Former AKB48 member and talent Mariko Shinoda  took to Instagram on September 3 to share that she is in a relationship with a non-celebrity man. In her post.

Shinoda began her announcement by saying, "I have a personal update to share. Apologies for the suddenness." She revealed that she is currently dating a man who is not in the public eye, adding, "He is someone I deeply respect who values both me and my daughter."

She explained that the two met last year, and his sincerity in treating them with care won her over. "We recently started dating, and honestly, I never thought this would happen—I’m as surprised as anyone," she confessed with a touch of humor.

Shinoda went on to say that she is currently focused on her child and work, striving to live a peaceful life. She asked for her fans' continued support, saying, "I hope you will watch over me warmly. I will share any important updates directly from myself in the future."

In her post, Shinoda also addressed inquiries made to her agency, explaining that she felt it was important to share the news personally. "I apologize to the reporters who were kind enough to approach me, but I hope you can forgive my selfishness," she wrote.

Shinoda was previously married to a non-celebrity in February 2019, with the couple welcoming their first child, a daughter, in March 2020. However, in 2022, rumors of divorce proceedings and allegations of infidelity surfaced in a weekly magazine. Shinoda denied the affair rumors on Instagram, stating, "There is no truth to the reports of infidelity." She officially announced her divorce in March 2023.