Former Sakurazaka46 member Rika Watanabe (31) has announced that she is expecting her first child.

Watanabe shared the news on Instagram on September 12, along with a photo of her baby bump. "We have been blessed with a new life," she wrote.

She continued, "It makes me so happy to know that our baby is growing each day. I'm looking forward to the days ahead as a family of three. I would be grateful if you could continue to watch over us warmly."

Watanabe joined Keyakizaka46 as a first generation member in 2015 and graduated from Sakurazaka46 in December 2021. She announced her marriage to a non-celebrity man in March 2026.