On April 24, weekly tabloid magazine 'FRIDAY' reported that actor Shirota Yu (29) and model/singer/actress Nishiuchi Mariya (21) are in a romantic relationship.

In response to this report, both agencies claimed that they are just friends. Shirota's agency explained, "We've heard from him that she is one of his good friends." Similarly, Nishiuchi's agency stated, "We've heard from her that he is one of her close friends." 

Shirota and Nishiuchi co-starred in Fuji TV's 'GTO' in 2012. According to the magazine, the two quickly became close after this encounter. They say that since then, Nishiuchi has been seen visiting Shirota at his apartment. 

In 2009, when Shirota was reported to be dating talento Yasuda Misako, he openly admitted to their relationship via his blog. We can look forward to seeing if he will do the same this time around. 

Source & Image: Oricon