NCT WISH's Riku Draws Attention for Resemblance to Cousin Ai Takahashi

Photos showing the resemblance between NCT WISH's Riku and his cousin Ai Takahashi are once again becoming a hot topic online. As photos of the two together and their smiling expressions are shared side-by-side, fans have reacted that their eyes, the corners of their mouths, and their overall vibes are particularly similar.

The core of the growing interest is that Riku's cousin is Ai Takahashi, a former member of Morning Musume, who is long remembered in the Japanese idol industry. Beyond a simple family photo, the connection between a K-pop group member and a celebrity from a Japanese idol background is drawing attention.

Ai Takahashi, joined Morning Musume in 2001

Ai Takahashi is a Japanese entertainer who joined Morning Musume as a 5th generation member in 2001 and has since worked as a singer, actress, and model. In 2007, she served as the leader of Morning Musume, and even after graduating from the group in 2011, she continued working in stage, broadcasting, and fashion. Her current official profile lists her history as an actress, model, and singer.

The relationship between Riku and Ai Takahashi is not being revealed for the first time. Before Riku's debut with NCT WISH, he appeared in Ai Takahashi's beauty-related content, making this a connection already known among Japanese fans. However, as NCT WISH expands its fanbase by traveling between Korea and Japan after their debut, new fans are discovering the relationship between the two whenever the past photos resurface.

Debuted with NCT WISH after 2023's LASTART

Riku is the Japanese member of NCT WISH. The team was formed through the pre-debut program 'NCT Universe: LASTART' aired in 2023, and they promote as six members: Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya. In their official Japanese introduction, they are described as the final sub-unit of NCT, and after the team name NCT WISH was revealed in January 2024, they began their debut activities later that year.

This trending topic is not news that changes the team's activities themselves. Nevertheless, it adds another piece of revealed background for understanding Riku within the fandom. What has been confirmed is that the two are actual relatives, that Ai Takahashi has a history of serving as a leader of a Japanese idol group, and that the similar expressions in the released photos have caught the eyes of fans.

Double A-side single scheduled for July 2026 in Japan

The part most frequently mentioned by fans is the atmosphere revealed when the two smile. While resemblance topics can easily drift into mere physical evaluations, the scene fans captured this time was the texture of their expressions rather than specific features. Reactions continued that Riku's bright and soft impression on stage overlapped with the friendly image Ai Takahashi left through her long career in the photos.

For Riku, this is closer to a light topic rather than a burden. As NCT WISH expands its fanbase through music and performances, the public stories surrounding the member have become a topic of conversation within the fandom. As NCT WISH is preparing for the release of their Japanese double A-side single 'YO-I-DON! / BOY MEETS GIRL' in July 2026, fan interest may continue to lead toward their music and performances.