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| AKB48’s Ito Momoka Sets the Record Straight on Dating Rumours and Her Views on Love (Photo: Instagram) |
As one of AKB48’s rising faces, Ito Momoka has once again found herself at the centre of dating speculation, with fans eager to know whether the idol-actress currently has a boyfriend. During a recent local media interview promoting her group’s upcoming single, the question came up directly — and Momoka didn’t dodge it.
“No, I’m not (currently) dating anyone at the moment,” she said with a laugh, keeping it light but clear.
Ito Momoka, who was previously active under the stage name Kitano Nana while training in Stardust Promotion’s Section 3, has steadily built her career through acting, singing, and dancing.
Now a member of AKB48’s 19th generation, she’s balancing idol duties, performances, and future projects — and apparently, that leaves little room for romance.
When asked why she isn’t dating, Momoka answered quite practically. She explained that she’s extremely busy with current and upcoming work. Even if she did have a partner, she admitted there would barely be time to talk on the phone, let alone meet regularly.
Still, she didn’t completely close the door on love.
“Maybe just let it flow like things should be. But not for now obviously,” she added calmly.
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| ORICON |
For Ito Momoka, attraction goes far beyond looks. She emphasised that loyalty, respect, and trust are non-negotiable. According to her, without respect and faith in each other, a relationship simply won’t last.
“Out of everything, I think the most important thing is a man I can respect and trust. I might not even develop feelings if someone can’t make me respect and trust them. Those two things are priceless,” she said.
Her words reveal a surprisingly mature outlook for someone still early in her career. She prioritises inner qualities over surface-level charm, making it clear she’s thinking long-term rather than casually.
Interestingly, Momoka has also spoken openly about her future dreams. She once shared that she hopes to live a luxurious, comfortable, and happy life with her husband someday.
But for her, “luxury” isn’t just about money. It represents emotional stability, mutual growth, and financial security shared with someone she truly loves.
She also reminded fans — both male and female — to be extremely selective when choosing a life partner. In her view, marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime decision.
She pointed out that modern romance can sometimes feel unstable, especially with increasing stories of betrayal in society. Because of that, she always considers the long-term consequences before making any major decision.
Of course, her calm explanation hasn’t stopped dating rumours from circulating over the past few years.
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In early 2025, she was rumoured to be dating actor Takahashi Yuto after FRIDAY Magazine reported that the two were seen entering the same apartment building for two consecutive nights. Neither side has publicly confirmed or denied the report, leaving fans speculating.
Before that, in 2024, she was linked to actor Kamio Fuku after fans noticed what they believed to be “couple hints” — similar posts, matching outfits, identical locations shared on social media, and undeniable on-screen chemistry. However, Ito Momoka clearly denied those rumours at the time.
Going further back to 2023, she went viral when videos surfaced online showing her helping an intoxicated non-celebrity man — known to be an Instagram influencer — into a car before leaving together. The clip sparked dating speculation across forums and SNS platforms, though nothing was ever confirmed.
Fans and netizens remain divided. Some admire her transparency and maturity, praising her for prioritising career and self-growth.
Others continue to analyse past interactions and alleged sightings, convinced there’s more to the story. A section of AKB48 supporters even appreciate her firm stance on loyalty and long-term commitment, saying it reflects strong values rarely expressed so openly by young idols.
At the end of the day, Ito Momoka appears focused on her craft, her growth, and her future. Romance may not be her priority right now, but she hasn’t ruled it out entirely — she’s simply waiting for the right timing and the right person.
So what do you think? Is Ito Momoka genuinely single and laser-focused on her career, or do you believe there’s a quiet love story unfolding behind the scenes?