Voice actress M・A・O’s agency has strongly denied rumors of a romantic relationship between her and fellow voice actor Kensho Ono after Japanese magazine FRIDAY reported that the pair watched a movie and had dinner together ahead of Ono’s birthday.
On October 26, 2026, M・A・O’s agency, Yellow Cab NEXT, published its response to questions submitted by FRIDAY before the magazine’s October 23 issue went on sale. The agency confirmed that the two voice actors went out for a meal after watching a movie but denied that the gathering was intended to celebrate Ono’s birthday.
The statement also addressed their history of playing online games together, explaining that although their multiplayer sessions sometimes ended with only two people remaining, M・A・O had not joined those games with the intention of playing alone with Ono.
What Did FRIDAY Report About Kensho Ono and M・A・O?
In its October 23 report, FRIDAY described what it called a secret birthday date involving Kensho Ono and M・A・O.
According to the magazine, the two voice actors visited a movie theater to watch the theatrical re-release of Avengers: Endgame Encore. The report described Ono purchasing a popcorn set for two and churros before entering the theater with M・A・O.
After the screening, the pair reportedly went to a shabu-shabu restaurant to eat together.
FRIDAY framed the outing as a secret birthday celebration because it reportedly took place on the eve of Ono’s birthday. The magazine also highlighted their longstanding professional connection, stating that they had appeared in approximately 30 productions together.
The report cited an acquaintance of Ono who described the two as close. It also mentioned that M・A・O had attended a performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, in which Ono starred.
The magazine further referenced Ono’s divorce from voice actress Kana Hanazawa, announced in September 2025, while discussing his relationship with M・A・O.
However, the reported outing and their professional history did not independently establish that the two were romantically involved.
M・A・O’s Agency Says the Dinner Was Not a Birthday Celebration
In its official response, titled Regarding the Article Published in FRIDAY on October 23, 2026, Yellow Cab NEXT addressed the circumstances surrounding the movie outing and subsequent dinner.
The agency acknowledged that M・A・O and Ono ate together after watching the movie but explained that the timing was coincidental. It clarified that the gathering was not specifically intended to celebrate Ono’s birthday.
The agency also described Ono as a fellow performer who had worked with M・A・O on various productions over the years. According to the statement, she regarded him as one of the senior actors she respected.
Yellow Cab NEXT concluded its response with an unequivocal denial of a romantic relationship, stating that there was “100% no romantic relationship” between the two.
The agency also requested that the magazine verify the information and report on the matter responsibly.
Agency Addresses M・A・O and Ono’s Online Gaming Sessions
Another part of the statement addressed the pair’s history of playing cooperative online games together.
Yellow Cab NEXT confirmed that M・A・O had frequently participated in multiplayer online games during a particular period, although not every day. These games typically involved groups of around five to six people.
The agency explained that the number of participants could change depending on the time and other players’ availability. Consequently, some sessions could eventually leave only two players.
However, it stressed that M・A・O had not joined these games with the specific intention of playing alone with Ono from the outset.
The statement also explained that the agency regularly receives updates and consultations from M・A・O about her private life and manages her career through a relationship built on trust.
Its explanation was intended to address speculation about their interactions outside their professional work.
Who Are Kensho Ono and M・A・O?
Both voice actors have built extensive careers in the Japanese anime industry, working together across numerous productions.
Kensho Ono is known for voicing Kuroko Tetsuya in Kuroko’s Basketball and Giorno Giovanna in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind. He was previously married to voice actress Kana Hanazawa, with their divorce announced in September 2025.
M・A・O, whose real name is Mao Ichimichi, is known for roles including Shion in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Fumika Sagisawa in The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls, and Pecorine in Princess Connect! Re:Dive. She also played Luka Millfy, or Gokai Yellow, in the Super Sentai series Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger under her acting name, Mao Ichimichi.
Their history of working together and the reported movie outing became the focus of FRIDAY’s story. Nevertheless, M・A・O’s agency has rejected the magazine’s romantic interpretation, confirming the dinner while explicitly denying that the two were dating. Bookmark Otaku Mantra for more anime news and updates!
