Comedian Akira Kawashima (of Kirin) has finally acknowledged in public that he and talento Kaori Manabe are dating. The two were first reported as a couple last June, but Manabe repeatedly denied it. However, this past Saturday was the first time she publicly indicated that she is in a relationship, prompting Kawashima to speak up on Wednesday.

Kawashima remarked that he and Manabe haven't been able to meet lately. When asked about marriage, he said it hasn't been considered.