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| Former Hey! Say! JUMP's Nakajima Yuto & Araki Yuko Said to Be Dating Privately, Living Just One Floor Apart (Photo: Josei Seven) |
Former Hey! Say! JUMP member Nakajima Yuto (32) and actress Araki Yuko (32) are reportedly in a quiet relationship, according to a new report by Japanese weekly Josei Seven. While neither side has spoken publicly, sources close to both suggest the pair have been seeing each other for some time — very much away from the public eye.
The report claims the couple spent Araki Yuko’s birthday on 15 December together, choosing to celebrate privately rather than with flashy outings.
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A source familiar with Araki Yuko shared that while friends hosted a small celebration for her in advance, the birthday itself was reserved for time at home with her long-term partner.
“The birthday itself was the most important part. She spent that day at home with someone she’s been seeing for a long time,” the source said.
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Over the past few months, Araki Yuko has been busy filming her lead role in the NTV drama Good Things, Bad Things, which airs its final episode on 20 December.
Despite her packed schedule, she reportedly returned quickly to Nakajima’s place after work, hinting at a routine that prioritised privacy and normalcy over attention.
Interestingly, the two are no strangers to each other.
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They first worked together in the 2017 film Tomorrow, I Will Date with Yesterday’s You, where they played a couple. Their professional paths crossed again in the dramas SUITS (2018) and SUITS 2 (2020).
According to sources, it was around three years ago that their connection deepened significantly.
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One key factor said to have brought them closer is a shared love for photography.
Friends noticed Nakajima Yuto’s name coming up more frequently in Araki Yuko’s conversations, eventually shifting to casual nicknames — a sign the relationship had grown personal.
Despite their closeness, the pair reportedly agreed early on to avoid public dates altogether. Instead, they kept things strictly indoors, sticking to what insiders describe as an “at-home only” rule.
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That low-key approach became even more notable earlier this year.
Before summer 2025, Araki Yuko reportedly moved into the same apartment building as Nakajima, settling into a unit just one floor above his.
Sources describe the arrangement as a near co-living setup, allowing them to stay close while maintaining discretion.
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Agencies Stay Quiet, For Now
Japanese media reached out to both Nakajima Yuto and Araki Yuko’s management regarding the relationship and potential future plans, but no responses were given before publication.
Josei Seven has teased further details in its 22 December issue, including why Nakajima Yuto avoids public outings and whether marriage could be on the cards.
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For now, fans are left piecing together a love story that seems carefully protected — built on shared interests, quiet routines, and years of mutual trust rather than headlines.