Japanese actress and former idol Sashihara Rino is reportedly in a relationship with a longtime fan who supported her for over a decade, according to a new report by weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun.

The 32-year-old star, formerly a member of prominent idol groups HKT48, AKB48, and STU48, is said to be dating 30-year-old writer and actor Inukai Atsuhiro.

The two co-starred earlier this year on the Nippon TV variety show Talk Queens, where Inukai openly shared his history as a devoted fan of Sashihara.

"Of course, it was a hardcore crush! I don't really understand any other way of supporting someone," Inukai said on the program. "It wasn't painful or anything back then. Maybe it was fun because it was one-sided. If there had been any kind of back-and-forth, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. It was fun because I could just support her without thinking about anything unnecessary. That kind of relationship was easy."

According to the report, Inukai has been a fan of Sashihara since her debut with AKB48 in 2007.

During her idol years, he attended her handshake events, purchased official merchandise, and followed her career through various transitions.

Following their appearance on Talk Queens, the pair reportedly reconnected through mutual acquaintances and began dating.

The relationship appears to have grown more serious in recent months.

On May 10, Sashihara and Inukai were photographed by Shukan Bunshun leaving an apartment complex in Tokyo along with Sashihara's cat.

The three reportedly took a taxi together to a nearby veterinary clinic.

The magazine also reported multiple sightings of the two entering and leaving each other's residences.

Neither Sashihara nor Inukai has publicly confirmed the relationship.

Sashihara, known for her successful transition from idol to television personality and producer, has maintained a prominent presence in Japan's entertainment industry since graduating from her idol group.

Inukai, meanwhile, continues to work as an actor and writer.