volumes about their relationship, saying more than any words ever could.

It was a clear, sunny autumn Saturday in early October—the first in a while with gentle sunshine. The international departure lobby at Haneda Airport (Ota Ward, Tokyo) had been crowded since early morning with large groups of Japanese travelers and foreign tourists. Around 10:00 a.m., a couple that stood out even in that crowd made their way toward the check-in counter.Appearing in a white T-shirt and jeans, with a yellow sweater draped over her shoulders that evoked the feeling of fall, was TV personality Saeko (39). Though she sported a casual look with her hair loosely tied back and glasses on, she exuded an aura distinct from that of the average person.

“Saeko, who began her entertainment career in 2001, has been active 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 City, Tochigi Prefecture, caring for rescued horses, dogs, and cats. Furthermore, following the Kumamoto earthquake in July, she personally visited the disaster area to distribute relief funds and supplies, continuing her energetic efforts,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

Although she is usually passionate about her work and volunteer activities and brimming with vitality, she seemed a little different that day. She was casting a passionate gaze at a rugged man standing before her who was half a head taller than she was.They gazed into each other’s eyes, peered at a cell phone screen together and laughed, and Saeko even tucked his bangs behind his ears—all signs of a remarkably close bond.

This man is Ryota (37), the bassist for the globally popular rock band “ONE OK ROCK.” It appears he was on his way to South Korea to participate in a joint Japan-South Korea music festival scheduled for the following day.

“ONE OK ROCK, formed in 2005, 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’s not just a bassist—he’s also a photographer, and was even credited as a photographer and creative director on the band’s album ‘DETOX,’ released last year. Furthermore, his talents span a wide range; for example, he produced a project fusing music and gaming for the popular online game ‘Fortnite,’ which was released in July,” said a source from a music magazine.

Saeko and Ryota met up with several associates who had arrived at the check-in counter ahead of them, and remained in close proximity throughout the check-in process. Even as they chatted, Ryota’s left arm was firmly wrapped around her waist. A closer look revealed that the undershirt he was wearing featured a yellow stripe—a color that matched her sweater.After finishing their check-in a short while later, the two walked into the departure gate hand in hand, completely unconcerned about being seen by others.

“Foal” Plays Cupid

Saeko is best known for marrying professional baseball player Yu Darvish (40) in 2007 and having two children with him.Even after her divorce in 2012, she publicly announced her relationship with businessman Yusaku Maezawa (50) in 2015. In 2021, *Weekly Josei* reported on her passionate romance with a younger artist, marking yet another chapter in her eventful life.

As for Ryota, he married Michelle, the younger sister of Canadian singer Avril Lavigne (42), in 2017, but announced their divorce last September. A source close to the couple had this to say:

“Saeko and Ryota had known each other for some time, as they both attended Horikoshi High School in Tokyo. I heard that they gradually grew closer after a chance reunion earlier this year at a restaurant owned by a mutual acquaintance.

At the time, Saeko had just rescued a foal and its mother that had been abused at a ranch in Hokkaido, and since he also works as a photographer, he actually particularly enjoys taking pictures of horses.He told her, ‘I’m going to the ranch soon to take pictures of the horses!’ and actually visited, and as they spent more time together, their relationship reportedly developed into a romance around early summer this year. When they’re in Tokyo, they visit each other’s homes and are steadily nurturing their love.

“I think Saeko has a strong image as a woman who’s been in many relationships, but lately she’s been so busy with work and her multi-location lifestyle that she was even grumbling, ‘Maybe I can’t fall in love anymore…’ But she seems to have been moved by the way he cares for the ranch and the rescued animals that are so important to her,”

However, another source familiar with the situation expressed mixed feelings.

“Just like at this Japan-Korea festival, ever since they started dating, Saeko has been accompanying him on his nationwide tours to places like Aichi and Fukuoka. It’s great that they walk around holding hands openly at tour stops and don’t seem to be hiding anything, but as a result, she’s increasingly leaving the work on-site to others…”

A Serious Relationship with Marriage in Mind

Around 6:00 p.m., a few days after the opening scene in the international departure lounge at Haneda Airport, the two appeared together again—this time at the arrivals gate. Saeko was wearing a black skirt, and the red sweater draped over her shoulder—a pop of color—made a striking impression.Walking side by side with Ryota, who was close by her side, and pulling their respective suitcases, they looked a little tired. After leaving the arrivals area, the couple stopped at a café inside the airport, where Saeko bought two drinks and handed one to him. As they made their way to the parking lot, quenching their thirst, a FRIDAY reporter approached them.

“This is FRIDAY. We saw you looking so close—you two are really lovey-dovey!”

Saeko: “We get along well.”

Her clear, high-pitched voice rang out as they walked briskly.

――Are you living together?

Saeko: “No, we’re not living together.”

Ryota: “Not yet.”

In a sudden shift from her cute tone of voice, Ryota interjected in a laid-back Kansai dialect, as if to protect Saeko, who had a troubled look on her face.

—Do you live separately?

Ryota: “That’s right, for now. Yes.”

—“For now”? So, what about later? Is it about to happen?

Ryota: “Well… H-hehehe.”

Perhaps amused by the reporter’s rapid-fire questions, Ryota burst out laughing as he got into the limousine. Saeko, sitting next to him, watched him with a warm smile.

――You two looked so perfect together that I just had to ask.

Ryota: “I’m not saying any more~ (laughs)”

――Not married yet?

Ryota: “Hahaha. Not yet, I guess. Not right now, anyway.”

Perhaps anticipating that he’d be asked this someday, Ryota answered with a beaming smile from start to finish, seeming delighted even by the direct questions. Once the reporter finished asking questions, the waiting limousine quietly drove away. Until the very moment the doors closed, happiness radiated from both of their faces.

When we inquired about their relationship with both of their agencies, we received the following response from “Think FUTURE Co., Ltd.,” where Saeko serves as CEO.

“They are not living together, but they are dating with marriage in mind.”

After a long time since high school, the two crossed paths again as adults. We wish them all the best!

Saeko & ONE OK ROCK’s Ryota: A Couple’s Photo That Shows Just How Much They Love Each Other

From the October 23 & 30, 2026, combined issue of *FRIDAY*