Haruna Kawaguchi and Japan captain Kō Itakura marry, expect first child

Actress Haruna Kawaguchi (31) and Japan national football team captain Kō Itakura (29) announced on 2 August 2026 that they are married and expecting their first child. The couple posted a joint handwritten statement on Instagram, confirming the marriage and the pregnancy and expressing hopes for a healthy birth and a supportive family life.

Itakura, a centre‑back who plays for Dutch club Ajax, had been in a long‑distance relationship with Kawaguchi for about a year, covering more than 9,000 km between Japan and the Netherlands. Their announcement drew widespread congratulations from teammates, including former Ajax teammate Takehiro Tomiyasu and fellow Japan internationals, as well as a flood of supportive messages from fans on social media.

Kawaguchi, known as the “Reiwa CM queen” for her numerous advertising contracts, and Itakura, praised for his leadership on the field, said they will balance their careers with family responsibilities. Their marriage has attracted attention across both the entertainment and sports sectors in Japan.