Hiroyuki Yabe of popular comedy duo Ninety-nine announced that he has broken up with his long-time girlfriend, a former model known as "Hitomi-chan." The two began dating 13 years ago, and they were soon living together. In 2000, Yabe purchased a Tokyo home for approximately 200 million yen. Many believed it was just a matter of time before the two got married.

However, it seems that Yabe was spotted on dates many times by the tabloids, and this likely led to the end of the relationship. One early sign may have been in 2005, when Yabe sold the expensive Tokyo property.

Yabe will hold a press conference on Wednesday. His partner Takashi Okamura, along with several other celebrities and comedians, will attend the event.