Rinko Kikuchi is dating with American director Spike Jonze

Actress Rinko Kikuchi (29) appears to be dating American director and producer Spike Jonze (40), known for movies such as "Being John Malkovich" and "Where the Wild Things Are." Their relationship was discovered at the Venice Film Festival (currently running until September 11), where they made no effort to hide their affection.

Kikuchi is at the festival along with co-stars Kenichi Matsuyama (25) and Kiko Mizuhara (19) for the screening of their movie "Norwegian Wood." After the screening on Thursday night, Kikuchi and Jonze were seen walking together while holding hands. During an event the next night, Kikuchi was seated at a table with Mizuhara and others, but she openly exchanged looks with Jonze and was even seen kissing him.

According to one source, the couple met in December 2009 when Jonze visited Japan to promote "Where the Wild Things Are." They were introduced to each other and instantly hit it off. Kikuchi's agency has acknowledged the relationship, though they said it has just barely started.

One of Kikuchi's bases of activity is New York, and she reportedly flew from there to Venice together with Jonze. After the festival ends, they plan on returning to New York.

Jonze was previously married to director and actress Sofia Coppola from 1999 to 2003. Kikuchi, on the other hand, was rumored to be living with Argentinian-born model and talento Federico Aletta in 2007.

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