Who is Ran Takahashi’s Girlfriend? Japanese Volleyball Star Responds to Cheating Scandal Involving Saika Kawakita

Japanese volleyball star Ran Takahashi, 24, has broken his silence following reports linking him to a cheating scandal involving model Uka and adult film actress Saika Kawakita (also known as Ayaka Kawakita).

Cheating Allegations Surface

The controversy erupted after Bunshun Online, a leading Japanese entertainment outlet, published an exposé claiming that Takahashi, the poster boy of Japanese volleyball, was involved in an affair with Kawakita while dating influencer Uka.

According to the report, Takahashi and Kawakita were allegedly seen having dinner in Tokyo’s Roppongi district after Japan’s match against Bulgaria on September 3, 2025. They reportedly checked into a luxury hotel later that night. A second alleged meeting was said to have occurred on September 30, when Takahashi traveled from Osaka to Tokyo and spent the night at a five-star hotel in Shinagawa.

Following the report, the names of Uka, Ayaka Kawakita, and Ran Takahashi quickly trended on X (formerly Twitter) and other social platforms across Japan.

Who Is Uka?

According to Bunshun and kbizoom, Uka is a 26-year-old model and influencer with more than 150,000 Instagram followers. She reportedly began dating Ran Takahashi in 2024 after meeting him through mutual friends.

Although the pair kept their romance mostly private, new paparazzi photos allegedly showed them together in Osaka, visiting a spa before heading to Takahashi’s apartment later that evening.

Ran Takahashi Denies Affair Rumors

Amid growing public speculation, Takahashi addressed the media and denied the allegations.

“Yes, I met Uka yesterday. We’re just friends, nothing more. We went there with a group of friends, not alone,”

— Ran Takahashi, quoted by kbizoom.

He also dismissed rumors linking him to Saika Kawakita, saying: “She’s a friend and colleague. There’s nothing romantic between us. Please contact my agency for details.”

Representatives for Kawakita, Uka, and Takahashi’s management team later released brief statements, emphasizing that their clients’ private matters are “personal and left to individual discretion.”

Who Is Ran Takahashi?

Born in 2001, Ran Takahashi is one of Japan’s most celebrated volleyball players. He joined the Japanese national team at just 19 and competed at the Tokyo Olympics.

Currently, he plays for Suntory Sunbirds Osaka and is known for his explosive jumps, sharp technique, and consistent performance. Takahashi boasts over 2.6 million Instagram followers, making him the most-followed Japanese volleyball player.

Recently, he earned the “Best Spiker” award at the 2025 AVC Champions League, where his club ranked among Asia’s top teams. Despite the media storm surrounding his private life, his career on the court continues to flourish.