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| Is Nagano Ryota Dating Anyone? Ordinary Love Star Finally Opens Up About His Girlfriend Status. (Photo: Ameblo) |
Nagano Ryota has finally addressed the question fans have been asking for years: does he have a girlfriend? While promoting his latest BL drama Ordinary Love, the Japanese actor was once again quizzed about his private life, recent relationship rumours and whether romance has any place in his packed schedule. His answer was refreshingly straightforward.
Despite endless online speculation, Nagano Ryota said he is currently not dating anyone and has no plans to actively pursue a relationship while juggling one project after another. For many fans, it was the update they had been waiting for, although some joked the only relationship he seems committed to right now is with his filming schedule.
Known as an actor and the official dance leader of the vocal and dance Group, Genin wa Jibun ni Aru, Nagano Ryota has steadily built one of Japan's fastest-growing careers. After signing with STARDUST Promotion in 2015, he worked through EBiDAN, STAR BOYS and BATTLE BOYS before officially debuting with BATTLE STREET, later renamed Genin wa Jibun ni Aru, in July 2019.
Between television dramas, live performances, Songs, Movies, magazine shoots and maintaining an active Instagram presence, fans often wonder how he even finds time to sleep, never mind organise a date.
Speaking candidly, Nagano Ryota admitted that romance simply is not a priority at the moment.
"I'm honestly not seeing anyone right now," he explained. "People around me may be dating, getting into relationships or openly talking about their partners, but I don't feel pressured to follow that trend. Everyone has their own timing, and I think that's perfectly fine."
He continued by explaining that work has taken over nearly every hour of his schedule.
"I have a lot of things to do every single day. Even if I had someone special, we'd probably spend more time looking at unread messages than actually talking. It wouldn't be fair to either person. A relationship deserves time, respect and effort, and I don't think I can honestly give that right now."
The actor made it clear that he has not closed the door on romance forever. Instead, he simply believes that some things should happen naturally rather than being forced.
"If the right person appears at the right time, then maybe everything will happen naturally. There's no need to rush something important. For now, I'm happy focusing on growing as an actor and as a person."
Laughing during the interview, he added another light-hearted remark.
"I don't think love disappears just because you're busy. It just waits until you're not replying to scripts at two in the morning."
One topic that particularly caught fans' attention was his description of the qualities he values most in a future partner. For Nagano Ryota, appearance has never been the deciding factor. Instead, loyalty, mutual trust and respect matter far more than physical beauty.
"Out of everything, I think the most important thing is meeting a woman I can truly respect and trust," he said.
"If I can't respect someone or believe in them, then it's difficult for real feelings to grow. Trust and respect aren't things you can replace. They're priceless."
He elaborated further by saying relationships should feel like a partnership rather than a competition.
"I want someone who can encourage me when things are difficult, and I want to do exactly the same for her. I think that's what love should look like after the excitement settles."
Despite still being relatively young, Nagano Ryota also spoke openly about his long-term dream of marriage, revealing that he hopes to build a comfortable and happy future with his wife someday.
"I want to live comfortably, happily and peacefully with my wife one day," he shared. "When I say I want a luxurious life, I don't just mean expensive things. I mean having stability, smiling together at home and feeling grateful for what we've built."
He continued, "Success means very little if you have no one to share it with. I'd like to reach that stage eventually, but only when everything feels right."
The actor also offered advice that many fans described as surprisingly mature. According to him, choosing a life partner is one of the biggest decisions anyone will ever make, so rushing into relationships rarely ends well.
"I always think about the long-term consequences before making important decisions," he explained. "People should be very careful when choosing someone to spend their life with. These days there are so many stories about broken trust, so I think being selective isn't being cold. It's simply being responsible."
He added with a smile, "Love isn't a speed competition. Nobody wins a trophy for getting into the fastest relationship."
His comments inevitably brought attention back to several dating rumours that have followed him over the past few years. In early 2025, speculation linked him with rising actress Fukumoto Riko after the pair appeared in the same production and were reportedly seen entering the same apartment building across two consecutive nights. Neither side has publicly confirmed or denied the reports, leaving fans to continue debating what really happened.
Before that, in 2024, Nagano Ryota was linked with actress Matsui Airi after eagle-eyed fans pointed to matching clothing, similar social media uploads and visits to comparable locations. The rumours spread quickly online, although the actor later denied they were romantically involved.
Going back to 2023, another wave of speculation emerged after videos circulated online showing him helping an intoxicated non-celebrity woman, believed by many to be an Instagram influencer or salon model, into a vehicle before leaving together. While plenty of online users assumed the pair were dating, no evidence ever confirmed the claims, and the story gradually faded away.
Following his latest interview, fan reactions have largely leaned in his favour. Many praised his honesty, saying it was refreshing to hear a young celebrity openly admit that work currently comes first instead of trying to create a perfect public image.
Others agreed with his emphasis on loyalty and respect, arguing those qualities matter far more than glamorous headlines. Some joked that his future partner will first need to compete against filming schedules, rehearsals and script readings before earning a place in his diary.
A few fans even laughed that his calendar probably deserves an acting award of its own for making itself the main character. Curiosity surrounding Nagano Ryota continues to grow well beyond his dating life.
Fans frequently search for his height, details about his Brother and family, updates on his group, favourite songs, latest movies, and activity on Instagram, proving that interest in the actor extends far beyond romance.
Whether he eventually confirms a relationship or remains focused on his career for a while longer, one thing appears certain: he's determined to move at his own pace rather than following public expectations.
With new dramas, performances and future projects already lining up, it seems Nagano Ryota has plenty keeping him occupied before romance takes centre stage. Do you agree with his views on relationships and loyalty, or do you think work and love can successfully go hand in hand?