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| Japan’s Most Popular Comedian Lily Confirms Marriage Plans with Nao Imagawa (Photo: FRIDAY) |
One of Japan’s most popular comedians is officially entering a new chapter. Lily, 41, from the comedy duo Mitorizu, has reportedly decided to marry his longtime partner, former television announcer Nao Imagawa, 29. The news comes after months of quiet speculation and paints a surprisingly sincere portrait of a man often known for his carefree on-screen image.
Despite his reputation as comedy’s ultimate heartthrob, Lily appears to have chosen stability and commitment.
Sources close to the comedian say the couple are already living together in Tokyo and are moving steadily towards marriage, with timing reportedly aligned around Imagawa’s milestone birthday year.
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Their relationship traces back to a 2025 location shoot in Okayama, Lily’s hometown. At the time, Imagawa was working as an announcer at a local broadcasting station. What began as a professional on-location project gradually turned personal, with Lily reportedly being instantly drawn to her calm presence and natural charm.
Friends say Lily pursued the relationship seriously from the start, a rare move for someone long associated with a more playful dating image.
Once Imagawa relocated to Tokyo earlier this year, the couple quietly began cohabiting, further signalling how serious the relationship had become.
Lily’s popularity has soared since his multiple appearances in major comedy finals and his move to Tokyo in 2022.
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With several regular shows under his belt, including programmes bearing his own name, he has become one of the most recognisable faces in Japanese comedy today. His refined looks and unexpected softness on screen have earned him a strong female fanbase, making this personal news even more headline-grabbing.
Yet behind the bright lights, recent sightings suggest a softer, more grounded Lily.
Witnesses describe him as attentive, patient, and visibly comfortable around Imagawa Nao, with the pair displaying an easy chemistry that feels less like celebrity romance and more like a long-established partnership.
Imagawa Nao is no stranger to public attention herself.
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A graduate of Doshisha University, she earned runner-up honours in a university beauty contest before building a solid broadcasting career. After several years working in regional television, she transitioned into freelance announcing, now appearing on major national news and sports programmes.
Those familiar with her describe her as composed, hardworking, and refreshingly low-key, a contrast that seems to balance Lily’s energetic public persona perfectly.
Industry insiders say Lily has been open about his intentions with people close to him, including his comedy partner.
While neither party has made an official announcement, the decision to move in together and the openness around their relationship suggest wedding plans are more a matter of timing than uncertainty.
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With many of Lily’s peers settling down and his career firmly established, this moment feels less like a sudden decision and more like a natural next step.
For fans, this news adds a new dimension to Lily’s image — not just a sharp-tongued comedian, but someone ready to embrace a different kind of spotlight. Whether this life change influences his comedy or simply deepens it remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: audiences are watching with interest.
What do you think — does marriage suit Japan’s most talked-about comedian, or will Lily’s romantic turn change how you see him on screen? Share your thoughts and let the conversation roll.