Romance Rumors Swirl Around Japanese Idol After Secret Meet-Up With Actor 4 Years Younger

(Tokyo, 29th) Japanese media have reported a romance rumor involving Maika Sasaki, 25, a popular member of idol group =LOVE, and actor Wataru Hyuga, 4 years her junior, who rose to fame through the Kamen Rider Revice series. The report surfaced early on the 29th, claiming the pair were photographed meeting privately at Sasaki’s residence, sparking widespread discussion among fans.

According to the report, Hyuga was seen riding a bicycle to an upscale residential area in Tokyo on the evening of December 7. After parking in a residents-only area, he allegedly used a key to enter the building, with Sasaki said to have been waiting at home—suggesting frequent contact. A person familiar with both said they are not living together, but Hyuga reportedly rented a place near Sasaki’s home and visits often, which is why he is said to have a spare key to her residence.

The report also claimed the two met through mutual friends about a year ago and began dating discreetly around six months ago. Hyuga has reportedly cut back on going out drinking with peers and instead visits Sasaki more frequently. When asked, both agencies gave the same response: “Private matters are left to the individuals.”

Fan reactions have been mixed, with some doubting the claims due to what they see as limited evidence, while others expressed shock and frustration online over the paparazzi attention.