At the peak of his career, Ran Takahashi, the “heartthrob” of Japan’s national men’s volleyball team, has found himself at the center of a media storm following a shocking expose published by Bunshun Online .
According to the report, the 24-year-old athlete was caught spending the night with two different women on consecutive days one of them being the well-known adult film actress Saika Kawakita, currently Japan’s top-selling Blu-ray performer.
Scandal in Japan’s volleyball world: Saika Kawakita (left), player Ran Takahashi (center), and model Uka (right)
Two Nights, Two Women
On the evening of September 3, after Japan’s friendly match against Bulgaria at Ariake Arena, Takahashi was photographed taking a taxi to Tokyo’s Roppongi district an area famous for its luxury bars, karaoke lounges, and high-end hotels.
Soon after, 26-year-old Saika Kawakita, known for her innocent looks despite being one of Japan’s most prominent adult film stars (JAV), appeared. The two reportedly spent the night together at a luxury international hotel in Tokyo, leaving only the following morning.
Just twelve days after returning from the World Championship in the Philippines, Takahashi was seen checking into the same hotel again and meeting Kawakita for a second time. She was spotted leaving early the next morning with a bare face, while Takahashi appeared cheerful and relaxed.
However, the real shock came the very next night, when Takahashi returned to the same hotel this time accompanied by Uka, a model believed to be his official girlfriend.
Evidence released by Japanese media outlets further fueled the controversy.
Uka, the Official Girlfriend
Uka, 26, is a model and social media influencer with over 150,000 Instagram followers, frequently featured in beauty and bikini photo shoots. According to volleyball insiders, Uka and Takahashi have been dating since last year and have maintained their relationship despite living apart.
A close source revealed: “Everyone in the volleyball world knows Ran is dating Uka. But he’s also known for being friendly with many women in the entertainment industry especially adult film actresses.”
Takahashi Speaks: “We’re Just Friends”
As public criticism escalated, Takahashi eventually broke his silence. When questioned by Bunshun reporters about the allegations, he replied briefly:
“Yes, I met Kawakita and Uka. But we’re just friends. Nothing more.”
His response immediately ignited social media backlash. Many fans expressed disappointment, claiming the image of the “volleyball prince” or the “good boy of volleyball” had crumbled.
One viral comment mockingly read: “Two spikes in two nights national team form, on and off the court.”
Meanwhile, the management agencies of Takahashi, Kawakita, and Uka all issued similar statements: “We allow individuals to handle their private matters personally.”
A National Star and a Scandal
Born in 2001 and standing 1.88 meters tall, Ran Takahashi is one of Japan’s top outside hitters and was named “Best Outside Spiker” at the 2025 AVC Champions League. With over 2.7 million Instagram followers, he represents Japan’s new volleyball generation talented, handsome, and charismatic.
However, this scandal could severely damage his image as Japan’s “national heartthrob.”
A sports media analyst commented:
Takahashi is a symbol of Japanese volleyball. In a sport rarely marred by controversy, a major star being linked to a JAV actress is unprecedented. Regardless of the truth, his public image has already taken a major hit.
As Bunshun continues releasing new photos and witness accounts, the controversy shows no signs of slowing down. Though Takahashi insists “we’re just friends,” the Japanese public appears far from convinced.
Sources: 24h
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