Japanese actor Masaki Okada and actress Mitsuki Takahata announce marriage

"We are very happy, but also a little nervous, that the day has come when we can make this announcement. We have got along well like best friends, but from now on, we will be husband and wife," they wrote on Instagram Tuesday. "We intend to work even harder, caring for and encouraging each other, so that we can show everyone a better version of ourselves in our work, and we hope you will continue to support us warmly."

Okada’s agency confirmed that the couple plans to finalize their marriage registration by the end of the year. Their families, close friends, and agencies have already been informed, according to The Straits Times.

Japanese actor Masaki Okada and actress Mitsuki Takahata. Photo from Instagram

The announcement surprised many, as the couple had maintained a low-profile relationship. Okada, 35, and Takahata, 32, first crossed paths while working on the Prime Video series "1122: For A Happy Marriage" (2024), where they played a married couple.

According to Sponichi Annex, to portray their roles convincingly, they spent significant time together and were often seen chatting during breaks on set.

Their romance officially began in 2024, shortly after working on the series.

In June, during promotions for "1122: For A Happy Marriage", Takahata hinted at the idea of marriage, saying her role as a married woman made her think about the joys of having a lifelong partner.

Takahata debuted as an actress in junior high school and gained prominence for her performance in the NHK drama "Toto Neechan" (2016). She is currently starring in the NHK historical drama "Dear Radiance".

Okada is internationally recognized for his role in the Oscar-winning film Drive My Car, which won the Best International Feature Film award in 2022. He has also appeared in popular series such as "The Tiger And Her Wings" and the film "Last Mile" (2024).