Talento Eriko Sato and kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa XI now admit that they are dating. They had previously been reported as a couple by weeklies that caught them on dates, but they had denied it and stated they were only good friends.

When asked for further details, Ichikawa mentioned that they had started dating only recently. As for the question of marriage, they have both stated that there are currently no plans for it.