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| Sasaki Maika Dating Rumours Rock =LOVE After Bunshun Scoop Links Her to Actor Wataru Hyuga (Photo: Bunshun) |
Japanese entertainment circles woke up buzzing on the morning of 29 December after Bunshun released a scoop claiming that Sasaki Maika, centre member & leader of popular idol group =LOVE (Equal LOVE), is reportedly dating young actor Wataru Hyuga.
The report quickly went viral, triggering waves of surprise, confusion, and heated discussion among fans, especially given Maika’s position as the face of the group during its biggest year yet.
According to Bunshun, the two have been seeing each other for around six months, having met through mutual friends. While they are not said to be living together, the magazine claims Hyuga often visits Maika’s apartment and even holds a spare key, suggesting a relationship that goes beyond casual meet-ups.
What Bunshun Reportedly Saw
Bunshun described a winter evening on 7 December, around 5pm, when a masked man wearing a cap cycled quietly through a residential neighbourhood before entering an apartment building using a key.
Waiting for him inside, according to the report, was Sasaki Maika herself.
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The publication described their connection as a “special relationship”, a phrase that immediately caught fans’ attention due to its similarity to =LOVE’s hit song title this year.
The timing of the report could not be more sensitive. =LOVE is currently riding the biggest wave of its career.
Their February release became a viral sensation, pulling in billions of views on TikTok and massive streaming numbers, while also earning industry recognition at major year-end award shows.
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The group is also set to appear on Japan Record Awards broadcasts, further cementing their mainstream popularity. Notably, =LOVE is known for having a strong female fanbase, which grew even larger following this year’s success.
At the centre of it all is Sasaki Maika. She has led the group as centre for their three most recent singles, and has also expanded her career into acting, appearing in a spring drama where her performance drew positive attention beyond idol circles.
Who Is Wataru Hyuga?
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Wataru Hyuga is a fast-rising actor who gained attention after winning a major talent audition in 2019. He later broke out through a popular superhero drama and has since appeared in high-profile television productions, including a historical series that introduced him to a broader audience.
At just 21, Hyuga represents the new generation of actors steadily moving into leading-man territory, making the pairing even more talked about online.
As expected, reactions have been intense. Many fans expressed shock and disappointment, while others urged calm and respect, pointing out Maika’s age and growing career maturity. Social media timelines quickly filled with mixed emotions, from disbelief to reflective takes on idol culture and personal boundaries.
So far, neither side has made a public statement, and Bunshun claims to have received formal responses from related parties, which are detailed in their full report.
Whether this story fades quietly or continues to unfold may depend on upcoming appearances, official comments, and fan response in the days ahead. With year-end music shows and major broadcasts lined up, all eyes are now on how this moment will shape public perception moving forward.
What do you think about this report?
Is this simply a private matter blown into the spotlight, or does timing make it harder to ignore? Share your thoughts, reactions, and hot takes — the conversation is just getting started.