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| (Josei Seven) |
Is That Really Mayuyu?! 2.5D Star Ota Motohiro (38) Reportedly Living With Retired Top Idol – Fans Suspect It's Former AKB48 Watanabe Mayu!
Well, looks like one of the kings of the 2.5D stage world might be off the market – and not just for a casual fling.
Reports are buzzing that actor Ota Motohiro (38), best known for his roles in Tenimyu, Touken Ranbu and Yowamushi Pedal, is in a full-on serious live-in relationship with a certain mysterious former top idol, according to Josei Seven.
The mystery lady?
None other than the long-vanished national treasure, A-ko – heavily rumoured (and we mean heavily) to be ex-AKB48 ace Watanabe Mayu, aka Mayuyu.
According to sources, the pair met during a stage play (fans are pointing to Amélie), where their chemistry was reportedly undeniable.
まゆちゃんアメリと。
— 太田基裕 motohiro ota (@motohiro0119) June 10, 2018
ありがとう！
ひたむきな真面目な姿にずっとパワーもらってました。
楽しかった。
本当に、感謝！ pic.twitter.com/kaZNfXf3cp
Sparks may not have flown then, but now?
They're allegedly shacked up in a quiet luxury apartment in Tokyo, sharing their home with a small dog – which A-ko is often seen taking care of solo.
Subtle? Very.
Suspiciously pro-level idol behaviour? Absolutely.
Not Seen, But Very Much Around – The Return(?) of Mayuyu?
A-ko, said to be in her 30s, has been living a super private life since her retirement from showbiz.
No media, no socials, no flashy sightings – just complete radio silence.
It's no wonder fans have been worried, wondering if she’s okay… and now, quietly relieved.
One fan put it bluntly: “Just from the ear shape, it’s almost definitely Mayuyu. I’m just glad to know she’s alive and well.” Another said, “Blonde Mayuyu?! Never thought I’d hear those words. Now I’m curious what that looks like…”
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| (Josei Seven) |
Apparently, this A-ko has been seen wearing all black, full disguise mode – cap, mask, coat – while carrying a tiny dog in a carrier.
No Insta hints, no suggestive poses.
Just helping out behind the scenes, quietly.
That’s very her, if you ask fans who remember how famously guarded Mayuyu was.
A Love Hidden in Plain Sight?
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| Josei Seven |
Multiple sightings have picked up on the couple’s “stealth strolls” – walking just far enough apart to not raise eyebrows but moving in sync like a dance only they know.
They’ve even been spotted heading into the same convenience store, casually maintaining a “we’re just strangers” vibe.
Still, insiders say the romance seems genuine, not a fling.
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Someone close to the couple said:
"They clicked through work – they both take acting seriously and respected each other as professionals first. If anything started, it was likely after the play was over."
They’re apparently living together, and even their dog-walking routines are impressively lowkey.
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Like, next-level idol ninja mode.
Both of them have kept clean romantic records until now – not a single tabloid splash or rumour before this.
Agency Says: “No Comment” – But the Silence Is Telling
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When reached for comment, Ota’s agency replied with the usual “we leave private matters to the individual” line, which… doesn’t deny anything, does it?
So, if this is Mayuyu – one of the most iconic idols of her era – we’re looking at a fairytale that’s been hidden in plain sight for years.
Fans seem more relieved than anything, with many expressing joy at seeing her happy and healthy, even if from a distance.
Let’s be honest – we all kinda needed to hear that Mayuyu is doing okay. Blonde or not, she’s still a legend.
And if she’s quietly living her best life with Ota Motohiro and their dog? More power to her.