Following New Year’s Day celebrity couples has become an annual tradition among Asian netizens every January 1. While Korean showbiz remained unusually quiet this year with Dispatch making no headline-grabbing revelations Japanese entertainment took center stage with unexpected excitement. On the first day of the year alone, two of AKB48’s most well-known former members announced marriage-related news: long-time AKB48 pillar Kashiwagi Yuki (born 1991) and former ace and youngest center in AKB48 history, Matsui Jurina (born 1997).

According to Nikkan Sports, Kashiwagi Yuki is currently dating comedian Suga-chan Saiko No.1, with the couple reportedly planning to marry within the year. Both were born in 1991. The two were spotted attending a party together in August 2024 and later returning to Kashiwagi’s home. In a subsequent interview, Suga-chan did not deny the relationship, openly stating, “We are dating, and I truly love her.”

Kashiwagi Yuki spent more than 17 years as part of AKB48 before officially graduating in April 2024. At the time, she explained her decision by sharing her thoughts about entering a new phase of life, saying that remaining in the group would make it difficult to even begin considering marriage or having children. After nearly two decades devoted to idol life, Kashiwagi appears ready to focus on building a happy family alongside her continued solo career.

Meanwhile, Matsui Jurina announced that she plans to legally register her marriage to BOYS AND MEN member Tatsunori Tsujimoto, who is six years older than her, later this month. The couple is expected to officially share their marriage news at a press conference scheduled for next week.

Sources say Matsui Jurina and Tsujimoto Tatsunori first briefly crossed paths in 2014. Several years later, they reconnected through a mutual acquaintance. Their relationship reportedly deepened significantly in 2022 after Tsujimoto joined Matsui and friends on a camping trip. From there, the two quickly grew closer and developed a romantic relationship. After three years of dating, they decided to marry, choosing to announce the news directly through a press conference rather than via social media, as both wished to personally convey their feelings.

AKB48, founded in 2005 in Akihabara, Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most iconic idol groups, built on the unique concept of “idols you can meet.” Produced by Yasushi Akimoto, the group operates its own theater for daily performances, allowing fans unparalleled access to members. Over the years, AKB48 became a social phenomenon, selling millions of records, breaking sales records in Japan, and expanding into a large franchise with sister groups such as SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, and overseas counterparts.

Among its standout members, Kashiwagi Yuki affectionately known as Yukirin joined AKB48 as part of the third generation in 2006 and later served as captain of Team B. She is renowned for her sweet image, strong vocals, and record-setting number of senbatsu appearances. After graduating in 2024, she has continued her career as a solo artist and performer.

Matsui Jurina, born on March 8, 1997, debuted as a first-generation member of SKE48 in Nagoya and concurrently held positions in AKB48. As SKE48’s undisputed ace, she made history by becoming center of Oogoe Diamond at just 11 years old. Her career peaked with a first-place win at the 2018 World General Election, cementing her status as a symbol of strength within the AKB48 system. She graduated in 2021 and has since pursued acting, television appearances, and personal projects.

With two major pieces of happy news arriving on New Year’s Day, fans are celebrating alongside these former idols as they step confidently into a new stage of life beyond AKB48.

Sources: K14