When Kapuso leading lady Kate Valdez traveled to Japan to visit the family of her boyfriend, Japanese content creator Fumiya Sankai, she didn’t just meet future in-laws. She felt like she had found a second home.

In her candid interview with Boy Abunda, Kate lit up as she shared how instantly at ease she felt with Fumiya’s family in Shizuoka.

“Sobrang close sila ng family niya. As in, siya ‘yung talagang life of the party… Sobrang mapagmahal sa magulang. And then, sa mga kapatid niya gano’n din siya,” she said, beaming.

Meeting the “Mama” of Shizuoka

Kate recalled being warmly welcomed by Fumiya’s mother.

Sayori, whom she now affectionately calls “Mama.” The connection was immediate, not just because of the warm smiles and laughter, but also because of a memorable home-cooked meal.

“Busog na busog po ako… Pinagluto po kami ni mama Sayori ng Sukiyaki. Tito Boy, ang sarap talaga! Nahiya pa nga ako mag-extra rice eh. Gustong-gusto kong manghingi ng extra rice!” she laughed.

For Kate, the experience went beyond meeting relatives. It was a chance to better understand the man she loves by knowing the people who shaped him.

Conversations about forever

While the couple is not rushing to walk down the aisle, Kate and Fumiya admit that they have already discussed the possibility of marriage. For now, their focus is on building their respective careers.

“We’re not just together for joke joke lang,” Kate explained. “Sometimes there’s question din na you have to know about the financial stuff… We’re taking our time. Papunta naman do’n pero we’re still enjoying our time.”

Fumiya echoed the sentiment. “Right time will come definitely. That’s why now we focus on ourselves. Pero siyempre, like, I want to be with her.”

Love without borders

When asked if she would consider leaving the Philippines to settle in Japan, Kate didn’t hesitate to say she would love to experience life there.

“I grew up here [in the Philippines], pero experiencing his culture as well, I think it’s good… I have to know his values more, his culture. So yeah, I’d love to experience that.”

For his part, Fumiya made it clear that the feeling is mutual. He would be willing to move to the Philippines for good if that is what their future called for.

A promise in Tokyo Disneyland

As Kate prepares to celebrate her birthday at Tokyo Disneyland, a tradition that began last year in Hong Kong Disneyland, Fumiya took the opportunity to express his heartfelt message on national television. Speaking first in Japanese, then translating it himself, he told her:

“First, happy happy birthday. Thank you for being born in this world. And I want to be with you forever. So, let’s enjoy our life together.”

From Shizuoka’s homey kitchens to the fairytale castles of Disneyland, Kate and Fumiya’s love story continues to grow, rooted in mutual respect, shared dreams, and the joy of discovering each other’s worlds.