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| Japan Entertainment Shaken as Hirate Yurina and Kamio Fūju Tie the Knot (Photo: Instagram) |
The announcement confirmed that Kamio, 27, and Hirate, 24, have quietly been in a relationship for three years, despite having no public dating rumours, paparazzi hints, or known on-screen collaborations. For many fans, the biggest shock wasn’t the marriage itself, but how successfully the pair managed to keep their personal lives entirely private in an era of constant scrutiny.
In their joint statement, signed by both parties, the couple wrote that their individual paths had crossed and become one.
They expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years and asked fans to continue watching over them warmly as they move forward together.
The tone was calm, sincere, and noticeably grounded, a contrast to the usual flashiness that often surrounds celebrity marriage announcements.
Kamio Fūju’s career has been on a steady upward curve since his acting debut in 2015. He gained wider attention with his first lead role in a serial drama in 2019 and quickly became a household name, later topping a major fashion magazine’s “Next National Treasure Handsome” ranking.
Over the past year, he expanded his range further, taking on rescue-themed dramas, romance projects, and even his first full-scale period drama, proving his staying power beyond looks alone.
Hirate Yurina, meanwhile, remains one of the most influential figures to ever come out of Keyakizaka46, now known as Sakurazaka46.
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| Yahoo JP |
As the group’s absolute centre from debut, she defined its image through intense, message-driven performances that stood apart from traditional idol norms.
Her departure from the group in 2020 marked the end of an era, but not her momentum. Since then, she has built a solid career as a solo artist and actress, appearing in high-profile dramas and films while maintaining her signature, uncompromising artistic identity.
Fan and netizen reactions have been sharply divided but deeply engaged. Long-time supporters have flooded timelines with congratulations, praising Hirate Yurina for choosing happiness on her own terms and applauding the couple’s ability to protect their private space.
— 平手友梨奈 (@Im_YurinaHirate) February 10, 2026
Others admitted they were still processing the news, calling it “unreal” and “straight out of nowhere,” especially given Hirate’s almost mythic status among former Keyakizaka46 fans.
A smaller but vocal group expressed bittersweet emotions, saying the announcement felt like the definitive end of a generation they grew up with.
The marriage also arrives amid a noticeable wave of high-profile celebrity weddings in Japan over the past few months, adding to the sense that the industry is entering a new chapter.
In that context, Kamio and Hirate’s news feels less like gossip and more like a symbolic shift, where once-untouchable stars are choosing quieter, more grounded life updates.
What was your first reaction to the news, and do you think this will change how you see Hirate Yurina’s next career move?