Japan’s entertainment world was shaken on October 22 when the weekly magazine Bunshun published a detailed report accusing volleyball star Ran Takahashi of having an affair with adult film actress Kawakita Ayaka, despite being in a long-term relationship with a well-known influencer.
According to Bunshun, Takahashi, often referred to as one of Japan’s most popular “volleyball heartthrobs,” has been dating influencer Uka since 2024. However, during their relationship, he allegedly maintained secret meetings with Kawakita Ayaka.
The report claims that on September 3, following Japan’s match against Bulgaria, Takahashi and Kawakita met secretly in Roppongi, Tokyo. The two reportedly dined in a private karaoke room before heading to a luxury hotel around midnight.
Another encounter allegedly took place on September 30, when Takahashi, after attending an event in Osaka, flew to Tokyo and spent the night with Kawakita at a high-end hotel in Shinagawa.
Bunshun’s exposé included photographic evidence, sparking outrage among fans and dominating Japanese social media trends throughout the day.
Following intense backlash, Kawakita Ayaka temporarily deactivated her social media accounts. However, on the morning of October 23, she returned to issue a public statement addressing the rumors.
“I sincerely apologize for worrying my fans over this matter. Many parts of the article are inaccurate. However, since there are photos, I understand that people may not believe any explanation I give. I am truly sorry for causing discomfort to everyone,” Ayaka wrote.
The actress expressed her determination to move forward, stating that she plans to overcome the emotional toll of the controversy and continue working diligently in her career.
On the same day, Ran Takahashi also released an apology on his social media account, expressing regret over the situation and acknowledging the disturbance caused by his private life.
“I apologize for the trouble and concern this incident has caused. From now on, I will focus on the new season and hope the public will refrain from further speculation,” Takahashi wrote.
Despite his apology, Takahashi has denied all allegations of infidelity, insisting that both women mentioned in the article are merely his friends. However, with Bunshun’s photos circulating online, many fans remain skeptical of his explanation.
The scandal has ignited heated debate in Japan’s entertainment and sports circles. Some fans expressed disappointment, while others criticized the media for invading the athletes’ privacy. Nonetheless, the controversy has dealt a significant blow to both stars’ reputations, with sponsorships and brand partnerships now under scrutiny.
As Japan’s volleyball season approaches, it remains to be seen whether Ran Takahashi can restore public trust and maintain his position as one of the nation’s most admired athletes.
Sources: Znews
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