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Ikeda Naoto and Shinozaki Ayana's Secret Korea Trip Sparks Romance/Dating Rumours. Shukan Bunshun reports.
Comedian Ikeda Naoto (31) and former AKB48 member Shinozaki Ayana (28) have sparked romance rumours after being spotted at Narita Airport on November 25th, returning from a three-day, two-night trip to South Korea.
The pair were seen walking closely together, with Ikeda wearing a cap and Shinozaki concealing her face with a hat and mask.
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The couple spent their time in Seoul, staying at a hotel in Myeongdong, indulging in shopping at the famous cosmetics store Olive Young, and visiting a casino to enjoy their shared hobby of card games.
Friends close to Ikeda confirmed the couple’s developing relationship. "They’ve grown very close in recent months," a source revealed.
Shinozaki Ayana, who graduated from AKB48 earlier this year, was previously in a relationship with soccer player Watanabe Ryoma, which ended quietly in the spring.
Shortly after her breakup, Ayana Shinozaki became closer to Naoto Ikeda.
Meanwhile, Ikeda Naoto had been dating Kato Rena (27), another former AKB48 member and Shinozaki’s close friend, up until earlier this year.
Their past connections make their new relationship more complicated.
Despite their strong connection, sources indicate that the couple has yet to officially declare their relationship, as Ikeda's history with Kato Rena remains a sensitive issue.
Both are reportedly deeply attracted to each other, but they are cautious about moving forward. After their trip, they were seen heading to Shinozaki’s apartment in Tokyo together.