Just a couple weeks ago, it was learned that Aya Ueto (25) and V6′s Go Morita (31) broke up after an 8-year relationship. At the time, it was said that neither side had found a new lover, but news reports today claim that Ueto is now dating EXILE leader HIRO (41).

Ueto and HIRO have known each other since 1999, when HIRO gave her dance instruction in preparation for her singing debut. At that time, Ueto was 13 years old and in junior high, while HIRO was 29 years old and forming the EXILE predecessor J Soul Brothers. Although their relationship was primarily a student-teacher one, Ueto also thought of HIRO as an older brother. Over the years, Ueto has often been seen at EXILE concerts, and she is also good friends with the group’s other members.

Ueto and HIRO’s friendship is said to have turned into a romance around July of this year. Ueto and Morita broke up in May, despite Ueto’s strong desire to get married. HIRO, on the other hand, has been hard at work as EXILE’s leader and president of their management agency. His last reported relationship was with actress Mayumi Sada (33), but they broke up in 2007.

A representative for HIRO simply said that the two are good friends. Ueto’s agency said that it has not heard about the relationship and is leaving Ueto’s private matters alone now that she is an adult.

Source – Tokyograph