Maiko Kano, the former Japanese volleyball representative, and Teruaki Kiriyama, member of the popular idol group WEST., have officially announced their marriage on January 3, 2025. Kano made the announcement via her Instagram, stating, "I, Maiko Kano, would like to report to you all, I have married Teruaki Kiriyama. Although still inexperienced, I look forward to supporting each other and working harder together, so please continue to guide and encourage us." Shortly after, Kiriyama released his own statement through STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, expressing his hopes for the future, saying, "We will continue to support each other and strive for improvement. I want to thank everyone for their continued guidance and support."
The couple's relationship reportedly dates back to April 2023 when their romance was first hinted at, stirring various reactions among fans. While many seemed delighted at the news, others expressed complicated feelings, especially related to previous posts on social media. The term "匂わせ" (niowase), which refers to subtly hinting at one's romantic relationship, was prevalent among fans who had been following their online activities closely.
Fans familiar with the interactions between the couple noted how Kano’s recent Instagram posts seemed to suggest her connection with Kiriyama, sparking both joy and resentment among those who feel such actions complicate their idol's image. Commentaries online captured this sentiment: "Marrying someone who hints about their relationship is hard to accept for loyal fans. I wish for their happiness, but it can be disappointing if their partner shows off too much." Such sentiments indicate the delicate balance idols must strike between their personal lives and public personas.
It's not the first time such concerns have been raised within the idol industry. Similar situations have occurred with former Johnny's talent, where relationships of fans’ idols have created friction. Examples from other relationships, such as Kazunari Ninomiya from Arashi, showcase how public acknowledgment of relationships, tied with social media activity, can stoke fan anxieties. "Fans endure enough emotional ups and downs with their favorite idols; adding relationship hinting only exacerbates the stress," commented one source from the entertainment industry.
Despite mixed reactions, fans seem resigned to accept the couple's relationship following the strong statements made by both Kano and Kiriyama. The emotional investment fans have for their idols often spells complex reactions to any personal news stemming from the individuals they admire. For many advocates of idol culture, supporting personal happiness is often weighed against their undisclosed commitment to their appeal as single figures.
Moving forward, both Kano and Kiriyama acknowledge the need for balance. Kano's more straightforward announcement contrasted Kiriyama’s more reserved wording about their marriage. This divergence underlines varying approaches to publicity within idol culture: openly declaring love or maintaining some professional distance.
Fans have expressed hope, perhaps naively, for the union to withstand the challenges they might face under media scrutiny. “I hope they remain true to themselves and each other,” one fan reflected, encapsulating the hope for fame without losing their core identity.
Through this marriage announcement, both Kano and Kiriyama aspire for mutual growth and connection. Their recent statements indicate their commitment to continue fostering their individual careers without losing sight of their affection for one another. Their respective platforms, once solely about their singular achievements, now transform as they integrate each other's stories, highlighting a modern narrative of partnership within idol culture.
The fan community will continue watching how this relationship evolves, observing whether it remains as vibrant as both Kano and Kiriyama's public personas suggest. Their marriage marks not just personal commitment but also shifts the dynamics within fan expectations, as they learn to navigate the relationship between admiration and personal lives. With time, both the couple and their supporters may find common ground—balancing idol worship with the reality of love and companionship.