12/28/2014: Kawaguchi, Japan – Stung by criticism that she’s dating Kawaguchi star Rikiya Taketo for his money, model and film star Misuki Yi told local talk show Sukkiri‘s host Hashi Kaneshiro that she didn’t need Rikiya’s money at all. “I’m comfortable myself,” she said. “I don’t need no Sugar Papa’s cash to have a good time.”

The interview, for which she dressed in white slacks and a studded, spaghetti-string top that left only half to the imagination, lasted some ten minutes. Yi noted she has been modeling, “…since I was twelve.” She’s also had a moderately successful film and television prior to signing on as the team’s spokesmodel, and of course her breakout role in this summer’s mega-hit Take Me Home, Tagguchi has put her firmly in the eyes and minds of producers around the globe.

Yi was cool and collected, laughing several times during the discussion. “I just returned from the Winter Meetings again, so that was fun,” she said when asked about her near-term agenda. “And I’m going to be in Barbados to shoot a film with Ang (Lee),” she said. “Then to Calgary for the St. Ven Fashionista Paradise, which is a new thing, very hot. I hope it’s a blast.” When asked what Rikiya would be doing during this time, Yi stammered for a moment. “Well, I would expect he’ll be there, don’t you?”

The pair, growing to be known as RikiSukki, was later seen arm-in-arm, dashing into the Egg Man, a swank nightclub in Shibuya.

Taketo himself has been quiet about the relationship or what his off-season plans will be. His agent noted that the 35-year-old shortstop was coming off a productive season that included a career-high 25 homers and 101 RBI, a third trip to the All-Star Game, and a groundswell of support for a Gurabukin award. He assured fans that Taketo would be working to ensure he entered next season at peak physical condition, regardless of where he spends the winter months. “You can work out everywhere,” he said.