Actress Ai Kato and soccer star Koji Nakata are reportedly dating. The two met around five years ago through a mutual friend, and it developed into a serious relationship about a year ago.

In early 2006, Nakata began playing in the Swiss Super League for the team FC Basel. He recently finished the season and returned to Japan on May 30, and it is said he has seen Kato many times since then. It is also reported that they have already met each other's families.

Kato's agency neither confirmed nor denied the relationship.