On May 10th, it was reported that actress Kikuchi Rinko (31) has broken up with American director Spike Jonze (42).

The former couple met back in 2009 when Jonze visited Japan to promote his film, 'Where the Wild Things Are'. Later in September of 2010, the two were spotted attending the Venezuela Film Festival together for Kikuchi's starring film, 'Norwegian Wood'. In front of reporters, they were seen holding hands, and Kikuchi had announced, "We met through a film festival. We are properly seeing each other. I want to take care of him."

They were given attention in the media as an international couple, but Kikuchi reported to one of her close acquaintances that the two had ended their relationship at the end of 2011. Kikuchi's agency also admitted to the reports saying, "We have heard that they've broken up."

During their relationship, the two lived together in New York, and Kikuchi often made frequent round trips to Japan. Their busy lifestyles caused the couple to grow distant from one another. Even with the breakup, Kikuchi says she will continue to live and work from New York.

After being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 'Babel', Kikuchi became noticed on a global level. She's also set to star alongside Keanu Reeves and Akanishi Jin in the upcoming movie, '47 RONIN'.

Source & Image: Nikkan Sports