The newest issue of Josei Jishin reports that kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa XI and actress Saki Takaoka may be dating. On April 5, the two were seen walking at night along Meguro River, which is known for its cherry blossoms. They went shopping together, and were reportedly walking closely and holding hands. They later left together in a taxi.

The two of them have been in the news several times for their past relationships. Ichikawa was recently dating talento Eriko Sato, but they broke up at the end of February. It was later rumored that he was restarting with his former girlfriend, actress Ryoko Yonekura, after she was seen at the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris, attending a performance by Ichikawa's troupe last month. They both denied the rumor, however.

Takaoka was previously married to actor Naoki Hosaka from 1996 to 2004. Right before their divorce, it was reported that she and guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei were having an affair together (Hotei is married to actress Miki Imai). Then last October, Takaoka was seen at a restaurant late at night with kabuki actor Shido Nakamura, the husband of actress Yuko Takeuchi.

Takaoka's agency said that the two are just friends, while Ichikawa's manager was unavailable for comment.