Japanese actress Haruna Kawaguchi and Ko Itakura, a defender for the Japan national soccer team, have announced their marriage, according to a report from 読売新聞 (Yomiuri Shimbun) published on Sunday. The couple also revealed that Kawaguchi is currently pregnant.
In a joint statement, the pair expressed their desire to build a warm and happy household, saying they hope to create a family filled with smiles, as reported by Yomiuri Shimbun. The announcement was also shared through Kawaguchi's official Instagram account, according to additional coverage from 佐賀新聞 (Saga Shimbun) and other outlets.
The news has drawn reactions from Itakura's teammates on the national squad. Fellow player Ritsu Doan offered a playful congratulatory message, noting that he is ahead of Itakura in the ranks of being a husband and father, as detailed in a report from Yahoo! News. Another teammate, Yukinari Sugihara, expressed lighthearted sadness about the news, with the same report noting his joking comment about feeling lonely.
Kawaguchi is a well-known figure in Japanese entertainment, with a career spanning television dramas and films. Itakura has been a regular presence in the Japan national team setup and currently plays his club soccer in Germany's Bundesliga, though the specific club was not mentioned in the available reporting.
The couple's announcement marks a notable moment for both the entertainment and sports worlds in Japan, bringing together two prominent public figures. Fans of both Kawaguchi and Itakura have taken to social media to offer their congratulations, according to the reports.
As the couple prepares for the arrival of their child, attention will likely turn to how Itakura balances his professional commitments with his growing family responsibilities.
