How An Idol Romance Almost Turned Fatal, Ending In Public Humiliation 

There have been plenty of instances of celebrities being in relationships with other top stars. For example, the couple of IU and Lee Jong Suk nearly broke the internet when they were revealed as Dispatch’s New Year’s Couple.

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While this couple and other celebrity couples usually remain private, on rare occasions, the good and bad are made public, as in the case of one of the top idol couples that almost turned tragic.

Masahiko Kondo, known as Matchy, made his acting debut with Johnnys & Associates and his musical debut in 1980. This release debuted at number one on Japan’s Oricon Chart, a testament to his popularity. 

In 1983, Matchy was often paired with a newly debuted idol, Akina Nakamori, for performances. The female idol made her debut in 1983, and dating rumors circulated between the two, though nothing was ever confirmed.

The pair ended up playing an on-screen couple in the 1985 film Love: Starting on a Journey.

After the film’s release, it was announced that the two were in a serious relationship, a move that went against Matchy’s agency’s policies. By 1986, it is suspected that the pair is engaged, given the ring Nakamori is seen wearing.

It was at this point that things began to go downhill for the couple.

Following the death of his mother, Matchy’s behavior changed, though Nakamori stuck to his side. Whispers of affairs began in 1987 as Nakamori began to look physically worn down, with one suspected of being with Anita Mui, a popular Cantonese singer and another with Seiko Matsuda, a married woman said to be Nakamori’s “rival.”

Anita Mui would admit to the affair, saying she didn’t know he was in a relationship, while Seiko Matsuda would deny.

In July 1989, Nakamori, after an alleged confrontation with Matchy over their relationship, locked herself in his bathroom and cut her wrist to attempt suicide. After being found unconcious, she was rushed to the hospital and their agencies announced they would go on hiatus.

A press conference featuring the pair was called in December 1989, and expected to be to announce their marriage.

Instead, Matchy was announced to be returning from hiatus, with Nakamori taking the blame for harming his career and ruining her own. Their relationship officially ended at this point, with Nakamori’s contract being terminated shortly after, while Matchy continued his career.

Nakamori returned to music later in 1990, and since then has released more than 23 studio albums, and returned from a five year hiatus in 2022. She recently released Akina Note on May 6, 2026 and has remained unmarried.

Matchy, after releasing a few songs, focused on his racing career starting in 1998, four years after marrying a non-celebrity woman. He returned to more entertainment activities in 2005, but was placed on hiatus following his affair with a 31-year-old woman.

He left his agency after, and has since established MK Company. He is currently on tour, and has also established his own racing team.