Actor Junichi Ishida (55) and female pro golfer Riko Higashio (33) are in a serious relationship, it was discovered on Tuesday. The two have known each other for a while through golf events, and at the start of this year, their friendship turned into romance.

Despite their age difference and their distance apart - Ishida lives in Tokyo while Higashio lives in Kobe - the two have found love and are said to be headed for marriage, with some speculating that it may happen by the end of this year. Both sides have officially confirmed that they are indeed dating.

Ishida has already been through two marriages, the last one being his 11-year union with Chiaki Matsubara (51) that ended in 1999. A third wedding was expected with talento Rie Hasegawa (35), but they broke off an 8-year relationship at the end of 2004.

Higashio, on the other hand, was dating actor Kane Kosugi (34) for more than three years before they split in 2005.